NZ vs AUS Match Preview
New Zealand put up a big total of 215 in the series opener, but were unable to successfully defend it. Both teams' shortfalls with the ball have since come into the spotlight. It's well worth considering the composition of the composition of your Dream11 team's bowling attack for this second fixture.
One of the first names to consider is Mitchell Marsh. He's captaining the team during this series and is one of the best all-rounders in T20I cricket. Marsh put in a match-winning half-century in the first match, but he also delivered on cue with the ball - one for 21 in three overs.
From the New Zealand bowling attack, fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is a good pick. He has been bowling with solid pace and accuracy - and conceded just 5.75 runs per over during his four-over allotment in the previous match. Ferguson bowls great yorkers and slower deliveries, too.
But your Dream11 team needs more than just wickets and good economy rates - it need plenty of runs. Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Marsh all hit half-centuries in the first match of the series. They're all worth selecting here - and the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Tim David and Finn Allen.
Conway put a thin stretch of form behind him to collect 63 in Wellington. He is one of the leading wicketkeeper-batters in international cricket. His struggles at T20I level recently have been evident. Ravindra, meanwhile, is showing the world is is an excellent all-format cricketer.
Spin will surely play a big role again. Maxwell, Mitchell Santer, Ish Sodhi and Adam Zampa are top candidates for big performances. Zampa and Sodhi are wrist spinners, who frequently enjoy more success than finger spinners. Conditions in Wellington could suit them.
Weather Report
No rain is forecast in Auckland on matchday. A slight breeze is predicted, which could help the bowlers. Otherwise, mild conditions are anticipated.
Pitch Report
The previous three first-innings totals in T20I cricket at this ground have been 226, 196 and 141. This is quite a high-scoring venue with shortish square boundaries.
A first-innings total of 180-plus should be considered competitive.
Notable stats
Glenn Maxwell in form
Maxwell's last six innings in T20I cricket have brought 283 runs at an average of 70.75. He has been striking at almost 200 runs per 100 balls.
Team News
Australia might leave out a spinner and bring fast bowler Nathan Ellis into the XI. Whether New Zealand retain all-rounder Josh Clarkson in the XI remains in the balance.
NZ vs AUS Probable 11
NZ Playing 11
- Finn Allen
- Devon Conway (Wk)
- Rachin Ravindra
- Glenn Phillips
- Mark Chapman
- Josh Clarkson
- Mitchell Santner (C)
- Adam Milne
- Ish Sodhi
- Tim Southee
- Lockie Ferguson
AUS Playing 11
- Travis Head
- David Warner
- Mitchell Marsh (C)
- Glenn Maxwell
- Josh Inglis (Wk)
- Tim David
- Matthew Short
- Pat Cummins
- Mitchell Starc
- Adam Zampa
- Josh Hazlewood
Dream11 Prediction
New Zealand should be able to collect a win here. They were close in the series opener. This should set up an intriguing series decider later this week.
Top Picks
Mitchell Marsh: Expect a few key breakthroughs with the ball and plenty of runs off the best from this top T20I all-rounder.
Adam Zampa: As one of the best leg-spinners in the game, Zampa is a real threat through the middle overs.
Devon Conway: He will likely open the batting again and be able to score quickly during the powerplay.
NZ vs AUS Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: Devon Conway, Finn Allen
Batters: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh (C), Glenn Phillips
All-rounders: Mitchell Santer (VC), Glenn Maxwell, Rachin Ravindra
Bowlers: Trent Boult, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins
