New Zealand vs Australia Prediction: Australia lead the series by 1-0

New Zealand and Australia are going head to head in the 2nd T20 Match of T20 Series at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand on 23 Feb 2024. Australia lead the series by 1-0 and have lost only twice in last five T20s against the black-caps. Who will win this game of cricket?

New Zealand was defeated in the first match of the series as they were unable to successfully defend a target of 216 runs. The Australian team highlighted several weaknesses in the bowling attack of the home team, especially with the absence of Trent Boult and Daryl Mitchell. It is worth noting whether Boult will be included in the playing XI for the second T20I, while Mitchell will still be unavailable. The hosts utilized spin bowling for eight overs in the previous match and are likely to continue with this strategy as the series shifts to Auckland from Wellington. The top and middle-order batsmen of New Zealand, including Finn Allen (32), Rachin Ravindra (68), and Devon Conway (63), showed promise in the first match. They now have another opportunity to convert their good starts into bigger scores.

Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson Mitchell Santner (c), Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne

Australia were impressive in the series opener, demonstrating their potential to be strong contenders in the upcoming T20 World Cup. They possess a deep batting lineup and versatile bowling options, including using eight overs of spin in the first match. Glenn Maxwell's dual skill as a batter and bowler solidifies his position as one of the top all-rounders in modern T20I cricket. Mitchell Marsh led his team to victory with a match-winning 72, with support from Tim David and other contributors like Travis Head and David Warner, who may be called upon again in future matches.

David Warner, Mitchell Marsh (c), Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Travis Head, Nathan Ellis, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

The upcoming match will take place at Eden Park in Auckland, which has a history of high-scoring T20I matches with recent first-innings totals of 226, 196, and 141. A total of 180 or more in the first innings can be considered competitive at this venue due to its short square boundaries. It is advisable to play two spinners on this ground. There is a possibility of rain on matchday, which could affect the game and result in an adjusted target for the team batting first. New Zealand will have the homeground advantage, but Australia have momentum and fewer injury concerns. They are predicted to win and secure a series victory.