Rain washed out the second game, leaving the final clash as a straight chance for New Zealand to level the series. The series began poorly for New Zealand, who failed to defend 182 in the first T20I as Australia wrapped up the target inside 16.3 overs while losing just four wickets

On the other hand, Mitchell Marsh delivered a captain’s innings to open the Chappell-Hadlee T20I series, blasting 85 off 43 deliveries to put Australia firmly on top. Chasing 182, the target never looked out of reach as others around him chipped away to ease the pressure.

NZ vs AUS Match Details

Date: 4th October, 2025

Time: 11:45 AM IST

Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

NZ vs AUS Weather & Pitch Report 

Whether Report -

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Pitch Report -

• Avg 1st innings score: 185-190

• The chasing team has an advantage

Also Read: NZ vs AUS Dream11 Prediction 3rd T20I match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

Top Batters to Watch in NZ vs AUS

• Tim Robinson (NZ) - 106 runs in this Series 

• Mitchell Marsh (AUS) - 94 runs in this Series 

• Daryl Mitchell (NZ) – 34 runs in this Series 

Top Bowler to Watch in NZ vs AUS

• Ben Dwarshuis (AUS) - 2 wickets in this Series 

• Matt Henry (NZ) - 2 wickets in this Series 

• Matthew Short (AUS) - 1 wicket in this Series 

NZ vs AUS Recent Form

NZ vs AUS Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If AUS bats first

• First Innings score prediction- AUS is expected to score 200-210 runs

• Result prediction- AUS will win the match by 15-20 Runs 

Scenario 2- If NZ bats first

• First Innings score prediction- NZ is expected to score 180-190 runs.

• Result prediction- AUS will win the match by 5 wickets 

NZ vs AUS Predicted Playing XI

New Zealand (NZ) Playing XI 

Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.

Australia (AUS) Playing XI

Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Tim David, Alex Carey (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

NZ vs AUS Complete Squad

New Zealand - 

Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi

Australia -

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matt Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

NZ vs AUS Today Match Prediction - Who Will Win Today?

Australia to win

We predict that Australia will win the 3rd T20I match. The likes of Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis and Ben Dwarshuis will be key players to watch out for.

NZ vs AUS Match Preview

Australia will face New Zealand in the 3rd T20I of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series at Mount Maunganui. The Aussies lead 1-0 after steamrolling the visitors in the opener, with rain canceling out the second game entirely. Victory here secures the trophy for the tourists. Meanwhile, the hosts face a massive challenge from an opposition that is firing on all cylinders. They will need something special to bring this series back to parity.

NZ vs AUS Match Details

New Zealand vs Australia – 3rd T20I Match, Australia tour of New Zealand 2025 

Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

Date & Time: 04th October 2025 at 11:45 AM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs AUS Venue Stats 

NZ vs AUS Pitch Report

The pitch at Bay Oval is hard and true, allowing the ball to accelerate off the bat, while the compact 63 to 70 meter square boundaries promote power hitting. Swing and seam bowlers may receive additional assistance under the lights if the air is damp. 

NZ vs AUS Weather Report

The weather forecast for Mount Maunganui on Saturday predicts heavy clouds with a few showers in the afternoon, which could interrupt the play.

NZ vs AUS Last Five Matches

NZ vs AUS Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: IND-A vs AUS-A Dream11 Prediction 2nd Unofficial ODI match

NZ vs AUS Probable Playing XIs:

Australia Probable Playing XIs

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Matthew Short, Tim David, Alex Carey (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy

Topmost Picks for NZ vs AUS Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Tim Seifert – Tim Seifert has been their most consistent scorer this year, collecting 449 runs in 11 games at an average of 50 and striking at 170.
• Matt Henry – Matt Henry has been the highlight, capturing 12 wickets in only five games with an economy of slightly under nine.

Top Picks – Australia

• Mitchell Marsh – Mitchell Marsh scored the most runs for the side in the first match. Overall, he has scored 255 runs in nine matches, with an average of 28.33 and a strike rate of 156.44.
• Ben Dwarshuis – Ben Dwarshuis took the most wickets in the first game, with two at an economy rate of 10. He is also the team's highest wicket-taker in 2025, with 15 wickets in 8 matches at an economy rate of 8.96

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for NZ vs AUS Dream11 Team:

Tim Seifert, Tim Robinson(VC), Mitchell Marsh(C), Travis Head, Tim David, Daryl Mitchell, Matthew Short, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Short

Vice-captain – Tim Robinson, Matt Henry

Wicketkeeper – Tim Seifert

NZ vs AUS Probable Winners:

Australia made a statement in the opening match of the Chappell-Hadlee T20I series, putting New Zealand in search of answers. With the second game canceled due to rain, the Black Caps enter this final match under pressure to level things up. The Australians have been outstanding in 2025, winning eight of nine games and putting together a four-match winning streak over their opponents. Unless New Zealand produces an exceptional performance with the bat, the Australians appear to be well positioned to win the series convincingly. Considering the team combination, Australia is expected to win this match.

