Australia head into the clash with the Blackcaps hoping to reverse a worrying form slump in the shortest form of the game. Despite the success of the BBL, Australia are currently ranked fifth in T20I behind the Blackcaps (2nd) and England (4th).
Australia will start the tri-series against the Blackcaps and England on home ground, before shifting across the Tasman for the finals.
The Blackcaps have proven to be masters of the shortest form of the game. With a line-up that includes Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson and Colin Munro NZ will be more than competitive.
You can find the best odds across a wide variety of markets for the first game of the T20I Tri-Series at Neds. Check out the detailed betting preview below!
Win-Draw-Win
Australia will be hoping for a change in fortunes with David Warner assuming the captaincy from Steve Smith. Warner successfully captained the Hyberbrads to the IPL title in 2016 and will bring some new ideas to an Aussie side injected with BBL talent.
While the Aussies were blown away by England in the ODI series, the T20I squad has been packed with a number of new faces. If Chris Lynn and D’Arcy Short can replicate their BBL form Australia are a good chance of posting a decent total. Aaron Finch remains the second- best batsmen in the world, so expect David Warner to drop down the order at some stage of the tournament.
The Blackcaps have come off a series loss to Pakistan in New Zealand but will fancy their chances against this Aussie side. Martin Guptill and Colin Munro have formed an explosive partnership at the top of the order. Munro became the first player to score three T20I hundreds at the end of 2017. Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi will be looking to put the brakes on the Aussie top-order. Both Kiwi bowlers sit at the top of the T20I rankings.
With the first game at the SCG, Australia are favourites to win the first T20I of the series at $1.77
Tip: Australia to win ($1.77)
Runscorer Markets
Australia
The SCG traditionally offers something for both bat and ball. With no real demons in the pitch, David Warner is poised to make an impact at his home ground. Australia’s captain will be desperate to turn around his poor ODI form.
With Aaron Finch out of the side with a hamstring injury, Warner remains the Aussies trump card at the top of the order. Warner made his name in T20I cricket with a blazing start against South Africa in Melbourne. Warner is favourite to top the runs for the Aussies at $4.
Chris Lynn ($4) and D’Arcy Short ($4) are also represent some good value if they get in at the top of the order. Short set a new run scoring record in the 2018 edition of the BBL.
Tip: Back David Warner to top score for Australia ($4)
New Zealand
The Blackcaps seem to find an extra gear anytime that they play Australia. Martin Guptill has been a proven performer against the Aussies in the past. The Kiwi opener hit 114 the last time he played at the SCG.
Guptill notched 59 and 26 in his last two T20I matches against Pakistan and if he can get going then the Blackcaps will be well-placed for a big innings.
Opener Colin Munro ($3.75) hit three T20I centuries in 2017 and skipper Kane Williamson ($3.75) represent some real value to top the runs for the Blackcaps.
Tip: Back Martin Guptill to top score for New Zealand
Player of the Match
Australia has named a strong squad and have had the wood on the Blackcaps in Australia. Under David Warner, Australia will be hungry for a victory in the opener. Expect an Aussie to claim Player of the Match honours.
Chris Lynn represents good value at $7.50 on the back of his BBL record. Lynn has looked good in training this week, and Lynn will be desperate to bring his talents to the international arena.
If Lynn finds the middle of the bat, then he will make life tough for the NZ bowling attack.
Tip: Back Chris Lynn to be Player of the Match ($7.50)