New Zealand v South Africa 1st Test betting tips | Feb 4-8

New Zealand v South Africa 1st Test preview

The exhilarating world of Test cricket is currently ablaze, with another thrilling series set to commence this Sunday morning as New Zealand and South Africa clash in the 1st Test at Mount Maunganui. Dive into our comprehensive preview for insights and betting tips ahead of this highly anticipated encounter.

The New Zealand team enters this match after a hiatus from Test cricket since December 6th. Their previous series against Bangladesh ended in a tie, and now they aim to enhance their position in the World Test Championship with a stronger showing in this two-match series on home soil.

New Zealand boasts its top Test players ready for selection, unlike their counterparts. With Kane Williamson recovered from a hamstring injury, the star batter is poised to lead the charge. Rachin Ravindra’s inclusion is probable, having been called up over Henry Nicholls. Furthermore, Kyle Jamieson and Tom Blundell, both recovering from injuries, are anticipated to be fit for selection, bolstering the team’s strength.

South Africa concluded a commendable home series against India, resulting in a 1-1 tie in the two Test matches. Notably, paceman Kagiso Rabada emerged as a standout performer, elevating to the No. 2 position in the Test bowler rankings after claiming 11 wickets across both matches.

The upcoming South African Test team will present a stark contrast, aiming to uphold their proud history of never losing a Test series against the Black Caps. The appointment of Neil Brand as captain, who is yet to make his international debut, underscores the youthful and inexperienced nature of the Proteas squad, with many players actively participating in the SA20 tournament domestically. Joining Brand, Raynard van Tonder, Ruan de Swardt, and Mihlali Mpongwana are poised to debut for the South African Test side, further highlighting the team’s fresh talent infusion.

New Zealand v South Africa 1st Test top tips & odds

New Zealand v South Africa betting tips

Winning a Test match in New Zealand is a daunting task for any touring team, especially with a makeshift side. South Africa faces a formidable challenge against the Black Caps, given their inexperienced lineup. While players like David Bedingham, Duanne Olivier, and Dane Paterson possess the talent to compete effectively, the Proteas’ lack of depth, coupled with multiple debutants, may hinder their performance. Against a seasoned New Zealand team on home turf, it’s likely that the Kiwis will emerge victorious in this opening Test.

Zubayr Hamza has been in outstanding form since returning from his drug ban, showcasing his talent with impressive performances in domestic cricket. Notably, he scored a century for South Africa A against West Indies A in December and has recorded two additional centuries in South Africa’s 4-Day domestic competition, accumulating 427 runs at an average of 85.50 this season. His consistent domestic success, boasting 17 centuries and a First-Class average of 48.04, underscores his prowess as a batsman. Despite occasional vulnerabilities outside off stump, Hamza’s technique appears robust, a prerequisite for thriving on South African pitches. Considering his recent form and potential, the odds of +400 offered by leading online bookmakers are enticing.

In the top New Zealand first innings batsman market, Daryl Mitchell stands out as a compelling option. With an impressive track record in Test cricket, boasting five centuries and nine fifties from just 20 matches, Mitchell has rapidly emerged as one of the premier all-format batsmen globally, with an average of 53.77. Regardless of the venue, Mitchell’s prowess with the bat has been evident, as demonstrated in recent encounters against England. While Kane Williamson typically commands attention in this market, uncertainties surrounding the form of other Kiwi batsmen make Mitchell an appealing choice. Fresh from a solid performance in the recent T20 series against Pakistan, Mitchell’s form is promising, making him a fair bet at odds of +450.

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