NZ vs AUS Match Preview

New Zealand will face Australia in the second T20I of the Chappell-Hadlee T20I series at Mount Maunganui. The visitors take a 1-0 series lead after a dominant performance and will try to seal the deal here. The Black Caps have their work cut out against a side in top form, and they will need to come up with something exceptional to level the series. Australia is now the odds-on favorite for this contest.

NZ vs AUS Match Details

New Zealand vs Australia – 2nd T20I Match, Australia tour of New Zealand 2025 

Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

Date & Time: 03rd October 2025 at 11:45 AM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs AUS Venue Stats 

NZ vs AUS Pitch Report

The pitch at Bay Oval is hard and true, allowing the ball to accelerate off the bat, while the compact 63 to 70 meter square boundaries promote power hitting. Swing and seam bowlers may receive additional assistance under the lights if the air is damp. 

NZ vs AUS Weather Report

The weather forecast for Mount Maunganui on Friday predicts heavy clouds with a few showers in the afternoon, which could interrupt the play.

NZ vs AUS Last Five Matches

NZ vs AUS Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: IND-A vs AUS-A Dream11 Prediction 2nd Unofficial ODI match

NZ vs AUS Probable Playing XIs:

Australia Probable Playing XIs

Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Tim David, Alex Carey (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

Topmost Picks for NZ vs AUS Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Tim Seifert – Tim Seifert has been their most consistent scorer this year, collecting 449 runs in 11 games at an average of 50 and striking at 170.
• Matt Henry – Matt Henry has been the highlight, capturing 12 wickets in only five games with an economy of slightly under nine.

Top Picks – Australia

• Mitchell Marsh – Mitchell Marsh scored the most runs for the side in the first match. Overall, he has scored 255 runs in nine matches, with an average of 28.33 and a strike rate of 156.44.
• Ben Dwarshuis – Ben Dwarshuis took the most wickets in the first game, with two at an economy rate of 10. He is also the team's highest wicket-taker in 2025, with 15 wickets in 8 matches at an economy rate of 8.96

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for NZ vs AUS Dream11 Team:

Tim Seifert, Tim Robinson(VC), Mitchell Marsh(C), Travis Head, Tim David, Daryl Mitchell, Matthew Short, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Short

Vice-captain – Tim Robinson, Matt Henry

AUScketkeeper – Tim Seifert

NZ vs AUS Probable Winners:

In the opening match of the Chappell-Hadlee T20I series, New Zealand had no answer for Australia's dominance, and they will need to elevate their game significantly if they are to contend. The Australians have been in amazing form in 2025, sweeping eight games and losing only one. Furthermore, they have won all four of their T20Is against New Zealand in convincing fashion. Unless the Black Caps put up a spectacular batting show, we see Australia cruising home with another authoritative performance to win the series. Considering the team combination, Australia is expected to win this match.

In the 1st T20I, Australia secured a comfortable win and dominated the match against the Kiwis. The onus of the win goes to the top order of Australia that started scoring runs from the 1st spell and gave a major advantage to the team early.

New Zealand’s opening partnership collapsed early, but Tim Robinson's innings made headlines on Wednesday. His innings gave the much-needed stability to the team. However, the bowling unit of the Kiwis was a complete failure since the start of the game.

NZ vs AUS Match Details

Date: 3rd October, 2025

Time: 11:45 AM IST

Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

NZ vs AUS Weather & Pitch Report 

Whether Report -

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Pitch Report -

• Avg 1st innings score: 180-185

• The chasing team has an advantage

Also Read: ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: BAN-W vs PAK-W Today Match Prediction– 3rd Match, Who will win today?

Top Batters to Watch in NZ vs AUS

• Tim Robinson (NZ) - 106 runs in this Series 

• Mitchell Marsh (AUS) - 85 runs in this Series 

• Daryl Mitchell (NZ) – 34 runs in this Series 

Top Bowler to Watch in NZ vs AUS

• Ben Dwarshuis (AUS) - 2wickets in this Series 

• Matt Henry (NZ) - 2 wickets in this Series 

• Matthew Short (AUS) - 1 wicket in this Series 

NZ vs AUS Recent Form

NZ vs AUS Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If AUS bats first

• First Innings score prediction- AUS is expected to score 200-210 runs

• Result prediction- AUS will win the match by 15-20 Runs 

Scenario 2- If NZ bats first

• First Innings score prediction- NZ is expected to score 180-190 runs.

