England v New Zealand 2nd ODI: Guptil can be the difference again
Published:New Zealand bounced back from their Test series whitewash with an impressive one day performance that saw them record an emphatic five-wicket success at Lord’s.
The tourists have an impressive record against their hosts in this form of the game, winning six of their previous eight against Andy Flower’s men and they are 6/4 to record another success here.
Those backing the Kiwis to pull another victory out of the bag will also be keen to put their support behind the 8/13 about a series win here for Mike Hesson’s charges.
That success was only the Black Caps’ fifth in 20 ODI matches and their first win against England in three attempts, which offers real hope to the home side ahead of the second meeting at the Ageas Bowl.
The newly adorned ‘men in red’ have a strong record in Southampton, tasting defeat just once in five one day outings on the coast.
They have triumphed in 10 of their preceding 13 limited overs matches on their own patch, underlining their favourites tag at 8/15 to come out on top here.
Martin Guptil was the star of the show in the opening act, smashing a century as he led the charge for New Zealand as they hunted down the unconvincing 228 total set by an out of sorts England.
The 26-year-old right-hander was majestic as he clocked up three figures in 123 balls, notching eight fours and four maximums along the way.
The right-hander now averages over 60 against this opposition and even hit the boundary that sealed the win and secured the man of the match award. If he can carry his form over here he looks great value at 12/1 to repeat that feat.
Jimmy Anderson made a great start at Lord’s, taking two wickets in his first over as he look set to blow the visitors away, but the brilliance of Guptil and Ross Taylor for a 119-run third-wicket stand proved too much for England.
The Lancastrian did end with strong figures of 3-31 and now has 9 victims in his last three against the southern hemisphere side, making him a tempting proposition at 10/1 to be the star man.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publication
