International - New Zealand Darts Masters
New customers only | Commercial content | 18+ age limit | T&Cs apply
by Devesh Jaganath | in Darts Predictions
The penultimate match in the opening round of the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters will see Luke Littler take on Mark Cleaver on Friday. The winner of this match between The Nuke and The Maestro will move on to face either Mike De Decker or Gordon Mathers in the next round. Let's get into the match prediction.
Luke Littler will arrive in Auckland beaming with confidence and riding high off the back of a stunning performance at the Australian Darts Masters last week.
After a slow start against Haupai Puha, the Nuke found his stride and romped to the title, which was his first in the World Series this year and the latest in his already incredible resume.
Prior to his Australian Darts Masters success, Littler beat James Wade 18-13 to clinch the World Matchplay title at the end of last month and is now riding a nine-match win streak across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Mark Cleaver made his return to the World Series circuit last year here in Auckland but was defeated in the first round by Dimitri Van den Berg.
That was the fourth time that The Maestro had featured in the World Series, but he has yet to win a match. However, he has won twice on the DPNZ Pro Tour already this year.
Cleaver has a highest TV average of 85.16. Over the last 12 months, he has averaged 79.55, recorded 94 180s and a highest checkout of 136.
Limited Offer. Currently at Stake
Luke Littler - Mark Cleaver Key Points
- Luke Littler is the number two-ranked player in the world.
- Luke Littler has won the title in his last two tournaments.
- Luke Littler is on a nine-match win streak across all competitions.
- Mark Cleaver has never won a World Series matchup in four previous attempts.
Limited Offer. Currently at Stake
Our Luke Littler vs Mark Cleaver Prediction
Over the last couple of months, we have seen another side to Luke Littler, with the teenager showing that he has developed the power of recovery, which is something that many had questioned in the past.
Last week, the Nuke held off a stern challenge by Haupai Puha before powering to his first World Series title of the year, and we fancy him to make another deep run here in Auckland. Our Luke Littler vs Mark Cleaver prediction is Luke Littler -2.5.
Use £/€50 free bets for the Luke Littler vs. Mark Cleaver game!
Are you planning to bet on the upcoming match between Luke Littler and Mark Cleaver? Why not take advantage of the free bets from Bet365? Use our promo code STYVIP1 and open your account. Bet365 offers a welcome package of €/£50 free bet credits if you bet €/£10 as a new player.
Try your luck on this year's New Zealand Darts Masters! You need to make your qualifying bet of €/£10 within 30 days of opening an account and this can be on any sport with at least one selection priced at 1.2 (1/5) or bigger.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
Limited Offer. Currently at Stake