• Result prediction- AUS will win the match by 5 wickets 

NZ vs AUS Predicted Playing XI

New Zealand (NZ) Playing XI 

Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.

Australia (AUS) Playing XI

Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Tim David, Alex Carey (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

NZ vs AUS Complete Squad

New Zealand - 

Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi

Australia -

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matt Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

NZ vs AUS Today Match Prediction - Who Will Win Today?

Australia to win

We predict that Australia will win the 2nd T20I match. The likes of Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis and Ben Dwarshuis will be key players to watch out for.

New Zealand is all set to host its neighbour, Australia, for a 3-match T20I series. The New Zealand vs Australia 1st T20I match is scheduled to take place on Wednesday at the Bay Oval cricket stadium.

The two teams have met 19 times in the past, and Australia holds an advantage with 13 wins. New Zealand has managed to score 6 wins in the past. In the last 6 matches, Australia has managed to win 4 matches, and New Zealand stand with 2 wins in the T20I format. 

NZ vs AUS Match Details

Date: 1st October, 2025

Time: 11:45 PM IST

Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

NZ vs AUS Weather & Pitch Report 

Whether Report -

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Pitch Report -

• Avg 1st innings score: 175-185

• The chasing team has an advantage

Also Read: ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: AUS-W vs NZ-W Today Match Prediction– 2nd Match, Who will win today?

Top Batters to Watch in NZ vs AUS

• Mitchell Marsh (AUS) - 1799 runs in T20I

• Devon Conway (NZ) - 1542 runs in T20I 

• Marcus Stoinis (AUS) – 1245 runs in T20I 

Top Bowler to Watch in NZ vs AUS

• Ish Sodhi (NZ) - 150 wickets in T20I 

• Adam Zampa (AUS) - 130 wickets in T20I 

• Josh Hazlewood (AUS) - 73 wickets in T20I 

NZ vs AUS Recent Form

NZ vs AUS Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If NZ bats first

• First Innings score prediction- NZ is expected to score 180-190 runs

• Result prediction- NZ will win the match by 15-20 Runs 

Scenario 2- If AUS bats first

• First Innings score prediction- AUS is expected to score 160-170 runs.

• Result prediction- NZ will win the match by 4 wickets 

NZ vs AUS Predicted Playing XI

New Zealand (NZ) Playing XI 

Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.

Australia (AUS) Playing XI

Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Tim David, Alex Carey (wk), Matthew Short, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.

NZ vs AUS Complete Squad

New Zealand - 

Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi

Australia -

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matt Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

NZ vs AUS Today Match Prediction - Who Will Win Today?

New Zealand to win

We predict that New Zealand will win the 1st T20I match. The likes of Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra and Michael Bracewell will be key players to watch out for.

Get the NZ vs AUS match prediction, playing XI, weather report, and fantasy tips for the 1st T20I Match of the Australia tour of New Zealand 2025. Who will win today?

On the eve of their T20I series against New Zealand, Australia have copped a major blow, with star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell ruled out with a right wrist fracture sustained in a training session in Mount Maunganui. 

The injury happened in the nets when Maxwell was rolling his arm over to Mitchell Owen, who smashed a ball straight back at Maxwell, hitting him flush on the wrist while the 36-year-old was in extreme pain. Maxwell withdrew from training, where he was later ruled out of the three-match series that commences Wednesday at Bay Oval. 

Teammate Matthew Short, who witnessed the incident, said it was a bad hit. “I just saw it out of the corner of my eye. Owen smoked it, then the aftermath was the ball hit maxi on the wrist. It didn’t sound good,” Short told cricket.com.au. “He’s done injuries before, he was disappointed but he’ll be fine.”

Cricket Australia announced that Maxwell will return home and consult a specialist in the next few days. The indication is he may recover in time for the Big Bash League in December, however his availability for the upcoming T20I series against India later this month, is still very much up in the air.

Another injury in an already injury hit period

With Maxwell unavailable, it only adds to Australia’s concerns, after already losing Josh Inglis with a calf injury, leading to Alex Carey being brought back into the fold. Australia also are without Cameron Green, who has turned his attention to Sheffield Shield cricket, ahead of the Ashes. Pat Cummins has been given some time off due to his ongoing lower back complaints, and Nathan Ellis, who is going to miss a couple of games because he stayed at home as his wife was having their first baby.

