Match Details
Date: February 21, 2024
Time: 11:40 AM IST
Venue: Sky Stadium, Wellington
Live Ball-By-Ball Commentary: SportsTiger App
Match Preview:
New Zealand after winning a five-match T20I series against Pakistan by a 4-1 margin, will be playing a three-match T20I series against Australia on their home soil at two different venues Wellington and Auckland respectively. New Zealand will be looking to continue their winning momentum as this will be a good contest ahead of the much anticipated ICC men's T20 World Cup 2024.
Australian team on the other hand after winning a three-match T20I series against West Indies, would also look to peak at the right moment before the ICC men's T20 World Cup 2024 which is set to be hosted by both USA & West Indies.
Pitch Report:
The last time this venue hosted three T20I matches between NZ and AUS was in March 2021 where only one game saw the team batting first go past a 200-run margin. Earlier in 2020 NZ and IND played a tied T20I match at this venue which saw both teams score 165 runs.
Teams batting first have 7 wins in 15 matches at this venue (including a super over win), but a total of fewer than 150 runs has never been defended at this venue hence it's safe to say 175-180 could be the winning score for a team batting first
Team Analysis:
New Zealand
Finn Allen has been in the form of life with the bat as he went on to score 275 runs from 5 innings at a strike rate of 195.03 against Pakistan. Among bowlers, Tim Southee has taken the most with the ball (10) against Pakistan but unfortunately, their 13-man squad has been lacking experience hence it will be tough for them to fight against an in-form Australian side.
SportsTiger Playing XI of New Zealand
Finn Allen, Devon Conway (Wk), Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (C), Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne, Lockie Ferguson
Australia
The Australian team have been in terrific form with the bat as they went on to record two back-to-back 200-plus scores (232/2 & 258/9) against West Indies also in the third T20I match they went on to bundle out West Indies for just 86 runs and won against them convincingly by 8 wickets. Aussies are going with a full-strength squad again hence they are expected to repeat the same feat against the Kiwis also.
SportsTiger Playing XI of Australia
Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh (C), Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Matthew Wade (Wk), Pat Cummins, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Match Prediction:
Conclusion:
Australia have a better chance of winning the first T20I match against New Zealand in Wellington.
Disclaimer: The fantasy tips and facts expressed within this article are the author's personal opinions. They do not reflect the views of SportsTiger. It is not a reflection of the actual points you might earn. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
