New Zealand vs Australia, 2nd T20I Match Preview

New Zealand and Australia are all set to continue their ongoing T20I series by facing off in the second T20I at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, February 23. After gaining the lead in the first T20I, Australia will aim to put in a similar performance in the upcoming clash as well. 

New Zealand performed exceptionally well with the bat in the first innings of the first T20I but failed to perform with the ball, ultimately losing the clash. However, the team will hope that they can improve in the upcoming game and level the score. 

Speaking of the first game, the BlackCaps posted a total of 215 runs in the first innings, losing just three wickets in the process. However, as Australia came into bat, exceptional performances by skipper Mitchell Marsh and David Warner helped the Men in Yellow win the game. 

Mitchell Santner remained the highest wicket-taker for the Black Caps in the first T20I, with two wickets to his name. Adam Milne and Lockie Ferguson took one wicket each, but the side needs to improve in order to register a win in the series.

Eden Park Pitch Report

The surface at Eden Park is quite slow and good for the batters. Bowling on such a pitch can prove to be quite a challenge for both the spinners and the pacers. Opting to bat first after winning the toss and posting a big total on the board could be a wise decision. 

NZ vs AUS Probable Playing XI

New Zealand:

New Zealand will be expected to field an unchanged lineup against Australia in the second T20I. Betting on the same players could be quite a gamble, but after seeing a good performance in the first clash, the Black Caps will bet on themselves to perform similarly in the upcoming game as well.

Predicted XI:

Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Josh Clarkson, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson

Australia:

On the other hand, Australia could field an unchanged lineup against New Zealand as well. Winning the first clash, fielding an unchanged lineup could make sense for the visitors. 

Predicted XI:

David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Matthew Short, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Also Read: NZ vs AUS: Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis hold hands before first T20I in hilarious moment

NZ vs AUS T20Is Head-to-Head Records:

NZ vs AUS, 2nd T20I Broadcast details: