West Indies v New Zealand: betting preview, TV channel, team news and tips

TV: Sky Sports Mix, 1.30pm Saturday

Old Trafford, Manchester

Expectations were high for the West Indies after a spectacular victory over Pakistan in their opening game but three defeats and a washout have followed and the Windies are 7-5 outsiders against New Zealand.

The Black Caps took a huge step towards the semi-finals with a win over South Africa on Wednesday thanks to Kane Williamson’s
ice-cool century and the consistent Kiwis are bidding for a fifth win in six games.

Best bets
The West Indies disappointed with the bat in their defeat to England, stumbling to 212 all out, before their bowlers took a hammering against Bangladesh at Taunton.

Set 322 to win, the Tigers chased down their target with 51 balls to spare against a Windies bowling attack who had looked so threatening in their first couple of games.

One highlight from the loss to Bangladesh was a 25-ball fifty from Shimron Hetmyer and the brilliant young batsman is too big at 8-1 to top-score.

Hetmyer has a stunning arsenal of attacking shots but he played within himself against England, scoring 39 off 48 balls, and may have to play a similar role if the Kiwis take early wickets.

Trent Boult, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson have made excellent use of the new ball in this tournament so Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis and Shai Hope should expect a tough test at the top of the order.

Hetmyer, set to bat at number five, has scored four ODI centuries in 28 innings and is a big runner in the top-runscorer market.

One special that catches the eye is bet365’s 4-5 that Hope doesn’t hit a six. Eoin Morgan went ballistic in England’s win over Afghanistan at Old Trafford but New Zealand’s bowlers are a cut above the Afghans and Hope is not one of the most prolific six-hitters in the West Indies line-up.

He has had to work hard for his runs at this tournament, scoring 96 off 121 balls against Bangladesh and 68 off 105 against Australia.

Hope was out for 11 against both Pakistan and England and only one of the 273 deliveries he has faced at this World Cup has been hit over the ropes.

New Zealand are a disciplined unit who don’t offer batsmen many freebies and Hope, conscious of his anchor role for the Windies, may opt for his customary low-risk strategy.

Recommendations
S Hetmyer top West Indies runscorer
1pt 8-1 Betfair, Paddy Power
S Hope not to hit a six
2pts 4-5 bet365

Team news
West Indies
Andre Russell’s ongoing knee problem remains a concern but fast bowler Kemar Roach may be fit enough to play.

New Zealand
The Black Caps have been unchanged throughout the tournament but Henry Nicholls could replace struggling opener Colin Munro.

Venue
England edged their way to a one-wicket win over Australia, chasing only 206, at Old Trafford last year but batsmen have prospered in the venue’s first two World Cup matches.

Rohit Sharma hit 140 as India racked up 336-5 against Pakistan before England smashed 397-6 against the Afghans in a game that featured 33 sixes.

Weather
A sunny start to the day-night match with clouds building up in the late afternoon, 21C.

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