After Australia seized the early initiative in the series with a powerful performance in the opener, New Zealand will be out to hit back hard in the second T20I. The mood is electric, home fans expect a response, while the visitors will want to consolidate their lead before this one slips into a tight contest.
New Zealand vs Australia 2nd T20 Betting Tips
Mount Maunganui, Friday 3rd October, 4.15pm
New Zealand
New Zealand’s batting was a bit of a mixed bag in the opener. They caved early, collapsing to something like 3 for 6, but debutant Tim Robinson lit up proceedings with a stunning century to give the total some respectability. But aside from that rescue act, the top and middle order weren’t consistent, especially under pressure.
The bowling attack struggled to keep Australia in check. Matt Henry offered a measure of control and picked up a couple, but the rest leaked too many runs in the powerplay and death overs. More bad news came with Rachin Ravindra being ruled out of the series after a training collision left him with facial injuries. Jimmy Neesham has come in as cover, but losing Ravindra’s firepower in the middle is a serious blow.
New Zealand Predicted XI: Tim Seifert, Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy
Australia
Australia looked ruthless in that first match. Chasing 182, they got home in just 16.3 overs, losing only four wickets. Captain Mitchell Marsh was on fire with 85 off 43, studded with boundaries and sixes, setting a brutal tone. Support from Travis Head, Matt Short and Tim David helped keep the momentum clean.
However, they are sailing without Glenn Maxwell, who was ruled out with a fractured forearm. That weakens their all-round depth a bit. On the flip side, Marcus Stoinis and Matt Short bring depth, and they will lean even heavier on their power hitters and bowlers like Hazlewood, Zampa, and the quicks to maintain pressure.
Australia Predicted XI: Mitch Marsh, Travis Head, Matthew Short, Tim David, Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Match Prediction
New Zealand still have a genuine path to victory despite Australia’s dominance in the opener. Tim Robinson’s debut hundred proved they have a match-winner at the top, and if he can combine with Conway or Allen, the Black Caps can post a far stronger platform. One solid partnership is enough to flip momentum, and on home turf their batting depth can rise to the occasion.
With the ball, Duffy and Henry are capable of prising out early wickets, which is the best way to blunt Marsh’s explosive form. I think the Kiwis are capable of squaring up the series here after seeing how this Mt. Maunganui pitch played in G1.
New Zealand to win
$2.80 (1 Units)