In recent years, Maxwell has been on the end of some unfortunate injuries, including a freak leg fracture whilst at a birthday party in 2022 and suffering a concussion after falling from a golf cart during the 2023 World Cup, However, he remained an integral part of Australia’s white ball setup, and had only a few weeks ago, contributed in an important role against South Africa.

ALSO SEE: Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Standoff: Mohsin Naqvi Holds Trophy in Dubai Hotel, BCCI Demands Immediate Handover

Philippe earns surprise recall

Selectors have named Josh Philippe, the wicketkeeper-batter for the Sydney Sixers, to replace the absent Maxwell. Philippe has not played for Australia since last December and has earned his recall after performing well on the recent Australia A tour of India, where he scored a century in the unofficial Tests.

While Abbotsford is a backup wicketkeeping option along with Carey, Philippe adds depth to the batting group. His international T20 record is not overly impressive to this point–150 runs in 12 innings at an average of 12.5. This series offers Philippe an outstanding chance to resurrect his T20I career and solidify a place for next year’s T20 World Cup.

Updated Australia squad for NZ T20Is

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matt Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

With five international teams scheduled to tour the nation in various formats, New Zealand Cricket has formally announced an exciting 2025–26 home season. With a 46-day cricket schedule that includes T20 thrillers, ODI rivalries, and a coveted three-match Test series against the West Indies, Australia, England, South Africa, and Zimbabwe will all be represented. As the White Ferns get ready for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, the season also features important games for them.

Black Caps fans can look forward to high-voltage contests starting with the T20I series against Australia in early October, followed by a white-ball series against England and a full multi-format tour by the West Indies. A five-match T20I series against South Africa in March 2026, staged as double-headers alongside the women’s team, rounds out a dynamic men’s season.

For the White Ferns, the historic first-ever series against Zimbabwe and a crucial series against South Africa make this one of the most exciting home summers in recent memory. Here is the full match schedule.

New Zealand Men’s Schedule 2025–26

vs Australia – T20I Series

vs England – T20I and ODI Series

vs West Indies – T20Is, ODIs and Tests

vs South Africa – T20I Series (Double-Headers with Women)

New Zealand Women’s Schedule 2025–26

vs Zimbabwe – T20I and ODI Series

vs South Africa – ODI Series

A Big Summer of Cricket Ahead for New Zealand

There's something for every fan this summer: historic rivalries, new encounters, high-pressure Test cricket, and increased attention on women's cricket. Having double-headers with the women's and men's teams is a big move towards inclusivity and entertainment.

With the T20 World Cup and Women's World Cup on the horizon, this summer is not only about home cricket but also making a statement for international competitions. The Black Caps and White Ferns take their turn in the spotlight, and now it's the turn of the supporters all over New Zealand to pack the seats. Watch this space as squads are named and preparation starts for what is going to be an exciting summer of cricket.

Australian wicket-keeper-batsman Alex Carey fell agonizingly short of a century during the successful fourth innings chase of 279 against New Zealand in the second and final Test of the series. Carey’s missed opportunity to reach triple figures can be attributed to his captain, Pat Cummins, who secured the winning runs in a memorable three-wicket victory at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

This remarkable comeback victory was orchestrated by the reigning Test and ODI champions, who initially found themselves trailing in the match but managed to claw their way back into contention. Australia, tasked with chasing down 279 for victory, relied heavily on the contributions from their middle and lower-middle order. Captain Pat Cummins, in particular, stepped up with a crucial 32-run innings off 44 balls to steer his team to triumph.

Carey chuckles after Pat Cummins prevents him from reaching a century

It’s a rarity to witness Alex Carey achieving a century from the lower-middle-order position. Despite facing uncertainty in white-ball formats, his red-ball career presents an opportunity for resurgence. In order to solidify his place in the Test side, Carey had to deliver from the number 7 position in the fourth innings, aiming to wrest victory from the grasp of his Trans-Tasman adversaries.

He was genuinely content to forgo his second Test century in favor of securing the win, recognizing that nothing surpasses the satisfaction of being instrumental in a comeback victory. Following the exhilarating triumph, during Pat Cummins’ discussion of the thrilling second Test win, he admitted to being unaware that Carey was just two runs shy of a century.

“I had no idea he was on 98. That would have been embarrassing if he was celebrating (his century) and I wasn’t looking,” Pat Cummins remarked during the post-match presentation.

