Pakistan favourites to take 1st ODI and series

A New Zealand team, weakened by injuries and withdrawals, take on Pakistan in their rescheduled tour starting this Saturday (November 29). New Zealand are a distant 9/2 to win the five-match series, while Pakistan are priced at the short odds of 1/8.

In Saturday's first game, New Zealand are rated as having a slightly better chance. They are 5/2 to win, while Pakistan are 2/7.

With such an inexperienced line-up, the middle and lower order could appeal in the Top Team Batsman market. Mathew Sinclair is 9/2, followed by stand-in captain Chris Cairns at 5/1, alongside Hamish Marshall. Wellington batsman Richard Jones may at last make his international debut, and is 6/1 to top-score for New Zealand. Tama Canning, the Auckland allrounder, is 7/1 and Jacob Oram, the burly utility man, is perhaps the most attractive bet at the same odds.

Pakistan are considerably stronger in the batting. Yousuf Youhana is 100/30 to top the Pakistan batting lineup. Up and coming Yasir Hameed is 9/2, while allrounder Azhar Mahmood could provoke some interest at 12/1.