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New Zealand vs Australia Second T20I Preview

By Sridhar Bhamidi

25 Feb 2021

Sridhar Bhamidi 25 Feb 2021

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New Zealand host Australia in Dunedin at the University Oval for the second T20I on Thursday
The Kiwis won the first T20I by 53 runs, their best-ever T20I win over Australia
New Zealand have won 5 of their last 6 T20Is
Devon Conway has 3 scores of 50+ in his last 4 T20Is and 5 consecutive 50+ scores in T20 cricket
Aaron Finch has scored at least 37 in 8 of his last 13 T20Is

Will the Aussies comeback in the second T20I or will the Kiwi domination coninue? (Getty Images)

New Zealand recorded a comprehensive 53-run victory in the first T20I, their biggest ever margin against Australia with brilliant performances in all three departments. The teams now move to the University Oval in Dunedin, which will host its first-ever T20I on Thursday.

Both teams still have a lot to ponder as the theme remains World T20 selection. Australia, however, will have bigger concerns as the Big Bash performers will be keen for a quick rebound.

New Zealand Form

Devon Conway compiled a calm unbeaten 99 (59 balls, 10x4 3x6) to lift his side to 184/5 after losing three wickets inside the first four overs. With partnerships of 74, 47 and 44 runs from 19 balls at the death, it was Conway’s show for the hosts.

Exceptional swing bowling from Tim Southee (2/10) and Trent Boult (2/22) left Australia tottering at 19/4 after 4.2 overs subsequently snuffing their chances. Ish Sodhi helped himself to a career-best 4/28 as the chase meandered along.

New Zealand News

Martin Guptill was passed fit for the first match but continued his poor form with a duck. Finn Allen remains part of the squad, although he may still have to wait for his debut.

Australia Form

Australia started the first match well with Daniel Sams (2/40) and Jhye Richardson (2/31) leaving New Zealand 19/3 after four overs. However, sloppiness crept into their game leaving New Zealand off the hook – especially in the death overs.

What should worry the visitors is their appalling batting form. The top-order showed scant respect to the swinging ball and paid price. Mitchell Marsh (45 off 33, 5x4 2x6) and Ashton Agar (23 off 13, 2x4 1x6) only delayed the inevitable with Australia eventually getting all out in 17.3 overs.

Australia News

Matthew Wade struggled at the top and with Ben McDermott in the squad, either Wade or Josh Philippe could be replaced in the top-order. Kane Richardson’s poor returns may also bring in Jason Behrendorff or Andrew Tye.

New Zealand vs Australia Head-to-Head

The first match win was New Zealand’s first bilateral T20I win against Australia. They still lag 2-7 in ten T20Is against Australia with one tie.

New Zealand vs Australia Match Up

New Zealand looked ready and prepared while Australia looked rusty – probably because of the quarantine effects. Aaron Finch’s side will have to improve their top-order performances, while New Zealand will look to take further advantage of their superior new-ball attack.

New Zealand vs Australia Stats

New Zealand have won 5 of their last 6 T20Is.
Devon Conway has 3 scores of 50+ in his last 4 T20Is and 5 consecutive 50+ scores in T20 cricket.
Mitchell Marsh has hit at least one six in 5 of his last 6 T20Is, ending as Australia’s top-scorer (alone or joint) in 3.
Australia have lost the first two T20Is in their last two bilateral series.
Australia have lost three of their last four away bilateral T20Is.

Prediction

Australia would be keen to erase the bad memories of the first T20I, where they were completely outplayed. 76 runs were conceded in the last six overs with 33 coming in the last two, as the visitors looked rusty. New Zealand will be keen to continue that form and have several players scoring consistently T20s. The overall scales are still tilted towards the hosts, as Australia look to balance their squad.

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