NZ vs AUS Match Prediction: Who will win today’s 3rd T20I match? | CricTracker

New Zealand will take on Australia in the third T20I in Auckland on February 25.

By Adreej Kumar Mitra

Published – 25 Feb 2024, 08:15 IST | Updated – 25 Feb 2024, 09:05 IST

6 Min Read

New-Zealand. (Photo by Sanka Vidanagama / AFP) (Photo by SANKA VIDANAGAMA/AFP via Getty Images)100

Preview

Having already won the three-match series, Australia will be looking to inflict a whitewash on New Zealand when the trans-Tasman rivals lock horns in the third T20I on Sunday, February 25, at Eden Park, Auckland.

The first T20I in Wellington turned out to be a riveting affair as Australia chased down a 216-run target thanks to a last-ball boundary by Tim David off Tim Southee. The second T20I in Auckland, however, was a one-sided contest as Australia bowled out the Kiwis for 102 after setting a target of 175 runs.

With the series already decided, it will be easy to say that there isn’t much to play for. However, with the T20 World Cup set to commence in June, the two teams will want to make the most of every game that they are going to play in the lead up to the marquee event.

David Warner and Devon Conway will miss the final T20I due to injuries. Meanwhile, Australia could rest the likes of Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood. Matthew Wade is expected to step in as captain in place of Marsh, while Spencer Johnson and Mitchell Starc could come in for Cummins and Hazlewood. Matthew Short could replace Warner. Meanwhile, Tim Seifert has been added to the squad in place of Conway.

Match Details

Particulars	Details
Match	Australia Tour of New Zealand 2024, 3rd T20I
Venue	Eden Park, Auckland
Date & Time	Sunday, February 25, 5:30 AM (IST)
Live Broadcast and Streaming Details	Amazon Prime (app and website)

Pitch Report

Australia scored two runs more than the Average first-innings score at Eden Park and it proved to be more than enough. Travis Head played a blinder upfront and got his team off to a great start. Things got difficult as the ball got older. The hard back of a length delivery gave the bowlers success but still Australia used it to good effect. New Zealand bowlers will have to learn from their mistakes and bounce back on Sunday to give their fans something to cheer for.

Click Here: NZ vs AUS Live Score, 3rd T20I

Head-to-Head Record

Matches Played	18
New Zealand won	6
Australia won	12

Probable Playing XIs

New Zealand (NZ):

Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Mitchell Santner (c), Adam Milne, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears

Australia (AUS):

Matthew Short, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh/Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

Probable Best Batter of the Match

Travis Head has been in destructive mood in the series so far. In the first game, he lived on the edge and managed to add 24 runs off 15 balls. In the second encounter, his whirlwind knock of 45 off just 22 balls was studded with two fours and five sixes. If the Kiwis don’t get rid of him early, Head could take the game away from them in the blink of an eye.

Probable Best Bowler of the Match

Lockie Ferguson has been one of the rare bright spots for New Zealand in the series. The experienced seamer has picked up five wickets in the two games at an average of 7 and an economy rate of just 4.47. In the previous game, he finished with excellent figures of 4/12 in 3.5 overs. Ferguson has the ability to pick wickets and New Zealand will want him to continue his good run of form.

Today’s Match Prediction: Australia to win the match

Scenario 1

New Zealand win the toss and bowl.

Powerplay Score: 50-60

First Innings Score: 170-190

Australia win the match.

Scenario 2

Australia win the toss and bowl.

Powerplay Score: 45-55

First Innings Score: 160-180