New Zealand vs Australia T20 tips & predictions | Game 1

New Zealand kick off their international cricket season this Wednesday night at Mount Maunganui as they welcome Australia for a three-match T20 series.

Both sides have been in excellent form on the T20 stage. The hosts have won nine of their 10 matches this year, headlined by a tri-series sweep against South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Similarly, Australia have won seven of their eight matches, including a 5-0 series victory in the West Indies.

In head-to-head matchups, the visitors have had the edge over their Trans-Tasman rivals, winning all three matches when the sides met last year. However, both sides have made substantial changes to their lineup since then.

Leading cricket betting sites have the Aussies as favorites at -208.33, but if you are looking for more value, New Zealand are paying +175 as home underdogs.

• 

  Fast Payouts

New Zealand team news

The major news out of the New Zealand camp is the absence of captain Mitchell Santner due to an abdominal injury. As a result, all-rounder Michael Bracewell will take the reins.

Expect a very similar team to their most recent clash against Pakistan. Tim Seifert and Devon Conway are tipped to open the batting, with Rachin Ravindra coming in at three ahead of the experienced pair of Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell.

Bracewell is likely to come in at six ahead of either Zak Foulkes or the returning Kyle Jamieson, who will form a pace quartet alongside Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy. Ish Sodhi is tipped to provide the spin option.

New Zealand’s expected XI:

1. Tim Seifert
2. Devon Conway
3. Rachin Ravindra
4. Mark Chapman
5. Daryl Mitchell
6. Michael Bracewell (c)
7. Kyle Jamieson
8. Zakary Foulkes
9. Ish Sodhi
10. Matt Henry
11. Jacob Duffy

Australia team news

The Australian lineup is tipped to remain similar to their recent series against South Africa, led by captain Mitch Marsh and Travis Head at the top of the order.

Cameron Green and Josh Inglis have been left at home, opening the door for Mitch Owen and Marcus Stoinis to move up the order, while Tim David and Glenn Maxwell also provide all-round support.

Alex Carey will take the gloves, while Adam Zampa brings his leg spin. The pace attack will involve some combination of Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood and Xavier Bartlett.

Australia’s expected XI:

1. Travis Head
2. Mitch Marsh (c)
3. Mitch Owen
4. Marcus Stoinis
5. Tim David
6. Glenn Maxwell
7. Alex Carey
8. Sean Abbott
9. Ben Dwarshuis
10. Josh Hazlewood
11. Adam Zampa

New Zealand vs Australia T20 predictions

Match winner – Australia

While question marks remain around this Australian side, expect them to be too strong in this matchup. Their imposing batting style should be too much for the inexperienced home attack, while the New Zealand batting lineup lacks the power to match. Despite playing on the road, back the Aussies as -208.33 favorites with BetOnline.

Two or more wickets – Jacob Duffy

Fast bowler Jacob Duffy has had an excellent year for the Black Caps. The 31-year-old has taken multiple wickets in four of his last six matches, including an impressive 4/20 last time out at the Bay Oval. Tipped to take the new ball, look for Duffy to finish with two or more wickets at +125 with major online bookmakers.

30 or more runs – Tim David

In world cricket right now, you will struggle to find a batsman more destructive than Australia’s Tim David. Despite coming in down the order, David has passed 30 in four of his last five innings, with a strike rate well over 200. Expect David to take full advantage of New Zealand’s smaller grounds, scoring 30 or more runs at +115 with the best T20 betting sites.