CWC 2019: NZ vs AUS Preview – Trans-Tasman rivalry to be reignited at Lord’s
New Zealand will look forward to another opportunity of sealing their place in the semis as they reignite the Trans-Tasman rivalry against Australia. The Kiwis faced a rejuvenated Pakistan in their last match and came up short in what turned out to be their first defeat of the tournament. Australia, on the other hand, sit comfortably at the top of the table, having already become the first side to qualify for the semi-finals. Despite not playing the most exciting brand of cricket, the Aussies have been highly effective and their tails will be up after a commanding performance against England. The contest between two high-quality sides at Lord’s certainly promises to be a mouthwatering affair.
Match Info
New Zealand vs Australia, 37th Match
Lord’s, London (6:00 pm IST)
Head-to-Head
Played – 136
New Zealand wins – 39
Australia wins – 90
N/R – 7
Team News
New Zealand
Despite performing admirably well throughout the tournament as a unit, New Zealand’s openers have looked under-par. Both Colin Munro and Martin Guptill have failed to get the Kiwis off to an aggressive start, putting too much pressure on the likes of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor. This remains the biggest area of concern for the Kiwis who will be desperately hoping that the openers do find some form before the final stages of the tournament. The all-rounders – James Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme have performed well for the Kiwis, which remains a big positive for them.
Australia
Australia have looked conservative in their approach, yet have got the job done more often than not. Both David Warner and Aaron Finch have been in sensational form throughout the tournament, setting the foundations for the team to post a big total which the bowlers could then defend. In the bowling department, Mitchell Starc has been almost impossible to counter. The form of Jason Behrendorff has also added an extra dimension to their bowling unit. The Australians would now like their lower order batters – Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis to find some form in order to become a truly formidable unit.
Key Players
Martin Guptill (New Zealand): Though the opener has endured a torrid tournament, he will find solace in the excellent record which he enjoys against the Aussies. Since 2015, he has scored 460 runs in 8 innings against Australia at an average of 57.40 with a highest score of 114.
Pat Cummins (Australia): Overshadowed by the brilliance of Starc, Cummins nonetheless has been a reliable operator for the Aussies in the middle-overs throughout the tournament. He has a good record against the Kiwis, picking up 12 wickets in 6 innings since 2015.
Probable XI
New Zealand: M Guptill, C Munro, K Williamson (c), R Taylor, T Latham (wk), J Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, M Santner, M Henry, L Ferguson, T Boult.
Australia: D Warner, A Finch (c), U Khawaja, S Smith, G Maxwell, M Stoinis, A Carey (wk), P Cummins, M Starc, N Lyon, J Behrendorff.
