Last Updated on 7 years by Charbel Coorey
Cheeky, cheeky New Zealand…
With just one win in the entire competition, including two losses at home, New Zealand are in with a chance of lifting the T20 Tri Series Trophy. Australia’s dominance, where they have won four out of four matches, has meant that they go into the final as favourites, and must against “choking”.
Over 30,000 fans will again pack out Eden Park for a rematch of one of the most extraordinary matches in T20I history. Even on a small ground, not many people would have predicted Australia to chase down a record 244 with more than an over to spare, and New Zealand face an almighty task to try and fight back from such a defeat.
Being kind, New Zealand’s T20 form is scratchy, with just one win in their last six starts, dropping from first to fourth in the T20I rankings in the process. They even lost to a side whose coach believes there is no room for T20 Internationals, which says something about New Zealand at the moment. Yes, you guessed correctly, it was England’s coach Trevor Bayliss.
For Australia, their rejuvenation in the format stems from rewarding the excellent Big Bash performers, who have made an impact in this series. Glenn Maxwell has shown he has to be in all of
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Australia’s limited overs plans, and David Warner hit a timely half century in the last game, to go with D’Arcy Short and Aaron Finch’s excellent batting performances. Australia’s bowlers, like New Zealand’s, didn’t have a fun time at Eden Park last time around, so it will be interesting to see how they go this time.
Key to a New Zealand win
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| Can New Zealand’s bowlers get it right in the final? |
Key to a Australia win
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| Warner & Short scored 91 in the powerplay last game. Image courtesy of Fox Sports |
Predicted teams
For New Zealand, much will depend on Munro and Guptill at the top, as the middle order didn’t take advantage of the fast start last game against England. All eyes will also be on New Zealand’s bowlers, who haven’t had it easy this series. I expect the Black Caps to have faith that the same side can deliver.
New Zealand XI: 1. Martin Guptill, 2. Colin Munro, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Mark Chapman, 5. Ross Taylor, 6. Colin de Grandhomme, 7. Tim Seifert (wk), 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Tim Southee, 10. Ish Sodhi, 11. Trent Boult
In the 240+ game, only Ashton Agar went for under 10 an over with the ball for Australia. The bowling line up will be cause for discussion in the lead up to the game, but I think it would be wrong and unfair for Australia to make changes. The bowlers had to adjust from the MCG to Eden Park, which is a massive change, and should be better for the experience last week. However, it wouldn’t surprise me if Australia look to swap a fast bowler with a spinner to take further pace off the ball.
Australia XI: 1. David Warner (c), 2. D’Arcy Short, 3. Chris Lynn, 4. Glenn Maxwell, 5. Aaron Finch, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Ashton Agar, 9. Kane Richardson, 10. Andrew Tye, 11. Billy Stanlake
Stats & Facts:
- New Zealand have scored 196/5, 243/6 and 192/4 in their three games at home, and have only won one.
- Australia have won their last five T20Is, whereas New Zealand have won just one of their last five.
- Glenn Maxwell averages over 106 in this series.
Prediction
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