England vs. New Zealand Online Betting Odds
29th September, 2009
England will be looking to maintain their current form when they meet New Zealand on Wednesday, even though qualification for the Champions Trophy semi-finals has already been achieved.
Andrew Strauss’s troops booked their place in the final last four of the tournament with impressive victories over Sri Lanka and hosts South Africa. It is likely that England will play with the same team as wicketkeeper Matt Prior is side-lined through illness.
For New Zealand, everything is still to play for as victory will guarantee them a place in the semi-finals. The Kiwis are currently bottom of Group B, after defeating Sri Lanka then losing to South Africa. However, if they are triumphant against England they will draw alongside them on four points in the table and join them in the semis. The Black Caps will have to get the victory without leading run-scorer Jesse Ryder, as the batsman was forced out of the competition with a strain to his hamstring. Jacob Oram has also been ruled out with injury but will be replaced by James Franklin.
Owais Shah has said that England will take the match seriously and told BBC Sport "The team is confident right now," he added. "We are in the semi-final and one game away from the final. You always enter a competition to win it and the way we are playing at the moment I don't see why we can't go all the way. We have to make sure we beat New Zealand and keep that momentum going. We can't wait to see who we will play in the semis."
To win the ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan is favourites at 5/2 with Blue sq, Australia is 11/4 with Boylesports and England is 4/1 with Bet 365.
By Dane
