ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 – Australia vs New Zealand Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Australia vs New Zealand taking place? Saturday 29th June – 13:30 (UK)
Where is Australia vs New Zealand taking place? Lord's, London
What is the expected weather for Australia vs New Zealand? 32-33c with sunshine forecast all day
What television channel is Australia vs New Zealand on in the UK? Sky Sports Cricket
Where can I stream Australia vs New Zealand? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Australia vs New Zealand? Tickets for this match can still be purchased via Stubhub!
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last meeting: New Zealand beat Australia by 24 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
AUSTRALIA
Coach: Justin Langer
Captain: Aaron Finch
- Australia come into this clash against neighbours New Zealand in fine form having won their last four matches in a row to move to the top of the group, and their last win was an emphatic 64-run victory against hosts England on Tuesday.
- The key to that victory as has so often been the case in this tournament was another strong opening partnership from Finch and Warner as the skipper hit another century and Warner helped himself to a fifty, and the duo continue to be their key to success here.
- Jason Behrendorff and Nathan Lyon both came into the side for that match and bowled well so there is every chance that they will retain their place ahead of Coulter-Nile and Zampa although further rotations cannot be ruled out.
NEW ZEALAND
Coach: Gary Stead
Captain: Kane Williamson
- New Zealand lost their unbeaten record at the hands of Pakistan on Wednesday as they lost by six wickets so they will be looking to bounce back here even though they are pretty much assured of a semi-final spot already.
- They have named an unchanged team for each of their matches so far so it will be interesting to see whether the defeat against Pakistan encourages them to make a change or two for this match.
- Guptill and Munro remain under pressure as they continue to struggle opening the innings but coach Gary Stead has played down talk of Henry Nicholls coming into the side and breaking that partnership up so there is every chance they will go unchanged.
THE PREDICTION
The two Oceania rivals come into this match virtually assured of a semi-final spot already but they will both be determined to win this game and get one over the other especially in case they meet in the semis. Australia are getting stronger with every match and they will be confident against a New Zealand side who have shown various weaknesses in their last couple of matches. They will have to be at their very best to beat Australia here and Aaron Finch’s men have to be favoured in this one.
