New Zealand and Australia will lock horns in a three-match T20I series for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. The first T20I between the sides will take place at the Sky Stadium in Wellington on Wednesday.
Both the Australia and New Zealand enter the series after winning thier home tour. Australia won T20I 2-1 series at home against the West Indies. Meanwhile, New Zealand routed Pakistan in their previous T20I series by a 4-1 margin. The T20I series will be followed by two Tests.
Talking about Australia, It will be led by star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis has been added after he recovered from a rib injury. Whereas, New Zealand will be led by Mitchell Santner and big names like Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry and Tim Seifert will miss the series.
The last time New Zealand and Australia met in cricket was when they both faced each other in the league fixture of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Australia won the thrilling match by 5 runs after New Zealand fell just short of chasing 389 runs.
Head-to-Head
These two teams have played a total of 16 games in the shortest format of the game. Australia hold the edge with 10 wins, while New Zealand have won six matches.
Weather Report
The conditions on Wednesday evening are expected to be cloudy, with a temperature of around 17°C. The humidity level will be 62 percent, and the wind speed will be on the higher side at 23 km/h.
Pitch Report
The pitch in Wellington is a drop-in surface that tends to favour the batters more. Hence, the teams have chased targets at this venue. That is why the record for the chasing team is better at this venue. The bowlers will get some initial movement only.
Predicted XIs
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Josh Clarkson, Mitchell Santner (c), Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson
Australia: David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Dream11 Fantasy
Wicket-keeper: Devon Conway
Batters: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Finn Allen
All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra
Bowlers: Tim Southee, Mitchell Starc