Australia v New Zealand best bets & top odds – T20 World Cup 2022

Can Australia regain their best form when they clash with New Zealand at the SCG in their T20 World Cup opener this Saturday?

The Aussies have looked scratchy and inconsistent in their warm-up games and are fortunate to have drawn the Kiwis for their opening match. While only two batsmen need to fire for a team to score a big total in the T20 format, the Australian top order looks far from assured with Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, and David Warner all struggling to post consistent runs in recent weeks. Australia have lost twice to England and once to India in their last three T20 outings. They are, however, still listed as favourites to win the tournament at around $3.50 with cricket bookmakers.

The Australians look much more convincing with ball in hand and will be counting on the bowlers to restrict opposition totals throughout the T20 World Cup. The lineup of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Agar, and Mitchell Starc is among the best assembly of bowlers in the world, and much will be expected of this attack. We can expect the Aussies to bowl first if they win the toss.

New Zealand have also looked somewhat underwhelming in their lead-up and are currently listed as $10 shots with BetOnline to claim the silverware, behind Australia, England, India, South Africa, and Pakistan. In their most recent T20 outing the Kiwis were skittled for an embarrassing 98 runs in 17 overs by South Africa, with Martin Guptill top scoring with 26 and Glenn Philips adding 20 to the total. The rest of the batting lineup collapsed without resistance.

The game prior saw the Kiwis post a more respectable 7/163 against Pakistan, but this total was hauled in with three balls to spare. Kane Williamson was the standout scoring 59 from 38 balls, with support coming from Philips and Mark Chapman. The Kiwi bowling lineup boasts plenty of experience led by Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, and Blair Tickner, but T20 success on the biggest stage is all about balance and wider contribution.

We are tipping the Aussies to lift their game now that the matches are getting serious.

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