CT 2017: Australia v New Zealand, Game 2 – Match Result Predictions

It will be the repeat of the 2015 ODI World Cup final as Australia take on England in the second match of the ICC Champions Trophy at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The Trans-Tasman rivalry has always produced some of the most riveting cricketing action in the history of the game. This one is also expected to be a cracker as two strong sides of Group A go head to head. Going by the history of the warm-up matches as well as the first match of the tournament, this one also promises to be a run-feast.

Most of the members of the Australian squad are coming into the tournament after a hectic tour to India where they first played 4 Tests and then were part of the IPL. Still, the world champions will leave no stones unturned when it comes to performing at the highest level. They have won the Champions Trophy twice before and with the side they possess, they might well walk away from England with the third in hands. They are known for the explosive brand of cricket and are currently one of the most balanced sides in the tournament.

On the other hand, not too many experts have considered New Zealand to be one of the favorites to clinch the trophy. But if we look at their team composition, they do have the side that could go the distance. With a mix of youth and experience, the Kiwis could be the dark horses of the tournament. On any given day, they can bring down any team and the Australians certainly need to wary of the number 3 ranked side in the world.

Here is what Crictracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: Australia wins the toss

Toss prediction: Australia will choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 280-290

Result prediction: Australia will win the match by 5 wickets with an over to spare

Scenario 2: New Zealand wins the toss

Toss prediction: New Zealand will choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 315-325

Result prediction: Australia will win the match by 20-30 runs

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total Matches – 135, Australia Won – 90, New Zealand Won – 39, No Result – 6

Matches in England: Total Matches – 3, Ausralia Won – 1, New Zealand Won – 1, No Result – 0

The Aussies have a daunting record against New Zealand but it also contains matches from the time when the Kiwis weren’t so strong. Recently, the rivalry between the two countries has been intense and fought with equal aggression from both sides. The match is expected to be a close one with the Australians slightly in the advantage.

Playing Combinations

Australia:

The Australians have perhaps the most destructive opening pair in the form of David Warner and Aaron Finch. Both can destroy the bowling attacks with sheer power. The skipper Steven Smith has been in a tremendous form recently and will be expected to be the backbone of the line-up. Then, there will be Travis Head who can play the waiting game as well as up the ante if required. Glenn Maxwell is expected to feature in the XI who is capable of being the finisher. Matthew Wade is fully capable of striking boundaries at the slog overs.

When it comes to bowling, they have one of the best pace batteries in the tournament. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson all bowl over 145 click consistently and are capable of taking down any side with sheer pace. But Josh Hazlewood would be the bowler to watch out for as he bowls in the mid 130s with ample swing which is the ideal style of bowling in England. Adam Zampa might feature in the XI and he will have an important role of backing up the pacers.

Predicted XI: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steven Smtih(c), Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade(wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, James Pattinson, Josh Hazlewood

New Zealand:

The Kiwis possess a strong batting line-up starting with Martin Guptill and Tom Latham at the top. Guptill has struggled for form of late but his partner has done well in the recent past. They will be followed by the batting mainstay in the form of Kane Williamson and a lot will depend on the captain. Ross Taylor is experienced but unpredictable. It will be interesting to see where Luke Ronchi will bat after he got a decent score against India in the warm-up match. Neil Broom and Jimmy Neesham could be the others to fill in the lower middle-order.

Not many have talked about it but the Kiwis have an excellent bowling attack. In Trent Boult and Tim Southee, they have two of the best swing bowlers going around. The duo was instrumental in the team’s wonderful run in the 2015 ODI World Cup and would be expected to repeat the heroics in England. They have Adam Milne for a company who can ruffle the feathers of the opposition with his pace. The talented left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner will also play a key role and Neesham could play the role of the 5th bowler.

Predicted XI: Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Neil Broom, Luke Ronchi(wk), Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Trent Boult

It is going to be a close game and one can’t expect a one-sided match when these two neighbors are up against each other. Both teams will leave no stones unturned against their arch rivals.

There is not much separating the two sides but the World Champions Australia are slightly ahead as far as the balance of the side is concerned that could put them in the advantage.

You can follow the live scores of the match here

Do let us know your predictions in the comments section below.