T20 World Cup Betting: England v New Zealand

Brendon McCullum has been in good form
The world champions are in danger of going out of the tournament and they must beat the Kiwis on Saturday to keep alive their hopes. Ed Hawkins, however, fears for Stuart Broad's side
England v New Zealand
Start time: 11.00
TV: live on Sky Sports 1
England
The champions are staring elimination in the face following defeat by West Indies on Thursday. It is likely that they will have to win both of their remaining Super Eight matches to qualify for the semi-finals.
Beating New Zealand would appear to be an easier task than Sri Lanka but the Kiwis are a tougher nut to crack than many believe, particularly when England appear to have so many flaws. Eoin Morgan, the Irishman, and Alex Hales, the opener, are the only two batsmen in any form.
New Zealand
They pushed Sri lanka, the hosts, all the way in their Super Eight match, earning a tie before losing on a super over eliminator. And there is a lot to like about the Kiwis, not least a front four of Nicol-Guptill-Brendon McCullum-Taylor, who are all striking at high rates.
Key will be the form of spinners Daniel Vettori and Nathan McCullum, who will hope to stifle England's batsmen.
Venue and conditions
Here are the first-innings scores so far in Pallekelle: 191/177/175/174. A reliably-good batting wicket if ever there was one. Sure, there are concerns about England's shaky batting but neither of these sides have particularly terrifying bowling units so going over 160 for the side batting first makes sense.
Match odds
Before Friday's matches there was yet to be an upset in this tournament. The favourite has won each match and it a sequence which, if it survives, will surely be severely tested.
New Zealand are 2.186/5 and they make far more appeal than a stuttering England at 1.824/5. As we have written before about the Kiwis they are best when batting first with freedom. Just like England, they can be tied in knots by spin.
However, England have suffered chronically against turn - Samuel Badree and Chris Gayle went for only 6.25 an over respectively - and if the toss goes Daniel Vettori's way, New Zealand are the bet.
Top England batsman
Morgan is Old Faithful for this column and it would not be a surprise if he repeated his heroics against the West Indies. He smashed 71 from 36 balls and is expected to go off at around the 5.59/2 mark.
Top New Zealand batsman
Ross Taylor is warming up nicely and if England hit form with what is their strength - their new-ball attack - the No 4 could find himself in the mix early on. Prices will be around 5.04/1.
Recommended bet
Back side batting first to score 160 or more at 1.804/5
T20 Special Cashback Offer!
Betting on the match? Make sure you check out our great cashback offer - refund on Top Batsman Fixed Odds bets of up to 50 if the first wicket is an LBW!