NZ vs AUS: 3rd T20I Match Fantasy Predictions, Tips, Teams, Pitch Report & Top Picks

image-lszjy9gdNZ vs AUS, T20: Fantasy Tips for the Third Match (Source: x.com)

The Trans-Tasmanian rivals, Australia and New Zealand are set to square off in the third T20I at the Eden Park, Auckland. This is the final game of the white ball series and is a dead-rubber as the visitors have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead. The live action slates at 11:40 PM IST with no change in venue from the last game. 

Ahead of the game, here is a look at the top player picks, pitch report, fantasy tips, predictions and the best-predicted XIs for the fantasy contests of the match.

NZ vs AUS Head-to-Head Stats 

The two island nations have squared off against one another in 18 T20Is so far. Australia have had the upper hand with twelve wins while the Kiwis have been victorious on six occasions. 

Matches
NZ won
AUS won
18612


NZ vs AUS Pitch Report

The Eden Park is a decent-scoring venue and the batters tend to enjoy here as the ball comes nicely onto the bat during the first innings. The pacers tend to generate swing with the new ball but there's some assistance for the spinners as well. The bounce is true in nature with short square boundary dimensions.

Eden Park, Auckland Ground Stats (T20Is)

Matches: 27
Matches won batting first: 12
Matches won batting second: 11
Tied: 4

Average first innings total: 172
Average second innings total: 151
Highest total chased: 245/5 by Australia
Home team win percentage at venue: 38%

Fantasy Value from Pitch Report

  • Pick more batters and all-rounders
  • Pick more in-form batters from the top five
  • Pick bowlers who are good at slog overs.


NZ vs AUS Fantasy Cricket Tips

Scenario: If Australia bats first 

  •  Mitchell Marsh has an average of 69.20 and strike rate of 170.44 with the bat since taking over T20I captaincy.
  • Travis Head is the second-highest run-getter in the series with a 45 in the last game.
  • Adam Zampa has a bowling average of 19 in the series with four scalps from a couple of games.

Scenario: If New Zealand bats first

  •  Lockie Ferguson has scalped five wickets that includes a four-for in the last game where the speedster did not concede a single boundary.
  • Mitchell Santner has bagged four wickets in the series and can be handy with the bat as well. 
  • Glenn Phillips scored 42 in the last game despite lack of support from the other end.


NZ vs AUS Winner Predictions

With plenty of Kiwi cricketers injured, this is the best chance for formidable Australian side to whitewash their rivals in their own backyard. The 2021 T20 World Cup Champions look in a good momentum and could topple the Kiwis.


NZ vs AUS Top Player Picks

image-lszk50jgMitchell Marsh wil be a key for the fantasy contests of the match (Source: x.com)

Mitchell Marsh (AUS)

The 32-year-old has been in marvellous touch with the bat in hand since becoming the captain of the T20I side. He is averaging 69 with the willow and scoring at 1.70 runs per ball rate. Marsh has already bludgeoned a fifty in the series and can also be a utility factor with his seam-ups.

Lockie Ferguson (NZ) 

Ferguson has been in scintillating form with the white rock. He has often troubled the opposition with his strict line and varying length. He has the odd slower one that comes handy in this format. The speedster bagged five wickets from two games and is leading the wicket-taker's chart in the series.

Travis Head (AUS)

The southpaw is having a wonderful time with the bat since the past couple of years. He was amazing with the willow during the 2023 World Cup knockouts and continues to flourish despite the switch of the format. Head scored a quick 45 in the last game before Ben Sears outwit him. 

Mitchell Santner (NZ)

The wily all-rounder will play an important part for his side in the absence of numerous notable individuals. Santner has claimed four wickets in the tournament that is second to Ferguson. His unique release point and shrewd mix of pace can work out effectively in these conditions apart from the contribution lower down the order with the bat. 


NZ vs AUS Differential Picks

 Glenn Phillips (NZ)

The right-handed batter played an important knock in the last game but failed to convert due to lack of assistance from the opposite end.

Glenn Maxwell (AUS)

The Australian all-rounder has the capability to make wonders happen with both bat and ball in hand. He already has some rocketing tons in the past six months and it won't be surprising to see another one come soon.

Trent Boult (NZ)

The left-arm pacer is back in action for the national side following several franchise stints across the globe. Trent Boult's experience will be key not just with the new ball but also with the old cork.


NZ vs AUS Fantasy Expert Advice

Given the playing conditions and expected team compositions, 1-3-4-3 or 1-3-3-4 combination is best suited for the upcoming encounter.


NZ vs AUS Fantasy Team for Head-to-Head/Small Leagues

Wicketkeeper: Finn Allen
Batters: Travis Head, David Warner, Glenn Phillips
All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Tim David
Bowlers: Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, Adam Zampa

Captain: Lockie Ferguson
Vice-Captain: Mitch Marsh

New Zealand: 6 Players; Australia: 5 Players


NZ vs AUS Fantasy Team for Winner Takes All/Grand Leagues

Wicketkeeper: Josh Inglis
Batters: David Warner, Travis Head, Glenn Phillips, Steve Smith
All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Santner, Mitch Marsh
Bowlers: Lockie Ferguson, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa

Captain: Adam Zampa
Vice-Captain: Travis Head

Australia: 7 Players; New Zealand: 4 Players