The T20I series moves on to Eden Park which has staged some high-scoring T20 matches in recent times. The short straight boundaries are a bowler’s nightmare but batters still need to play well to exploit the dimensions.
New Zealand v Australia
Second T20
Friday 23 February | 08:10
Eden Park, Auckland
New Zealand and Australia put on a thriller the first time out but it was the visitors who took the honours off the final ball.
If that match was anything to go by this could be an incredible series.
To Win Match
New Zealand 7/4 | Tie 25/1 | Australia 47/100
New Zealand might be left scratching their heads after just failing to defend a massive target in the opener.
The Black Caps gave Josh Clarkson a debut but he would not get to bat in his international bow.
Mark Chapman didn’t use his 13 balls terribly well at the end of the New Zealand innings and they might consider using Clarkson a little higher up the order.
Lockie Ferguson bowled brilliantly but his efforts were isolated and not backed up by his teammates, they will need to do more to support their star man.
Australia are believed to be considering another trial run with Steve Smith opening the batting in the T20 format.
Skipper Mitchell Marsh was the star man for Australia with both bat and ball and indicated that Smith would get a run either on Friday or Sunday at Eden Park.
Smith hasn’t shown much to suggest he has the form to help Australia in their bid to win back the T20 World Cup. He was poor in the BBL and has also struggled in recent T20Is.
Australia have top-order questions but the rest of their XI is strong with a potent middle order covering over the sins of the openers.
Verdict: Australia 47/100
Australia’s power hitters should power them to victory in the tight confines of Eden Park.
