New Zealand vs Australia Prediction: Australia has won the series

New Zealand and Australia are going head to head in the 3rd T20 Match of the T20 Series at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand on 25 Feb 2024. Australia have won the series and will be going to whitewash Kiwis. Who will win this game of cricket?

In the first T20I, New Zealand struggled to defend a total of 215, and in the second game, they fell short of chasing down a target of 175. Now, the team must focus on striking a balance between their performance with the bat and ball to avoid a clean sweep in the series. Rachin Ravindra has been the top run-scorer for the team so far, scoring 68 in the first match. Although he missed the second game, he is expected to return for the third match. Ravindra's role in the lineup will be crucial, especially since Devon Conway is likely to be absent due to injury. Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been outstanding, taking five wickets at an average of seven in the series. He is poised for more success in the upcoming match, and it will be interesting to see if he is paired with fellow fast bowler Trent Boult once again.

Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Mitchell Santner (c), Adam Milne, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears

Australia has been exceptional as a team and individually during this series. With the T20 World Cup approaching, their performances have shown why they are considered strong contenders for the title. Despite missing key players like Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis, Australia has managed impressive victories against New Zealand. Mitchell Marsh, leading the team in the absence of Pat Cummins, has been a standout performer with the bat, accumulating 98 runs in two innings. Adam Zampa has been the top wicket-taker against New Zealand this series, taking four wickets in two matches. However, Mitchell Starc's performance with the ball has not met expectations.

Matthew Short, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh/Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

New Zealand chose to field first after winning the toss, but ultimately lost the second T20I match at Auckland's Eden Park recently. A competitive score of over 190 was achieved in the first innings, with short square boundaries allowing batters to score easily. In the previous game, both teams only played one specialist spinner each, but it is likely that one or both teams will opt for an additional slow bowler this time. There is a chance of rain on match day in Auckland. Currently, Australia seems to be in a better position to win and secure a three-nil series victory, as they have the momentum on their side. Despite New Zealand's homeground advantage, Australia is favored to defeat New Zealand in the third and final T20I match.