When and Where to Watch New Zealand vs Australia, Live Streaming, Match Preview, Timings, and Pitch Report for 4th T20I

If Australia made a checklist of the issues that were pinching and keeping T20I victories at bay, they struck off each of those in a clinical performance at Wellington amidst fear of losing the series at the earliest juncture, after two underwhelming shows. That it did not happen was thanks to two of Australia’s most sought-after, and recently most-severely missed performers – skipper Aaron Finch, who finally brought his performance-drought to an end with a characteristically aggressive half-century, and Glenn Maxwell, who, too, got back into his groove with some blazing ball-striking.

Finch ended an extended rut of forgettable performances – the last 29 T20 appearances fetched him only 495 at 17.06, including a fairly forgettable Big Bash League in 20-2021 that saw him tallying merely 179 runs at 13.20. The breathing space for Maxwell must have increased as well after he spilled his own BBL slump in the series with scores of one and three before the 31-ball 70 at Wellington.

At the heart of Australia’s trouble has been the lack of discipline at the death, and their middle-order lethargy, the same phase that their rivals, New Zealand, have been bossing with some consistency. Although, Australia managed to turn the tables quite effectively in the last game: they scored 98/1 in overs 7-15, compared to New Zealand’s 61/5. After a sturdy target on the board, a sensational six-wicket haul from Ashton Agar in tandem with an impressive debut from Riley Meredith made a perfect formula for a perfect victory.

What, then, went wrong for New Zealand? Almost everything, barring Martin Guptill, who managed to build upon the sensational 97 in Dunedin with a 28-ball 43. Much to their disappointment, the hosts were also without the services of their premium left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner in a game where a left-arm spinner from the opponent camp picked a six-for. However, they will be content that Santner is fit and available for the upcoming game, having tested negative for COVID-19.

A slight bit of worry for the hosts will be the lean patch of Tim Seifert, who is yet to score anything in the double-digits in the series (1,3, and 4), and Kyle Jamieson, whose figures combined from three matches read 1/126 in 11 overs. New Zealand is still in the green, leading the series 2-1, and while one loss will not be a reason to press the panic button, they would not want to let Australia take the series into a decider.

Pitch and conditions

A seven-day lockdown in Auckland due to a local COVID-19 case has changed the logistics significantly. With all the games, including the England-New Zealand women’s series, being played at the same venue and same track, the surface will certainly be under some test. There is no expectation of rain, and a full match is on the cards.

Playing combination for NZ vs AUS

New Zealand

New Zealand was forced to include Mark Chapman as a replacement for an unfit Mitchell Santner in the previous fixture. Having regained fitness, Santner will be a sure entrant in the eleven. Another change seems unlikely.

Predicted XI: Martin Guptill, Tim Seifert (WK), Kane Williamson (C), Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult

Australia

The inclusion of Riley Meredith bore instant fruits for Australia, and after a dominant performance, there is no particular reason to change the winning combination.

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

NZ vs AUS Head to Head 

Played – 12 | Australia – 8 | New Zealand – 3 | Tied – 1

NZ vs AUS Broadcast Details 

Match Timings 11:30 AM (IST)

Live Streaming– Fancode