Australia vs New Zealand
3rd ODI, MCG, 9 December
Manuka Oval produced runs again as Australia posted a mammoth 5-378 after being sent in. Warner blasted a century, Smith cashed in again, Head made a quick fire fifty and M. Marsh went ballistic with 7 sixes. New Zealand’s run chase started well, but the pressure of such a score eventually took its toll. Williamson and Neesham were the pick of the batters with half centuries, while Cummins showed us what we have been missing with four wickets. In the end New Zealand lost their last 8 wickets for 85 runs, in the pursuit of fast runs, and handed Australia a 116 run victory. They'll be looking to savage something from the series in the 3rd ODI game.
It is the first game between these two teams at the MCG since Australia won the World Cup Final last year. The stakes are not as high, but both teams want to win. A series clean sweep would be a stellar result for Australia after the recent test and ODI series losses to South Africa, while New Zealand doesn’t want to go home empty-handed.
Australia has form, confidence, batting depth, all-rounder flexibility and strike power in their fast bowling. Their only bother heading to Melbourne is an unsettled spinning option. New Zealand will look to Guptill and Williamson again, but they need support from their middle order, and more importantly their bowlers. They have lacked penetration on Australia’s flat pitches and have conceded over 700 runs in the first two ODIs. Don’t be surprised if they go for runs again.
Stadium Record
Australia has an outstanding recent record at the MCG. They have won their last 8 ODIs there and have not lost in four years. New Zealand has only played three ODIs at the MCG in the last fourteen years for 1 win and 2 losses.
3rd ODI Market
Australia 1.35
New Zealand 3.20
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