NZ vs AUS: 2nd T20I, Match Prediction- Who will win today’s match?

Australia had a rather forgettable outing against New Zealand in the opening T20I at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. After being reduced to 19/4 inside the powerplay during their run-chase, Aaron Finch and Co couldn’t come back from behind the 8-ball.

Their bowling also came under the pump after Devon Conway went berserk with an unbeaten 59-ball 99, laced with 10 fours and three sixes. The second T20I is scheduled to take place on Thursday, February 25 at the University Oval in Dunedin.

If the Aussies lose the game, they will be in a must-win scenario in their last three games. The Black Caps, on the other hand, had jitters early in their innings, but they made a stupendous comeback. It remains to be seen if Kane Williamson and Co manage to replicate something similar.

Pitch and Conditions

The venue hasn’t hosted a single T20I thus far, but it has hosted 10 ODIs. Scores above 300 have been breached five times, suggesting that a high-scoring affair might be in the offing. The playing conditions will be cloudy, but with no chances of a downpour. The temperature will be around the 14 degrees Celsius mark. The humidity will mostly be in the low and mid-60s.

Playing Combinations for NZ vs AUS

New Zealand

Predicted XI

Martin Guptill, Tim Seifert (wk), Kane Williamson (C), Glenn Phillips, Devon Conway, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult

Bench: Mark Chapman, Hamish Bennett

Australia

Predicted XI

Aaron Finch (C), Matthew Wade (wk), Josh Philippe, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Agar, Daniel Sams, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson, Jhye Richardson

Bench: D’Arcy Short, Ben McDermott, Ashton Turner,  Jason Behrendorff, Andrew Tye, Tanveer Sangha, Riley Meredith

Probable Top Performers

Kane Williamson-New Zealand

Kane Williamson is a class act without a shred of a doubt. In the first T20I, he smashed two fours and looked good for a decent knock. But then, he perished to Daniel Sams while trying to go for a pull shot. He would have been disappointed not being able to capitalise on a good start. The Tauranga-born would be hoping to get a decent knock under his belt.

Glenn Maxwell-Australia

Glenn Maxwell is a brutal hitter of the cricket ball and there’s very little doubt on the damage he can do. He had a reasonable outing for the Melbourne Stars in the 2020-21 BBL. But he couldn’t deliver in the first T20I. Neither could he get runs with the bat, nor could he pick up a wicket in the only over he bowled. But bearing in mind his potential, he can be expected to make a comeback.

NZ vs AUS Broadcast Details

Match Timings: 06:30 AM IST

Live Streaming: Fancode

The prediction is for the team, batting second to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.