New Zealand will host Australia in a three-match T20 series ahead of the rapidly approaching T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA.
With the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy on the line, both sides will be eager to impress in the series opener this Wednesday.
Josh Nevett takes a close look at the contest with his free preview and cricket betting tips below.
New Zealand vs Australia 1st T20 Preview & Betting Tips
Sky Stadium, Wellington, Wednesday February 21st, 5:10pm (AEDT)
Squads
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Trent Boult
Match Preview
New Zealand and Australia have both been busy this summer, hosting enthralling home fixtures across all formats.
Now the Black Caps will take on the Aussies in a three-match Trans-Tasman T20 series, as the teams gear up for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup.
New Zealand won their most recent T20 series against Pakistan 4-1, scoring comfortable victories until the final dead rubber encounter.
Australia are in similarly good form, having knocked off a strong West Indies outfit 2-1 with many first choice players missing.
The likes of Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins are all back in the fold for this series, with Spencer Johnson travelling for the injured Marcus Stoinis.
It’s essentially a full-strength squad, matched by New Zealand’s strong crop minus Darryl Mitchell, who is aiming to return for the tests after sustaining a foot injury.
Surprisingly, Australia are hot favourites for this first match despite New Zealand holding a higher ICC ranking (2nd vs 4th). Considering the home advantage as well, I’m happy to side with the Black Caps on this occasion.
New Zealand to Win
$2.35 (1 Unit)
Prop Bets
Maxwell was at his brilliant best in Game 2 against the Windies, chalking up eight sixes on his way to 120* off 55 balls. The star all-rounder should enjoy the small boundaries in NZ, and I’m backing him to contribute strongly here.
Player to Hit 2+ Sixes – Glenn Maxwell $2.20 (Ladbrokes)
Allen was one of the standouts against Pakistan, managing four 20+ scores including a mammoth 137. He now averages 26 in this format, and 42 against Australia.
Player to Score 20+ Runs – Finn Allen $1.66 (Ladbrokes)
