The Proteas will take plenty of confidence to New Zealand after their home series victory over India and the sides square up in the 1st Test at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Thursday. We take a look at the game from a betting angle.
The Black Caps will be skippered by Tom Latham in the absence of the injured Kane Williamson, opening bowler Trent Boult is also going to miss this first Test. Bad news for South Africa that Keegan Petersen didn’t make the trip due to COVID and he was the star of the show when the Proteas beat India in South Africa.
New Zealand were given a massive shock in their last home series against Bangladesh, just over a month ago, when they lost the first Test by 8 wickets. They had few problems in levelling the two match series though winning the second Test by an innings and 117 runs and that game took place at this ground.
The Proteas came from behind against India in a three match series in South Africa and while the likes of Petersen and Bavuma were amongst the runs it was largely down to an excellent bowling performance. What was particularly impressive by the South Africans was that they held their nerve under pressure, chasing down reasonable totals to win the 2nd and 3rd Test matches by 7 wickets.
Looking at head-to-head form between the sides I was surprised to see that New Zealand haven’t won a Test match against South Africa since March 2004. The South Africans won their last series here back in 2017 by a 1-0 margin. New Zealand though have an excellent record though at the Hagley Oval winning 7 and drawing 1 of their last 9 Test matches.
1ST TEST BETTING – Click Here to bet
New Zealand 5/6
Draw 33/10
South Africa 11/4
Suggested Bet: Highest Individual Score under 138.5 runs at 17/20
Last time New Zealand played on this ground against Bangladesh, Tom Latham scored 252 and Devon Conway got 109, but I don’t think runs are going to be as easy to come by against the South African attack and I suspect the ball may dominate this Test match.
Suggested Bet: Top Away Batsman, Temba Bavuma at 9/2
Captain Elgar tops the betting at 26/10, but I like the chances of Bavuma who looked in excellent form against the Indians in South Africa. He does get criticised for not converting 50’s into 100’s, but I also get the feeling that could be about to change.
Suggested Bet: Top South African Bowler, Marco Jansen at 7/2
Jansen really caught my eye in the Indian series and although this looks a very competitive market I am happy to take my chances with the left arm quickie.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
