New Zealand vs Australia Fifth T20I Preview: The visitors are well-placed to complete the turnaround

Australia forced a series decider by trouncing New Zealand by 50 runs in the fourth T20I in Hamilton. As the teams prepare for the fifth and final match at the same venue on Sunday, it is the visitors who have their tails up. It could be a moment of concern for New Zealand that the last time they were 2-2 going into the final match of a five-match T20I home series, they lost.

After starting strong, New Zealand have lost their way in the series. Devon Conway (156) and Martin Guptill (147) have been their lone batsmen to aggregate 100+ runs this series. They would dearly want their captain Kane Williamson to come out his mini-slump – scores of 8, 9, and 12 around his 53 in the second T20I.

Bigger worries are in the bowling department, though, where Kyle Jamieson (ER 11.66) and James Neesham (ER 13.16) have undone all the good work of their spinners Ish Sodhi and Mitch Santner who have combined for 16 wickets in this series.

Jamieson’s place remains a doubt, but his hard-hitting innings-topping 30 in the fourth T20I may have put some confidence back. Hamish Bennet remains a choice, otherwise.

The Australian revival in the series is led by their captain Aaron Finch, who is now their top-scorer of the series (161 runs, SR 140.00). Although the top-order flopped in the last match, Australia will be confident of a good show.

Bowling has been led by Ashton Agar (eight wickets, ER 7.00) who has been exceptional in the power play overs. Kane Richardson (seven wickets) continues to be among the wickets, although his ER (9.30) is a bit to worry about.

Australia didn’t change their winning combination for the fourth T20I and there is no reason for them to change it for the last match.

Australia are now 9-3 ahead against New Zealand in the win-loss count with one match ending as a tie. Importantly, they have won all three matches played at this venue.

New Zealand lost their momentum in the third match and that halted their charge even in the fourth game. After scores of 184 and 219 in the first two matches, the Kiwis have stuttered to 144 and 106, which is a concern. Australia, on the other hand, have reaped the benefits of Aaron Finch getting back to form. It could come down to how well the seamers on either side will perform.

The series has seen all four matches won by the team batting first, which was also the case with the last six T20Is at this venue. Australia definitely have their tails up, especially their top-order led by Finch. He is a tough nut to bowl to when in prime form and we expect him to continue doing that. Australia are once again slight favourites to win this and with that the series.