Match Details
Date: 3 March, 2021
Time: 11:30 AM IST
Venue: Sky Stadium, Wellington
Preview:
It’s now time for the 3rd T20I of the 5-match series between New Zealand and Australia at Sky Stadium, Wellington. The hosts have already taken a 2-0 lead and will look to seal the series on Wednesday. On the other hand, the Aussies will come into this contest with a sole aim of surviving in the series.
After the Kiwis demolished Australia in the series opener, the 2nd T20I in Dunedin proved to be quite an exciting contest. It was a run-fest as New Zealand posted a mammoth total of 219/7. Marin Guptill (97 off 50) stole the show with his breath-taking knock. While skipper Kane Williamson (53 off 35) was also at his best. All-rounder James Neesham (45* off 16) showed his exemplary explosive abilities to finish the innings on a high.
In response, the Aussies put up a valiant fight through Josh Philippe (45 off 32), Marcus Stoinis (78 off 37) and Daniel Sams (41 off 15), they fell 5 runs short of the target. Mitchell Santner (4/31) was brilliant for the Kiwis as New Zealand doubled their lead in the 5-match series. While the lower-middle order did try their best, Aussies top-order had another disappointing outing. While skipper Aaron Finch (12 off 14) and Glenn Maxwell (3 off 5) could not get going, Matthew Wade (24 off 15) failed to capitalize on his start.
The last T20I played at this stadium (between New Zealand and India) went to a Super Over. The fans can definitely expect another exciting clash at the iconic venue in Wellington. With the series on stake, Aaron Finch’s side will come out all guns blazing when they meet the high-flying Kiwis on Wednesday.
Team News
New Zealand:
The hosts are expected to go with the same winning combination that featured in the first two matches. While Mark Chapman is expected to miss out, it will be interesting to see if the Kiwis rest a pace bowler to give Hamish Bennett an opportunity.
Australia:
The visitors might consider to make a few changes to the bowling attack that has conceded 184 and 219 in the two contests so far. Jason Behrendorff, Riley Meredith, Tanveer Sangha and Andrew Tye are the few bowling options that Aussies have on bench.
Head-to-Head (In T20Is)
Matches: 11
New Zealand: 4
Australia: 7
Players to watch out for:
Devon Conway:
Matches: 2 | Runs: 101 | Average: 101 | Strike Rate: 162.90 | HS: 99
Marcus Stoinis:
Matches: 2 | Runs: 86 | Average: 43 | Strike Rate: 179.17 | HS: 78
Ish Sodhi:
Matches: 2 | Wickets: 5 | Average: 12 | Economy: 8 | BBI: 4/31
Jhye Richardson:
Matches: 2 | Wickets: 3 | Average: 23.33 | Economy: 8.75 | BBI: 2/31
Probable Playing XI
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
Australia:
Aaron Finch (c), Matthew Wade (wk), Josh Philippe, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Agar, Daniel Sams, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson, Jhye Richardson
Disclaimer: The tips and facts expressed within this article are personal opinion of the author. They do not reflect the views of SportsTiger. It is not a reflection of the actual points you might earn. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.