Australia vs New Zealand, 2020: 1st ODI – Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details

The 1st of the three-match ODI series between Australia and New Zealand will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney on Friday, March 13, 2020.

The match is scheduled to start at 2:30 PM Local, 9:00 AM IST, 3:30 AM GMT. The match live broadcast on Sony Six and Sony Six HD. You can also catch the live streaming of the match on SonyLiv website and app.

Match Preview for Dream11 Fantasy:

Australia would be under the pump when they take on their arch-rivals New Zealand for the first ODI of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. The two teams are coming into this series with contrasting results on their back. The hosts were whitewashed 3-0 in South Africa against an inexperienced Proteas side fighting for recovery. On the other hand, New Zealand defeated Virat Kohli’s Indian team 3-0 to assert their good run in ODIs.

Without a doubt, New Zealand under Kane Williamson is a side to reckon with. The team will have its fast-bowling trio of Trent Boult, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson back in the squad. Kyle Jamieson, who made a huge impression in the India series could still get an opportunity purely on form. Williamson wouldn’t want to change the batting line-up or rather the top 7 which won Kiwis the final ODI against India.

Australia’s downfall in South Africa is purely basic because of the inconsistency as opener David Warner highlighted during a pre-series conference. But, skipper Aaron Finch would know the conditions in Sydney will be more suitable for him, Warner, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. Mitchell Starc will be back in action while there could be toss-up between Kane Richardson and Jos Hazlewood.

Both teams look solid on paper and it would be a cracker of a match on Friday. The two teams have chosen to wear special retro jerseys for this series.

Weather Report

The weather in Sydney has cleared up quite nicely since the semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The weather on Friday is likely to be mostly sunny and the conditions will be quite pleasant. Going by the report on AccuWeather, the temperature will be between 17 and 25 degrees celsius.

Pitch Report

The SCG pitch is probably one of the flattest wickets in Australia. For any visiting team, this pitch is a good opportunity to start off the series. The pace and bounce on the surface is expected to be there as any other Aussie pitch. The side which wins the toss is likely to opt to bat first as putting a huge score is the go-to option on this pitch.

Average 1st Inns scores – 319 (Last five ODIs played at the venue)

Record of teams chasing- Won – 1; Lost – 4

Injury and Availability News:

(Will update if there is any news)

Probable Playing XIs

Australia

Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuchagne, D’arcy Short, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Kane Richardson/Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.

Bench: Matthew Wade, Ashton Agar

New Zealand

Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(wk), James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

Bench: Tim Southee, Tom Blundell, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry

Top picks

Steve Smith is a top pick in whichever format he plays. In ODIs, he hasn’t been in great form lately but he will surely see this series as a great opportunity to make a strong statement. Aaron Finch and Marnus Labuschagne are good picks as well. David Warner, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc can’t be ignored as well, even though their form was slightly off in the South African series.

Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor are two individuals who form the mainstay of the New Zealand batting. Both the players have loads of experience which always pays off. Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme are the two other options who could be tempting choices. Tom Latham is also in good form with the bat.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection

Captain options- Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Aaron Finch

Vice-captain options- Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Ross Taylor

Suggested Playing XI no.1 for fantasy cricket:

Keeper- Tom Latham

Batsmen- Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Aaron Finch, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (C)

All-rounder- Colin de Grandhomme

Bowlers- Trent Boult, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc (VC), Adam Zampa

Suggested Playing XI no. 2 for fantasy cricket:

Keeper- Alex Carey

Batsmen- Kane Williamson (C), Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Marnus Labuschagne (VC), David Warner

All-rounder- James Neesham

Bowlers – Kyle Jamieson, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Lockie Ferguson

Expert Advice

It shouldn’t be a bad idea to make one of the Australian bowlers vice-captain of your Dream11 Fantasy team as they are generally known to have a lid on New Zealand.

Probable Winner

The hosts Australia are the favourites but the visitors surely can pack a punch.

Note: Updated Fantasy teams and Playing XIs of every match will be provided in our Telegram channel if the information is available.

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