Australia vs New Zealand 1st ODI Match Prediction and Betting Tips

In the 45 years of their ODI history, Australia and New Zealand have played innumerable classics. Not only are they two of the oldest teams in world cricket, but they have a great regional rivalry that gives their matches some extra oomph. Two solid lineups going up against each other. It’s Starc vs Boult. It’s Taylor vs Warner. It’s Williamson vs Smith. It’s Australia and New Zealand in an exciting 3-match series! Before we head to the SCG for the first match, let’s have a look at the two sides.

Australia Squad, Form, and Team News

Here’s a shocking fact you didn’t expect if you don’t follow cricket closely: Australia have only won two out of their last 10 ODI series. If you count the 2019 World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy, that’s 2 out of twelve. Despite those triumphant series taking place right before the World Cup last summer, they were booted from that competition in the semis by lifelong rivals and eventual champions England. They have plenty of talent on paper, but just can’t seem to execute correctly. Following a whitewash by South Africa, and having already won the tests attached to the same tour back in December, they will be hungry for a much-needed ODI series win.

Announced squad:
Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, D’Arcy Short, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

New Zealand Squad, Form, and Team News

A whitewash of India has perhaps put some salve on the agonizing wounds of the World Cup. Unlike their Pacific neighbours, the Kiwis have been pretty consistent with ODI series in the last few years. However, the vast majority of those wins have come at home, and this will be an away series - that too in Australia.

Announced Squad:
Kane Williamson (c), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.

Head-to-Head History

There’s a reason why we made that last point. The Black Caps have never won an ODI series in Australia. The closest they came was a 2-2 draw in 2008/2009. In fact, Australia have a 70% ODI win rate against their neighbours with 91 wins against 39. It will indeed take New Zealand everything they have to win this series, but given the differences in morale, it might actually end up happening. The right players in the right form at the right time - that’s all that ultimately matters.

Australia vs New Zealand Prediction and Betting Tips

Despite a poor run of form in ODIs, Australia are perfectly likely to pulverize the visitors. Expect Finch, Smith, and Labuschagne to be on top with the bat, while Cummins, Zampa, and Starc strike fear into batsmen’s hearts.

The heroes of the series against India would have to perform again if the Kiwis are to usurp Australia’s unbeaten streak. Expect Nicholls, Taylor, and returning captain Williamson to whip up the runs while the pace battery of Boult-Southee-Ferguson-Jamieson-Santner tear up the Aussie ranks with the ball.

Who will win the 1st ODI?

Match Prediction: New Zealand To Win (2.37 @ 1XBET)

Other Betting Tips:

• Toss - AUS
• AUS top batsman – A Finch
• NZ top batsman - H Nicholls
• Team with the most boundaries - NZ
• Players to hit most boundaries - A Finch (AUS), H Nicholls (NZ)
• Players to score a hundred - A Finch/S Smith (AUS), H Nicholls/R Taylor (NZ)
• Players to score a fifty – A Finch/M Labuschagne/S Smith (AUS), H Nicholls/R Taylor/K Williamson (NZ)
• Players to take most wickets - A Zampa (AUS), T Boult (NZ)

Can Australia retain their unbeaten-at-home crown against New Zealand? Or will the Kiwis’ determination finally shatter a weakened Australia? Find out on Friday!