AUS vs NZ Match Prediction - Who will win today's 2nd ODI match

Australia will lock horns against New Zealand in the second ODI match at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns on Thursday. Australia won the first match by just two wickets to take a 1-0 lead in a three-match series. New Zealand scored 232 runs batting first, with Devon Conway scoring 46 off 68, Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson scored 45 and Tom Latham scoring 43. For Australia, Glenn Maxwell took four wickets and Josh Hazlewood grabbed three while conceding only 31 runs. 

The World No. 1 ODI bowler Trent Boult gave Kiwis a flying start by dismissing star batters Aaron Finch, Steven Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne. But Alex Carey and Cameron Green pulled off a 158-run partnership for the sixth wicket to get Australia back into the game. Carey scored 85 off 99 and Green remained unbeaten on 89 to finish the game. Boult took four wickets for New Zealand and Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson grabbed two each.

Match Details:

Venue: Cazaly's Stadium, Cairns

Date & Time: September 8, 09:50 AM IST & 02:20 PM Local Time

Live Broadcast & Streaming: SonyLiv & Sony Six

Pitch Report:

The pitch at Cazaly's Stadium is neutral for both batters and bowlers. In the first innings of the last match, Trent Boult and Josh Hazlewood dominated the game but pacers were ineffective in the middle overs. 

Probable Playing XIs:

Australia:

David Warner, Aaron Finch (c), Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

New Zealand:

Martin Guptil, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (c), Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.

Probable Top Performers:

Probable best batter of the match:

David Warner:

The star Australian opener scored only 20 off 25 in the first match before getting caught off Matt Henry's delivery. But he remains the highest ranked Australian batter in the ICC ODI Batters chart and is in fine form lately with two big fifties on the Zimbabwe tour. Warner has scored 5794 runs in just 137 ODI matches at an impressive average of 44.91 so far.

Probable best bowler of the match:

Trent Boult:

The in-form left-arm pacer ranks  No. 1 in the ICC ODI Bowlers chart and he proved his standing against by taking four big wickets in the first match. Boult was excellent against West Indies in the last ODI series with the highest eight wickets in just three matches and now has 12 wickets to his names in last four ODI matches. 

Today Match Prediction: Australia 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.