NZ vs AUS: 5th T20I, Match Prediction- Who will win today’s match?

The five-match T20I series started with New Zealand beating Australia in Christchurch and Dunedin. However, the Westpac Stadium in Wellington has been kind to Aaron Finch and Co, who managed victories in both their matches at the venue. The wins also meant that the Aussies came back from 0-2 down to draw an equalizer. The final T20I of the series is set to be played in Wellington itself.

At the Westpac Stadium, the Kiwis have won eight out of 14 T20Is, losing five of them. But after the first two games when they were brimming with confidence, the situation has changed. The Black Caps are now in a must-win scenario as well. In the previous match, the visiting team won by 50 runs after posting 156 on the board. It remains to be seen which team comes on the top after the last game.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Wellington has been a decent one for batting thus far in the series. In the first game at the venue, the Aussies managed over 200 runs. Batting first should be the way forward for both the teams in the crucial game.

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, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult

Bench: Mark Chapman, Hamish Bennett

Australia

Matthew Wade (WK), Aaron Finch (C), Josh Philippe, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Riley Meredith

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

Probable Top Performers

Martin Guptill – New Zealand

Martin Guptill returned from injury in the first T20I and started with a duck. But thereafter, he managed scores of 97 and 43, guiding his team to stupendous victories. Though he got out cheaply last time around, a lot would be expected of the veteran in the must-win game at the Westpac Stadium.

Aaron Finch – Australia

Aaron Finch had a terrible run in the 2020-21 edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). Adding insult to injury, he flattered to deceive in the first two T20Is as well. However, in the last two games, he managed to score fifties, leading his team to victories. The skipper will again want to lead from the front.

NZ vs AUS Broadcast Details

Match Timings: 04:30 AM IST

Live Streaming: Fancode

The prediction is for the team, batting first 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.