West Indies will play Bangladesh in the first of the three-match ODI series at Werner Park in Nebraska starting today (December 8). Here's Wisden's pick of the betting odds for the opening game.
WI v BAN first ODI: Who will win?
Bangladesh are entering the series after a series-levelling historic Test victory over West Indies, their first in the Caribbean since 2009. The win was set up by a record five-wicket haul from Nahid Rana, the quickest-ever pacer from Bangladesh, a country not known to have a rich legacy of fast bowling. Jaker Ali, playing his third Test, also contributed with a decisive 106-ball 91. Both Nahid and Jaker are part of the ODI series.
Despite the loss, the odds are in West Indies’ favour to seal the series opener and that’s largely because of their 2-1 series win against England last month. Batery is offering a 1.33 return on every pound bet on West Indies’ win, with a 3.35 return on a Bangladesh victory.
WI v BAN first ODI: Which side will hit most fours and sixes?
As far as boundaries are concerned, West Indies are way ahead with the likes of Shai Hope, Brandon King, and Shimron Heymyer among others in their ranks. They are priced at 1.55 on Batery to hit more fours, compared to Bangladesh’s 2.60.
In terms of sixes, the hosts are a safe bet as well at 1.40. Bangladesh’s lack of power hitters has been a concern for a while as a result of which they are priced at 3.95 to hit sixes.
West Indies v Bangladesh first ODI: Which team will have the highest opening partnership?
West Indies' openers shone during the England series. In the first match, Evin Lewis scored a 69-ball 94 to help his team gun down a DLS-revised target of 157 from 35 overs. King then starred with a hundred in the series decider. Hence, West Indies’ openers, priced at 1.72 on Batery, will still provide better returns compared to Bangladesh’s, who are priced at 2.08 for every pound spent on Batery.
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