NZ vs AUS 3rd T20I | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Australia have already clinched the series [X.com]

In an electrifying finale to the T20I series, New Zealand are set to face Australia at Auckland's Eden Park on Sunday, February 25. With Australia already clinching the series with a 2-0 lead, the third T20I promises to be a high-voltage contest as the hosts aim to prevent a clean sweep by their age-old rivals.

NZ vs AUS 3rd T20I: Team Previews

Australia

The NZ vs AUS series has been a rollercoaster of emotions, starting with a nail-biting first match that saw Australia emerge victorious in the final moments. 

The second T20I was no less dramatic, with Australia setting a challenging target of 174 runs, thanks to Travis Head's explosive 45 off just 22 balls. 

Despite a middle-order collapse, Pat Cummins' lower-order contribution of 28 runs added some respectability to Australia's total before they were bowled out with one ball to spare.

New Zealand's bowling attack, led by Lockie Ferguson's exceptional 4/12, was lethal, causing trouble for the Australian batters throughout their innings. Adam Milne, Ben Sears, and Mitchell Santner supported Ferguson well, each taking two wickets and tightening the screws on Australia.

New Zealand

However, New Zealand's response with the bat was underwhelming. Glenn Phillips' fighting 42 was the lone bright spot in a batting lineup that struggled against Australia's bowlers, collapsing to 102 all out in 17 overs. 

Adam Zampa's four-wicket haul and Nathan Ellis's two wickets were instrumental in Australia securing a comprehensive 72-run victory and, with it, the series.

With the T20 World Cup 2024 on the horizon, this match offers both sides a vital opportunity to fine-tune their squads and strategies. For New Zealand, it's a chance to salvage pride and momentum; for Australia, it's an opportunity to assert their dominance with a series whitewash.

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NZ vs AUS 3rd T20I: Match Details & Live Streaming

NZ vs AUS 3rd T20I: Auckland Pitch Report

As the teams head into the final match, the pitch at Eden Park is expected to favour the bowlers, as seen in the conditions in the second T20I. The surface promises ample lateral movement, offering bowlers an edge, while batsmen will need to adjust quickly to thrive. Spinners, in particular, are anticipated to play a crucial role as the match progresses, influencing the toss decision, with the captain winning, likely opting to bat first.

NZ vs AUS 3rd T20I: Probable Playing XIs

Tim Seifert has rejoined the squad and is expected to bat at the top order, with uncertainty looming over Rachin Ravindra's availability and Devon Conway being ruled out. 

Meanwhile, Australia will miss David Warner, as Steve Smith will get another opportunity to prove himself in T20Is. Also, as they have won the series, the visitors might rest Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, replacing them with Mitchell Starc and Spencer Johnson. 

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Will Young, Tim Seifert (WK), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Mitchell Santner (C), Adam Milne, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears

Australia: Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (C), Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (WK), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

NZ vs AUS 3rd T20I: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

NZ vs AUS 3rd T20I: Winner Prediction

Considering the scintillating form and formidable team composition, Australia are the favourites to win the NZ vs AUS 3rd T20I.

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