New Zealand were matched at 54-1 on Betfair at 41-4 before chasing down Australia’s huge total of 346 to give the Australia backers yet more heartache. 

Australia had everything going for them as New Zealand rested key players and lost the toss which meant Australia went off at 8-13 after choosing to bat first. During the middle overs they traded at around the 2-5 mark and were available at just 2-7 at the end of their innings.

 As if chasing Australia’s big total wasn’t enough of an ask, New Zealand lost quick wickets despite their openers making a bright start and at 41-4 were matched at a high of 54-1 with Australia being backed at 1-100. A superb partnership of 165 between Brendan McCullum and Craig McMillan put the match right back in the balance and at 280-5 it was New Zealand who were in the driving seat with Australia drifting to 2-1.

 Three quick wickets changed all that and Australia went favourites again before the two then constantly traded favouritism in the closing stages. With eight needed off the last seven balls it was evens the pair and when New Zealand hit a six off the first ball of the last over the scores were tied. A wicket for Australia at this stage would have resulted in a tie and on Betfair’s tied match market this possibility traded at 4-1 having been matched at 94-1 earlier on in the match. It wasn’t to be for Australia as New Zealand got the run they needed, secured a 3-0 Series win and gave the Black Caps backers a big payday.

 Australia’s form in recent weeks has led the layers to have a serious rethink about their World Cup chances and they are now a 12-5 chance to retain their position as World Champions, having been matched as low as 6-4. New Zealand’s impressive performance in this Series has seen their price come into 10-1 from the 17-1 it was before the series began.

 World Cup Prices

 Betfair bet: Australia 12-5; South Africa 5-1; West Indies 9-1; England 10-1; Sri Lanka 10-1; New Zealand 10-1; India 10-1; Pakistan 12-1.

 Jamie Pacheco

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