South Africa to get the spoils in the 1st ODI against New Zealand

Following on from their recent clean-sweep of the Test series, the South African cricket side will be looking to carry their winning momentum into the three-match one day international series against the touring New Zealand team starting this Sunday.

South Africa proved far too strong in the long version of the game, but the limited-overs format is certain to present a closer contest, with the South African team ranked only one place higher than the third-ranked New Zealand outfit.

South Africa have included in their squad fast bowling sensation Dale Steyn who is full of confidence after taking 20 wickets in the two Test series against the Kiwis. Bowling with good pace, swing and control, Steyn has launched himself onto the international cricket scene and will once again be a handful for the New Zealand batsman. Supported by the proven attack of Pollock, Ntini and Nel, and the all-round talents of Jacques Kallis, the South African attack will have the potency to apply pressure for the full 50 overs.

With the bat, South Africa are full of talent lead by captain Graeme Smith at the top of the order, with Gibbs, Kallis, de Villiers and Boucher to provide a wealth of fire-power to amass some hefty totals on the batsman-friendly pitches.

New Zealand appears to have a lot of work ahead of them in this series, with several key players missing from the team that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup. Shane Bond and James Franklin are injured, while Craig McMillan and Stephen Fleming have retired. A number of other members of the touring party have also been struck down recently with a stomach bug.

A lot of the responsibility will fall on to new captain Daniel Vettori to work his magic with the ball, while also chipping in with the bat. He will be thankful for the inclusion of all-rounder Jacob Oram who missed the recent test series due to a hamstring complaint. Oram is a potential match winner but is likely to be underdone and lacking in match practice.

The Kiwis' batting lineup is full of potential while at the same time giving off an aura of fragility. They will be looking for a fast start at the top of the order through Lou Vincent and Brendon McCullum, but the need for big scores will once again be left to key batsman Ross Taylor and Scott Styris.

If Taylor and Styris fail then it's difficult to see how New Zealand will be able to post a score that will be competitive against the strong, professional South African side. The Kiwis are definitely capable of causing an upset, and at $2.95 at SportsBet Australia they are offering some value for keen Kiwi fans, but many things would have to go right on the day to see them winning. The South Africans are short at $1.40 but look the goods here.

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