Trans-Tasman Tri-Series 2018, NZ vs AUS, 5th T20I Preview: Chance for New Zealand to seal a berth in the final

Australia is already in the final waiting for either New Zealand or England to arrive, but the Kiwis are well ahead of the English in this race. The second leg of the tournament kick-started with the hosts beating England and the latter’s chances of making it to the final look very grim, but if Australia can do them a favour in this game, it’ll be game on.

Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill fired their side home in the previous game and would be eager to replicate the same. It was a high-class batting rendition from them and they showed the world why they are touted as one of the best-limited overs sides. They managed to edge the Lions by 12 runs but the task will only get difficult against the Aussies.

The Aussies on the other side are in devastating form. Every game a different player is stepping up to take their side home, which is the hallmark of a good team. They haven’t lost a single game yet in this T20 series. Regardless of the outcome, both these sides are in good touch and will provide a cracker of a contest at the Eden Park.

Head to Head

Total games played – 7, Australia won – 5, New Zealand won -1, Tied – 1, No Result – 0

Playing Combinations

New Zealand

Martin Guptill and Colin Munro form quite a devastating opening combination and following them at number 3 would be Kane Williamson. Tom Bruce, Anaru Kitchen, Tom Blundell, and Colin de Grandhomme are the players present in the middle order. Mitchell Santner and Tim Southee can chip in with some big hits towards the end as well.

Tim Southee and Trent Boult will be their new ball bowlers and they have another decent seam bowling option in Colin de Grandhomme. They might go with two spinners – Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi, whilst Munro will be the part-time bowling option for Williamson.

Probable XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (C), Tom Bruce, Anaru Kitchen, Tom Blundell (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult

Australia

D’Arcy Short is off to a decent start in his T20I career after a breathtaking Big Bash campaign. Chris Lynn and Glenn Maxwell will follow at number 3 and 4, who are in the form of their life currently. Finch might once again bat in the middle order, with Marcus Stoinis and Alex Carey following him.

Andrew Tye and Billy Stanlake are relishing the opportunity of being the strike bowlers for David Warner. Kane Richardson provides another great bowling option for the skipper, with Ashton Agar, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis being the other bowling options, who add more variety to the lineup.

Probable XI: David Warner (C), D’Arcy Short, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Finch, Alex Carey (wk), Ashton Agar, Kane Richardson, Andrew Tye, Billy Stanlake

Focus will be on

Colin Munro (New Zealand)

One of the most destructive players in the world, Munro already has earned quite a reputation in the shortest format. He has failed in both the games for the Kiwis thus far and the task will get a little more difficult this Friday against a rampant Aussie bowling attack. But he loves to take up such challenging situations and will be one player to watch out for.

D’Arcy Short (Australia)

The 27-year-old entered the elite level a little late but managed to grab great attention with a high-class performance in the Big Bash League. The southpaw has already managed to win a massive IPL contract and is looking well set to earn an ODI debut in the future. If he can register few more good scores, the selectors will find it very difficult to ignore him.

StatAttack

5 – New Zealand lost five of their seven T20I games at the Eden Park.

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