Australia will look to wrap up the series 3-0 as we head to Melbourne for the third and final ODI against New Zealand on Friday, December 9. Check out our Cricket Tips Page for more free tips throughout the summer!
Australia went into the 2nd ODI with only one change to their winning formula of the 1st game. All-Rounder James Faulkner came into the side for Adam Zampa, while Travis Head provided a part time spin option for the Aussies.
I wont say the selectors were reading the game 2 preview a few days ago, but I did mention bringing in an all rounder for Zampa. If only I was as accurate in my tips. We did collect on our David Warner tip, however, with the opener blasting 119 off 115 balls to set up a massive 378 run total for the Aussies. Help came from middle order batsmen Steve Smith, Head and Mitch Marsh, who all passed the 50 mark.
It’s unknown whether Australia will change things up going into this dead rubber 3rd ODI, or they will stick with what’s working to capture a win and solidify their number one ODI ranking. If they go with the latter, I think the only guy that could be on the chopping block is opener Aaron Finch, who has failed twice in the opening games, falling first ball game one and scoring just 19 in game two.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was the standout for the Kiwis, putting up a fight with a respectful 81 in a chase that in the end fell over 100 runs short. James Neesham also batted well for NZ, with a hard fought 74 off 93 balls. Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, claiming 4-41 off his ten overs, while NZ inclusion Tim Southee captured 2-63 in a tough day in the field for the visitors.
I said it in the last preview and I’ll say it again, when you can boast a batsman of James Faulkner’s quality at number eight in the line-up, it allows the batsman higher in the order to bat with confidence knowing that there is so much more to come. For these reasons we have seen Australia get off to great starts in both matches and capitalise late in innings when being six wickets down still means you have two batsmen who can score freely at the crease.
The dual all-rounder system will revolutionise the ODI format and if the Aussies decide to go with it again in game three, I see it hard for the Kiwis to be competitive in this one. However, Australia has got the luck of the toss in both games so far. I think that setting a total of over 300 is drastically easier than chasing one, IF the Kiwis can win the toss and bat in Melbourne, I could see them setting a tough target and the Aussies haven’t had any experience chasing this series.
TIP: New Zealand to Win – $3.34 at Sportsbet (Conditional)
I’m riding the David Warner train until the very end in this one, he is just in such good form. If you go back and watch the way he went out in Game 1, it was a stiff dismissal. Opening the batting also provides an added bonus, if he chews up 20 overs it becomes hard for any other Australian to match his score.
TIP: David Warner High Runscorer, Australia - $3.40 at Sportsbet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