Later, during the press conference at Hagley Oval stadium, Alex Carey was asked about his reaction to Pat Cummins preventing him from reaching a century. Carey expressed contentment with the situation, indicating that he preferred not to be on strike again.”I was happy with that. I didn’t want to get on strike again,” Carey conveyed to reporters.

“Cummins expresses his affection for Test cricket” following a hard-fought and thoroughly earned victory in Christchurch

Australia entered the second Test buoyed by their convincing 172-run victory over the hosts in the first match. Pat Cummins’ men carried momentum and a clear winning mindset, yet New Zealand mounted a brief resurgence. Despite being bowled out for 165, the Kiwi bowling attack, spearheaded by Matt Henry’s impressive 7-wicket haul, managed to restrict the Australians to 256.

In the third innings, New Zealand showcased classic Test batting with contributions from Tom Latham (73), Kane Williamson (51), Rachin Ravindra (82), Daryl Mitchell (58), along with valuable innings from Glenn Phillips (16), Scott Kuggeleijn (44), and Henry (16), ultimately setting a target of 279 for Australia.

Australia’s reply was dismal as their top-order batsmen, including Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, and Travis Head, could only muster 49 runs collectively. With five wickets down for just 80 runs, Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey steadied the innings with a 140-run partnership before Marsh departed for 80.

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma to join CSK in IPL 2025? Rayudu reveals

Carey then partnered with Pat Cummins to further solidify Australia’s position until the victory was secured. Although not without challenges, Australia’s experience in such situations proved crucial. Cummins emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum and pressure on the opposition.

“I just told the boys to keep the scoreboard moving, stay busy, and put the pressure on the opposition. We’ve got an experienced side; the story of this series has been guys standing up in crunch moments. Love playing Test matches, the best format of cricket, and it pays off on days like this,” Pat Cummins concluded.

Australia secured a close victory against New Zealand in the second Test match in Christchurch. Despite a shaky start at 80/5, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, and Pat Cummins staged a remarkable comeback to chase down 279 runs.

Paine’s critique on Australia’s batting form

However, former Australia captain Tim Paine expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance despite the series sweep against New Zealand. He said, “I’m disappointed. We’re a better team than them (New Zealand) and it was the same against the West Indies, there seems to be a bit of a pattern. Not scoring enough runsâ€æ you can’t always believe what they’re telling you but the leadership and coaching and captain and selectors say, ‘we have no concerns with our batters’. Well, I do now.”

Paine highlights worries about facing England and India

Paine criticized the inconsistency of the top-order batsmen, pointing out their struggles since the West Indies Test series. He strongly questioned the team’s ability to compete against England and India later in 2024, especially with concerns regarding the form of players like Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, and Marnus Labuschagne. He added, “There are more questions coming out of the last three or four Tests than answers, and we need to find some answers pretty quickly.” 

See Also: “He’s worked incredibly hard on his body and his fitness” – Ricky Ponting on Rishabh Pant

Paine particularly highlighted worries about facing India’s formidable fast bowling lineup featuring Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. He said some more in this and added, “We might not beat New Zealand, we’ve lost a Test to West Indies, we wouldn’t beat England if they were playing well with a full-strength sideâ€æ India are certainly going to trouble us with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, so there are some concerns.” 

Despite Australia’s rise to the second spot in the World Test Championship standings, with 8 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw from 12 matches, Paine emphasized the need for improvement to maintain competitiveness against top-ranked teams.

Australia once again shows their dominance against their neighbors. With a Test match to go, they remain favorites as they look for some away WTC points.

NZ vs AUS Match Details

Date: February 28th, 2024

Time:  3:30 AM IST

Venue: Basin River, Wellington

NZ vs AUS Weather Report

Clear weather is expected throughout the game.

NZ vs AUS Pitch Report

A green track is expected with the pitch likely to get better as the game progresses. Batting second will be a better option with early moisture around.

NZ vs AUS Head-to-Head

NZ vs AUS Predicted Playing XI

AUS Playing XI

Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

NZ Playing XI

Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, William O’Rourke

See Also: Today’s Cricket Match Predictions – Cricket Winner

NZ vs AUS Key Players

Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson has been scoring centuries for fun in his last few Tests. The question though is if he can do so against Australia, a side that has had the better of him throughout his career.

Steve Smith

Steve Smith loves challenges. Opening in New Zealand though is a massive challenge and will be even bigger a challenge for someone who is a new opener. He had a tough time against West Indies until the Final innings of the series when he carried his bat and that is where he will be eager to move forward.

NZ vs AUS Match Tips

Australia generally plays pretty well against New Zealand and could start favorites despite being away from home.

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win The Match