Last Updated on 4 years by Charbel Coorey

NZ vs AUS 3rd T20I Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | NZ vs AUS 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | New Zealand vs Australia 3rd T20I Key Players | Wellington Pitch Report

It has felt like an age since a thrilling second T20I, where Australia nearly pulled off the miracle of all miracles to level the series. A period of six days usually sees any T20I series being completed, but a total of six days between the second and third T20I has given both teams the chance to prepare adequately for this one.

And New Zealand, who have more answers than Australia, have the chance to seal the series in Wellington. For the first time since the SCG ODI a year ago, New Zealand will be playing behind closed doors due to a community outbreak of COVID-19 in Auckland. The crowds in Christchurch and Dunedin got behind the Black Caps, so not having fans present will be something for Kane Williamson’s men to adjust to.

For Australia, the series is on the line and they must step up. They are yet to produce a complete batting or bowling display so far, and with a T20 World Cup fast approaching, the Australians need more of an idea of their best combinations. This will be another good test against a good side, so another interesting contest awaits.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

New Zealand:

• Martin Guptill has the most runs in T20Is at Westpac Stadium (10 inns, 332 runs, avg. 36.88, SR 126.23). Also, he is coming off a superb 97 off 50 balls in the second T20I.
• Tim Seifert loves batting on this ground. He has struck two half-centuries in four matches, with a total of 171 runs (avg. 57.00, SR 166.01).
• Kane Williamson scored a quick 35-ball 53 in the second T20I. Williamson has enjoyed success on this ground, with 163 runs in four knocks at an average of 40.75 and strike rate of 132.52.
• Devon Conway didn’t have the opportunity to bat long in the second T20I after his superb 99* in the opening game. He recently had a brilliant Super Smash tournament: 455 runs 10 matches at an average of 65 and SR 135.82.
• Tim Southee has taken 12 wickets in his last six T20Is. He has not gone wicketless in any T20I match so far this season (vs. West Indies, Pakistan, Australia). Also, he has taken 14 wickets in seven matches on this ground.

Australia:

• Aaron Finch is undoubtedly one of three key players who must step up if Australia are to bounce back. Can he and Glenn Maxwell overcome some poor form in recent times?
• Matthew Wade enjoyed fine form in the T20I series against India in late 2020. He struck 58 (32) and 80 (53) in the last two matches against them.
• Marcus Stoinis enjoys playing in New Zealand. After his 146 in an ODI in 2017, Stoinis nearly got Australia home again in the second T20I after smashing 78 off 37 balls. Daniel Sams also went big (41 off 15 balls), but has conceded a whopping 93 runs in 5.4 overs at the death in T20Is.
• Kane Richardson will be key at the death, as will Jhye Richardson, who recently took 29 wickets in 17 games in the BBL.
• Should Australia play Andrew Tye? He has eight wickets in three T20Is vs New Zealand.

Stats and Facts

• Martin Guptill has the most runs of any player in NZ-AUS T20Is (9 inns, 314 runs, avg. 34.88, SR 155.44).
• Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa have struggled for control this series, but both remain key to Australia’s hopes. Agar has taken 13 wickets in his last eight T20Is (but none in this series).
• New Zealand have won eight of 12 T20Is on this ground.

Possible Playing 11

Mitchell Santner is out after waking up with a head cold.

New Zealand: 1. Martin Guptill, 2. Tim Seifert (wk), 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Devon Conway, 5. Glenn Phillips, 6. James Neesham, 7. Adam Milne/Hamish Bennett, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Kyle Jamieson, 10. Ish Sodhi, 11. Trent Boult

Australia: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. Matthew Wade (wk), 3. Josh Philippe, 4. Mitchell Marsh, 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Ashton Agar, 8. Daniel Sams/Andrew Tye, 9. Jhye Richardson, 10. Kane Richardson, 11. Adam Zampa

Westpac Stadium Wellington Pitch Report and Weather

Westpac Stadium in Wellington has the lowest run rate (8.03) of any ground in New Zealand in T20Is. The last three games of this series will be played here, so assessing conditions quickly will be key for Australia in particular.

The forecast is for a cloudy but rain-free evening.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Match Prediction

New Zealand hold the aces at the moment, as they look a more complete side than Australia. However, the Aussies showed some good signs at stages in the second T20I, and will look to build on those. The absence of a crowd might just enable Australia to come away from this match with an important victory.

Thanks for reading!