Trans-Tasman T20 Tri Series Final: New Zealand vs Australia Preview
We are at the final step of the tri-series tournament and the joint hosts Australia and New Zealand have made it to the final. While the Aussies had a clear path to the final, the Kiwis sneaked in at a better net run rate. That makes the final at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, February 21st an interesting watch.
New Zealand – can they erase their poor form?
New Zealand have had a poor tournament and only a worse performance from England helped them reach the final. They won one match and only better run rate over England propelled them here.
The hosts have been largely dependent on Martin Guptill (237 runs, Avg. 59.25, SR 162.32) and Colin Munro (147 runs, Avg. 36.75, SR 210) at the top of the order. Together they account for more than 50% of the runs they scored in the tournament!
The worry for the Kiwis is the poor form of their captain Kane Williamson (89 runs, SR of 108.53) who has been guilty of stalling their charge in a couple of matches. Also, their bowlers have been leaking runs aplenty, with Tim Southee (economy of 8.75) their most economical bowler!
Australia – strong favourites
Using the Big Bash talent helped Australia set the benchmark in the series and they revelled in that, chalking out four successive wins. The only time they had a challenge was when they played earlier in Auckland, but even then, an authoritative batting display won them the game comfortably.
Glenn Maxwell (213 runs, Avg. 106.5, SR 174.59) has been a huge influence for the Aussies who have their fast bowling trio of Kane Richardson (six), Billy Stanlake (seven), and Andrew Tye (eight) picking up 21 of the 30 wickets taken by the bowlers. Worries? There are very few for the Aussies, if any, and the only question remains the limited game time that their middle-order got in the matches.
Stats
New Zealand have won only once in their last six T20I matches. They have lost four T20Is in a row in Auckland and have eight losses in 15 matches here.
Australia have won their last five T20I matches. They haven’t been able to win six in a row since the 2010 T20I World Cup.
New Zealand have won only one of their eight encounters against Australia.
Key battles
The final will be a battle of attrition between the two sets of openers. Guptill and Colin Munro have been among the runs and should they fail, the hosts can bid their chances adieu.
David Warner has picked up form with his knock at the same venue in the last match and should be a handful along with D’Arcy Short.
Picks
Australia are favourites to win at odds of $1.57 (Sportsbet), but don’t discount the hosts out of this competition. Odds on their win are $2.50 (William Hill).
TIP: Australia to win – $1.57 at Sportsbet
Back the visitors to put up the best opening partnership at odds of $1.90 (Sportsbet).
Back New Zealand to hitthe most sixes at odds of $2.10 (William Hill).
TIP: Australia highest opening partnership – $1.90 at Sportsbet
