DHARAMSALA, India — New Zealand could not have asked for a better start to the World T20 after a convincing 47-run win over hosts India in their first outing.
Spin played a pivotal role for the Kiwis in that victory and although Dharamsala will not turn quite as much as Nagpur, the threat that they possess with their slow bowlers has already made Australia stand up and take note.
Shane Watson has said in the build-up to this that spin would play a part on the slow turner at the HPCA Stadium but the seamers have so far also enjoyed success in North India.
The Australians have spin options of their own and are confident that Ashton Agar will be fit to take part in their opener having suffered from a stomach illness the past few days.
Kane Williamson’s New Zealand will have to decide whether to persist with three spinners or introduce Tim Southee or Trent Boult, after the pair surprisingly missed that win over India.
Meanwhile, Steve Smith will be hoping the IPL experience of the likes of Watson, David Warner and Glenn Maxwell will pay off as they go in search of their first World T20 trophy.
The weather will once again play a part in Dharamsala with rain expected throughout the majority of the day, hampering chances of a full game of cricket.
The ground has already lost two matches and had two more reduced-overs affairs since the opening round of qualifying matches over a week ago.
Both teams have said in the build-up that they are prepared to change their personnel depending on how much of an influence the weather will have on the match.
For New Zealand, who hope to remain unchanged, it may mean dropping one of the spinners so successful against India, whereas Australia may bulk their batting lineup even further if the race is on in a five or six-over match that the weather is threatening.
WHAT THEY SAID
Shane Watson:
Ross Taylor:
PREDICTION
New Zealand’s spinners stole the show in Nagpur but their batsmen left a lot to be desired with some irresponsible shot making. The Kiwis have the ability to mix it up with their bowling attack but need their batsmen to fire. Here in Dharamsala we’re going to go for an Australian win with their power hitters coming off and blowing the group wide open. That’s if the rain stays away.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Australia: Finch, Watson, Smith (c), Warner, Maxwell, Marsh, Faulkner, Nevill (wk), Zampa, Hazlewood, Hastings
New Zealand: Guptil, Williamson (c), Munro, Anderson, Taylor, Santner, Elliott, Ronchi (wk), McCullum, Milne, Sodhi
