Australia completed their comeback to force the T20I series against hosts New Zealand to a decider.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Like the two previous matches, the fixture will be played at the Wellington Regional Stadium.
New Zealand vs Australia | Fifth T20I | Sunday 7 March 2021 | Wellington Regional Stadium Wellington | 01:00
New Zealand
New
Zealand have twice faltered chasing targets at the same stadium and look up
against it to turn things around after two substantial defeats.
Trent
Boult looked dangerous up front but didn’t get the backup he needed to restrict
Australia.
Mitchell
Santner showed that left-arm spin seems to hold sway at the Wellington Regional
Stadium going for just 16 runs and getting the first wicket of the match.
The
Black Caps top order had no answer to Ashton Agar and after starting the series
looking in great touch seem to have collectively slumped.
New
Zealand will need to reset and push themselves to match Australia in the
decider.
Australia
Australia
have been massively boosted by the return to form of skipper Aaron Finch who
held their fourth T20I batting effort together with a composed 79 not out.
Agar
has also been brilliant in Australia’s two victories claiming eight wickets for
just 42 runs across the matches in Wellington.
Australia
are playing with renewed confidence in every department and look a dangerous
side when they are in the mood.
They
have used Glenn Maxwell’s part-time spin well alongside Agar and Zampa who have
been huge in getting the tourists back into contention.
Australia
still seem suspect in a chase, and New Zealand might be tempted to have a bat
if they win the toss on Sunday.
Verdict: Australia
With the matches coming thick and fast winning can become a habit.
Written by James Richardson.
