NZ vs AUS Match Preview
This is a T20 World Cup year. Both teams are in preparation for the tournament in the United States of America and Caribbean later this year. New Zealand are currently in second position in the International Cricket Council's rankings for men's T20I teams. The Aussies are in fourth position.
First and foremost, New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult's return to the T20I squad is an enticing prospect. Here's a player who has been participating in domestic T20 leagues around the world and recently won the International League T20 title in the United Arab Emirates with MI Emirates. Look forward to more big performances from Boult.
Uncapped all-rounder Josh Clarkson is well worth a look, too. He has been a consistent performer at domestic level in New Zealand for an extended period. With fellow all-rounder Daryl Mitchell sidelined by injury, this is a great opportunity for Clarkson to step up.
Like New Zealand with Mitchell and others, Australia also have some injury absences. They won't have all-rounder Marcus Stoinis for this series - and Cameron Green isn't around as well. Look no further than captain Mitchell Marsh if you're considering selecting an in-form Australian all-rounder.
And, of course, Glenn Maxwell. His batting is often complemented by his bowling. Maxwell has shown time and time again that he can hit most opposition bowling attacks out of the contest. The Black Caps are going to be hard pressed against this big-hitting star.
Spin should be a major factor in this series. The ability to slow the ball down and generate turn against batters eager to have pace on the ball is key. Australia's Adam Zampa and Mitchell Santer are two of the best T20I bowlers in the world. They will both be involved in this series.
Weather Report
Clear skies are forecast in Wellington on matchday. We should get in a full fixture. If anything, a slight breeze across Sky Stadiium could affect conditions for the better - for the bowlers.
Pitch Report
The team to win the toss will likely choose to bat first, which has been the case in recent T20Is here. A first-innings score of approximately 170-plus can be considered competitive.
Notable stats
Finn for the win
New Zealand batter Finn Allen has already hit two centuries in his first 40 T20Is. That's a relatively prolific ratio in this format of the international game.
Team News
Devon Conway will likely be selected at the top of the New Zealand order despite a lean run of form recently. Pat Cummins is available for Australia, but won't captain the team.
NZ vs AUS Probable 11
NZ Playing 11
- Devon Conway (Wk)
- Finn Allen
- Mark Chapman
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Glenn Phillips
- Mitchell Santner (C)
- Josh Clarkson
- Ben Sears
- Tim Southee
- Trent Boult
AUS Playing 11
- Travis Head
- David Warner
- Josh Inglis (Wk)
- Steven Smith
- Glenn Maxwell
- Mitchell Marsh (C)
- Pat Cummins
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Ellis
- Spencer Johnson
- Adam Zampa
Dream11 Prediction
Australia are in a stronger position than New Zealand to win this match, despite the Black Caps' homeground advanage. New Zealand have a squad weakened by several injury absences.
Top Picks
Ish Sodhi: The New Zealand leg-spinner has plenty of experience and knows how to succeed in home conditions.
Tim Southee: There are not many other bowlers with as much experience and expertise in world cricket than this Black Caps star.
Glenn Maxwell: There is no underestimating this man. He is, without doubt, among the best big-hitters in the global game.
NZ vs AUS Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: Devon Conway
Batters: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh (VC), Glenn Phillips
All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner (C)
Bowlers: Tim Southee, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc
