NZ vs AUS Match Prediction & Betting Tips - Feb 21, 2024
New Zealand and Australia will play the first T20I of their three-match series. This is good preparation for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup in the United States of America and Caribbean later this year.
There will be plenty of interesting bets to place before and during this match. Let's see what to expect from the competitive odds and markets on the best cricket betting sites.
New Zealand vs Australia head-to-head
Australia have three wins to New Zealand's two in their last five T20I meetings. Two of their last three T20I meetings have been won by the team bowling first.
New Zealand vs Australia live streaming and broadcast
Watch this match and the rest of the series on the FanCode app in India. It is an excellent way to live stream international cricket matches from India.
Enjoy our expert cricket betting tips for the first T20I between New Zealand and Australia in Wellington on 21 February 2024.
NZ vs AUS Team Previews
New Zealand
New Zealand currently occupy second position in the International Cricket Council's rankings for men's T20I teams. They can capitalise on this status against the Australians, who are in fourth position. This is sure to be a cracking contest between these two old rivals.
The Black Caps have fast bowler Trent Boult back for this series. His presence can add plenty of impetus to the pace attack, which also includes all-rounder Josh Clarkson. The uncapped Clarkson will be in for a big challenge in his debut series against the Aussies.
The Kiwis will be without batter Kane Williamson and all-rounder Daryl Mitchell. Williamson is on paternity leave and Mitchell is injured. All-rounder Jimmy Neesham and spinner Michael Bracewell are also out. New Zealand's depleted squad need to step up in the absence of these first-choice players.
New Zealand Playing 11
Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson.
Australia
Australia will also be buoyed by the exit of New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson. He, too, has been sidelined by injury. The Australian batters, in particular, will know that opportunity knocks to take advantage against an opposition bowling attack that doesn't include Jamieson, Neesham and Mitchell.
This will be Australia's final T20I series before the T20 World Cup. They'll be eager to test combinations and trial fringe personnel before selecting their final squad for the trip to the major tournament. The injured Marcus Stoinis has been replaced by fellow all-rounder Aaron Hardie for this series.
Vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade is not available for this series opener. All-rounder Cameron Green isn't around either. Green will be at the IPL later this year. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis is back for the Aussies. His accuracy, speed and characteristic yorkers could play a big role in this contest.
Australia Playing 11
David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Timothy David, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Short, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.
NZ vs AUS Toss Prediction
Sky Stadium in Wellington is the venue for this match. It will host its first T20I since 2021. The last two tosses in T20I cricket here yielded decisions to bat first.
It's probable the team to win the toss this time will do the same. Six of the last eight T20I at this ground have been won by the team batting first.
Read our guide on toss predictions to learn how we analyze and come up with our tips.
Pitch and Conditions
The last three first-innings totals in T20I cricket at this venue have been 142, 156 and 208. This is a relatively high-scoring ground. A first-innings score of approximately 170-plus can be considered competitive.
The square boundaries are shorter compared to other international cricket venues in New Zealand. The pitch can offer extra bounce, if not additional turn.
No rain is forecast in Wellington on matchday. We should get in a full fixture.
NZ vs AUS Betting Tips
Both squads and XIs will be weaker than usual due to several absentees. New Zealand have homeground advantage. They should win this series opener, especially if their batting resources fire on cue.
Bet on 2.45 underdogs New Zealand to beat 1.60 favourites Australia. This could bring good value.
Bonus Cricket Bets
Boult will go into this match and series on the back of a solid stretch of form for MI Emirates in the International League T20 in the United Arab Emirates.
Ellis has already taken 22 wickets in 12 T20Is. That's really good form for an extended period.
Clarkson is at long odds to be New Zealand's top batter in this match. It's worth the bet, especially if the top order misfire and he gets an extended stay at the crease.
The flip of the coin can obviously go either way. But back the home side to win it. They will probably choose to bat first if they win the toss.
Hardie is quickly emerging as a world-class all-rounder. He can make a big impact with bat and ball. Here is his chance to shine in the absence of Stoinis and Green.
Who will win NZ vs AUS
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Match Predictions
Cricket Betting Tips
- Highest opening partnership - India W (1.55) and 1 more BANW vs INDW betting tip
- Total runs in the highest scoring over of the match - Over 22.5 (1.95) and 2 more MI vs SRH betting tips
- Nazmul Hossain Shanto to become the top batter. - 4.10 and 3 more BAN vs ZIM betting tips
- Delhi Capitals to win the toss - 1.90 and 4 more DC vs RR betting tips
We are eager to know what you think of our match predictions, if there is anything we can do better or if you want to let us know your own predictions for the match.