NZ vs AUS: 3rd T20I, Match Prediction- Who will win today’s match?

Australia and New Zealand have enjoyed a five-day break after the second T20I. But a lot has changed in the country since that match. There will be no spectators for the last three T20Is of the series and most importantly the remaining matches are set to be played in Wellington itself. The first two matches had gotten a lot of response from the crowd but such are the times that a single COVID-19 case in Auckland has put the whole country on red alert.

However, that doesn’t keep the two teams in action away from quality cricket in the middle. New Zealand won the series opener comfortably while Australia gave them a huge scare in the 220-run chase in the second game courtesy of Marcus Stoinis only to fall four runs short. This is the must-win game for the visitors and unlike other pitches, the Westpac Stadium doesn’t seem to be extremely flat which should relieve Australian bowlers to some extent.

New Zealand, on the other hand, will be looking to seal the series after a clinical display earlier. However, the management will be worried a bit after the way they allowed Australia to make a comeback despite dominating the proceedings until the Stoinis assault. The Kiwis will be hoping for a better effort at the back end of the innings with the ball.

Pitch and Conditions

The Westpac Stadium in Wellington last hosted a T20I in January 2020 when India toured the Kiwi country. However, if the matches during Super Smash 2020-21 are considered, no team posted a score in excess of 200 with the first innings average score in the last five T20 matches being 163. Chasing teams won four of those encounters which will prompt the captains to field first after winning the toss.

The forecast is for rain early in the morning in Wellington. But things seem to be clear during the match though there will be intermittent clouds.

Playing Combinations for NZ vs AUS

New Zealand

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

Bench: Mark Chapman, Hamish Bennett/Kyle Jamieson

Australia

Matthew Wade (WK), Aaron Finch (C), Josh Philippe, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Agar/Andrew Tye/Jason Behrendorff, Daniel Sams, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa

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

Probable Top Performers

Tim Seifert – New Zealand

Tim Seifert had a brilliant Pakistan series and he fared decently in the Super Smash as well. But the dynamic batsman is yet to fire in this series. With scores of 1 and 3 so far in two outings, Seifert will be desperate to get out of the rut and what better than this game where the series is up for grabs!

Aaron Finch – Australia

Martin Guptill found his lost form in the previous outing after a long time and Australia skipper Aaron Finch would look to take inspiration from him. Finch’s bat is quiet for long now and the man doesn’t have much to show in terms of numbers in 2021 in the shortest format. With social media trolls and threats to him and his wife also making headlines, this is the perfect time for Finch to respond to all critics and keyboard warriors.

NZ vs AUS Broadcast Details

Match Timings: 11:30 AM IST

Live Streaming: Fancode

The prediction is for Australia to win the match and pull one back on New Zealand.

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.