Australia have won their last three T20 matches but will be wary of a New Zealand resurgence as they return to Eden Park. The Blackcaps were good enough to sneak past England in Wellington. A victory for the Kiwis will ensure that they play the Aussies in the final.
Like the majority of Aussie sporting teams, Australia have a poor record at Eden Park. Australia lost their last two ODI clashes at the ground, including a memorable clash in 2017. Marcus Stoinis will be one of the few Aussie players to enjoy his return to Auckland. The Aussie all-rounder hit a career-best 146* in a losing effort.
The Aussies will be looking to enter the game with an unchanged line-up. Aaron Finch will be looking to bat down the order with the likes of Chris Lynn and D’Arcy Short to take advantage of the short boundaries at Eden Park.
Win-Draw-Win
The Aussies have the momentum heading into the clash and considering the form of their top order it’s hard to look past them. David Warner may not have fired a shot in anger against the white ball, but a few other batsmen have put their hand up in his absence.
Glenn Maxwell continues to enhance his claims to a more permanent role in Australia’s top order. The man known as ‘The Big Show’ has been amongst the runs every time he has walked out to the crease.
With their current line-up, Australia are batting down to number eight. Billy Stanlake, Kane Richardson and Ashton Agar have shown the ability to restrict the opposition with the ball.
The Kiwis chalked up a much-needed victory over England in Wellington. Skipper Kane Williamson found some much-needed form with the bat. The Blackcaps will look to keep the same side that grabbed a 12-run victory against England.
The Blackcaps currently have two of the top-ranked T20I bowlers in the world. Mitchell Santner is currently ranked number one and Ish Sodhi is number three on the list.
New Zealand have lost five of their last seven games at Eden Park while the Aussies are riding a four-game winning streak.
Tip: Australia to win ($1.62)
Runscorer Markets
Australia
BBL superstars Chris Lynn ($4.25) have offered glimpses of their hitting ability across the opening three games. The superstar duo has injected some much-needed enthusiasm into Australia’s top order.
D’Arcy Short ($4.50) will more than likely partner David Warner ($4) at the top of the order. Aaron Finch has shown the ability to bat further down the order to accommodate Australia’s hitters. Finch has been Australia’s most consistent batsman against the white ball this season.
Fresh off hitting his second T20I century, Glenn Maxwell has proved to be the mainstay in Australia’s top order. Maxwell has the temperament to take advantage of Eden Park’s relatively short boundaries.
Tip: Back Glenn Maxwell to top score for Australia ($5.50)
New Zealand
It’s hard to go past Kiwi opener Martin Guptill in the short form of the game. On his day Guptill is one of the best ball strikers in world cricket. Guptill hit 65 in his last start against England in Wellington.
Despite his recent lean run of late, Colin Munro ($4) remains one of New Zealand’s strike weapons in the T20 format. Munro has hammered three centuries over the last 12 months in his role as opener.
Kane Williamson ($4.50) put in a world-class performance dismantling England and will be looking to repeat the dose against the Aussies.
Tip: Back Martin Guptill to top score for New Zealand ($3.75)
Player of the Match
Australia will be confident of continuing their good form against New Zealand. If the Aussies can win their next two matches, then they’ll rise to the top of the T20 rankings.
Glenn Maxwell ($8) has been in terrific form this Summer and another big performance from the all-rounder would help the Aussies to victory.
Maxwell has repaid the Australian selectors with a stunning run of form across his last three innings. The Kiwis will be wary knowing that he can turn the match with either bat or ball.
Tip: Back Glenn Maxwell to be Player of the Match ($8)