New Zealand vs Australia – 3rd T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is New Zealand vs Australia taking place? Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 – 06:00 (UK)
Where is New Zealand vs Australia taking place? Westpac Stadium, Wellington
What is the expected weather for New Zealand vs Australia? 18c cloudy but no rain forecast
What channel is New Zealand vs Australia on? The match will be televised live on BT Sport 1
Where can I stream New Zealand vs Australia? The match can be streamed live the BT Sport app and website
LAST MEETING
New Zealand beat Australia by 4 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
NEW ZEALAND
- New Zealand beat their neighbours and arch-rivals once again in the second T20 match in Dunedin to take a 2-0 lead in the five-game series so confidence is high as they come into game three in what is their first chance to seal the series win.
- They posted a mammoth 219/7 in the second game thanks to Martin Guptill’s stunning 97 from 50 balls and the return to form of their key opener is a major boost and gives their batting order an even more formidable look about them.
- The likelihood is that they name an unchanged eleven for this game given how well they are playing so any changes are likely to be held off until if and when they seal the series win with Mark Chapman and Hamish Bennett waiting in the wings.
AUSTRALIA
- Australia slipped to a second consecutive loss in Dunedin last time out so they are under pressure to snap this run and get the win here or they will lose the five-match series after just three games with defeat in this one.
- Once again their bowling attack struggled throughout and it was clear to see that they did not bowl the right lengths so it would be no surprise if they did decide to make changes with Jason Behrendorff, Tanveer Sangha and Andrew Tye all candidates to come in and freshen up their options.
- After coming within four runs of the Blackcaps’ total in the second game, they are unlikely to change the batting which has been solid enough so far, but they may well reassess their approach to this game.
THE PREDICTION
New Zealand come into this third T20 match in a commanding position having won both matches played so far and they will be confident of sealing the series here. Their batting has clearly had the edge over a struggling Australian bowling attack that is clearly missing the likes of Cummins, Starc and co and the return to form of Martin Guptill is an ominous sign for them. They have the edge over them and that is making it incredibly difficult for the Australian batsmen to keep up with their heavy scoring. Changes will surely be on the cards for the Australian bowling attack in an attempt to changes things around and pose some different problems for them. That said, it is hard to see them slowing this in-form Blackcap batting order which is playing some scintillating cricket at present. Another win to seal the series is favoured for the hosts.
