Just three days after Australia took out the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, the Black Caps have to front up in what is a dead rubber on Sunday in the 3rd and final ODI match of the series. It will also be a signficant one for the Aussies with captain Aaron Finch announcing his retirement from the ODI format after a string of poor performances.
Can New Zealand turn the tide or will Finch go out a winner?
Brendan Bunworth is back with his preview and cricket betting tips for Game 3 of the Australia vs New Zealand ODI series.
Australia vs New Zealand ODI Game 3 Preview & Betting Tips
Cazaly's Stadium, Cairns, Sunday 2:20pm AEST
After New Zealand captain, Kane Williamson, labeled their performance “soft” after the match, you get thefeeling the Kiwis must make a good account of themselves in this match.
Despite only needing 197 to win, New Zealand couldn't even manage the century as it was bowled out for just 82 runs in 33 overs.
For Game 3 I am tipping the Black Caps to bounce back.
A proud sporting nation simply cannot put in another poor performance like it did on Thursday afternoon.
Yes, the Cairns pitch is tricky, but a side which is meant to be ranked number one in the world in ODI’s must bat better than they did in game two.
Opener, Martin Guptill, a key New Zealand batsman, played a poor shot to lose his wicket and I am tipping he might turn the tables and play well on Sunday. Tom Latham (duck) is another who needs to improve with his hit or miss batting in one-day matches. Devon Conway (five) isn't impressing either as Sean Abbott dismissed him cheaply.
Kane Williamson tried hard to resurrect the innings when making 17 in match two and a healthy innings by the skip is crucial to a New Zealand win.
Of the Kiwi bowlers, Trent Boult was again the best and I am tipping in this match that the Aussie openers may pay him more respect early. Spinner Mitchell Santner was solid in taking 1-22 off seven overs but I think the Aussies may look to attack him in the second half of the innings.
Australia has a few issues too. The poor form of captain Aaron Finch has finally caught up with him with the announcement of his retirement from ODIs following this match. Finch stated he wants to give time to a new captain in the lead up to next year’s World Cup, but will maintain the reins in the T20 World Cup. It seemed inevitable and will hopefully revitalise their top order moving forwards.
Stoinis is another who needs to improve with the bat. He’s a very good T20 player but he is not a given in the one-day team yet and will want runs on the board to keep his place in the side.
With the ball, Adam Zampa was the difference in Game 2 with a five-wicket haul (5-35). The Black Caps will have to pay him more respect in this one and I think they may try to see him off without playing rash shots.
After two poor performances, New Zealand is now ranked second in the One Day International rankings behind England.
Australia’s record against New Zealand in one dayers is becoming increasingly very one sided as it has been for the last 40 years. 118 matches, Australia 82…New Zealand 36.
The Black Caps will want to leave Australia with some pride and I am tipping them to bounce back, show some pride and win this one, despite the Aussies wanting to pull off a win for the departing Finch.
