Australia vs New Zealand: The Hosts Have Had a Good Gametime in the Build-Up

• Australia hold the edge in the rivalry with 10 wins compared to 5 by New Zealand.
• Australia have a significantly strong unit in all areas for home conditions.
• New Zealand have never beaten Australia in T20Is in Australia. 

Australia vs New Zealand Odds

Odds for this game taken from bet365

Australia vs New Zealand Prediction and Pick

The Trans-Tasman rivalry is dominated by Australia in T20 cricket. Of the 15 matches between the two sides, Australia have won 10 while New Zealand have claimed 5, including one super over win. New Zealand doesn't have a good record in Australia across formats while the hosts are packed with match winners.

We predict Australia to win this clash on Saturday (+200)

Predicted XI

Australia: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mark Chapman/Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Adam Milne/Lockie Ferguson

Settled Australia Heavy Favourites as Shaky New Zealand Try to Overcome past Demons

The world champions Australia begin their title defense with a clash against New Zealand in the opening game of Super 12s on October 22nd. The two teams will lock horns at Sydney Cricket Ground in the evening fixture.

The hosts have had a good gametime in the build-up. They toured India for three T20Is, conceding the series by 2-1. Australia then hammered West Indies at home by 2-0 before losing the three-match series against England by 2-nil. Australia ended up losing their warm-up fixture as well, falling short by six runs while chasing 187 versus India.

New Zealand played a tri-series at home against Bangladesh and Pakistan. They won three games on the trot to reach the final, which they lost by five wickets to Pakistan. The Black Caps played one warm-up match at Brisbane, where they were obliterated by South Africa by nine wickets after getting bowled out for 98.

Team News

Australia had to replace Josh Inglis with Cameron Green with an injury but it is largely inconsequential as they have nailed on their starting XI. Aaron Finch and David Warner will open the innings, followed by Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell. Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade and Tim David, who has displaced Steve Smith from the side, have the responsibility of finishing. The pace bowling trio of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc should do well against most opponents with Adam Zampa being the primary spinner. Australia will hope to get four overs out of Marsh, Stoinis and Maxwell.

New Zealand have several selection headaches ahead of the game, starting with which one of Finn Allen and Martin Guptill will open alongside Devon Conway. Daryl Mitchell's injury means they have two options in the lower middle order. They can either go with a better batting option in Mark Chapman or trust in-form Michael Bracewell to deliver with bat and ball. The Black Caps will rely on the veteran seam bowling duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee. For the third seam option, they will have to decide from two speedsters Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne. Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner will have the spin responsibility.

Key Players

David Warner was the player of the tournament in the previous world cup. Being the only left hand batter in their top six, he remains a key player for Australia. Warner has incredible numbers in T20 cricket with over 11000 runs at an average of 38 and strike rate of 142. He has blasted eight hundreds and 93 fifties in the format. Warner has been in magnificent form, having scored two 70s in his last three innings.

Glenn Phillips is perhaps the most important batter for New Zealand in this world cup down under. The right hand batter has an outstanding record in the shorter format, having amassed over 5000 runs in all T20s at an average of 33 while striking at 141. He has smashed four hundreds and 35 fifties in the format. Phillips has looked in good touch in recent matches, including 60 off 24 versus Bangladesh.

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