The second T20I between Australia and New Zealand will be played in Christchurch on Sunday. The Aussies maintained their winning streak by easily slamming the Kiwis in the first game, and will look to maintain that streak and pouch the series 2-0.

Australia goes into the game as favourites thanks mainly to their record in the last two months and the manner in which they stream-rolled the Kiwis in the first game. Bet Fred offers 4/11 for an Aussie win, as compared to Sporting Bet’s 23/10 for New Zealand to pose a more serious challenge and salvage a victory.

The batting was New Zealand’s undoing in the first game, and they will do well to overcome the issues at the top of the order. Brendon McCullum (15/4 at Blue Square to top-score for New Zealand) departed far too early to pose any challenge to the opposition, whereas Peter Ingram (5/1 at 888Sport to be the best batsman for New Zealand) looked like a fish out of water. Mind you, when one has to face up to speeds of more than 150 km/hr, the best of the batsmen will find it difficult, and Ingram is only in his second series.

Speaking of the best, Ross Taylor (4/1 at Totesport to top-score for New Zealand) is definitely one of those who could have made it count, but a rather poor decision from Billy Bowden cut his innings short. He will be a player to watch out for, and if allowed a start, could be quite dangerous.

The Australian batsmen have yet to be tested in this format of the game. Especially, the middle-order, which has been buffered by the existence of the pocket-sized dynamo Dave Warner (10/3 at Stan James to be the best batsman for his side) at the opening slot. In Shane Watson’s (3/1 at 888Sport to top-score for Australia) company, Warner has provided the Aussies with some amazing starts and made batting for the likes of Michael Clarke (5/1 at 888Sport) and Cameron White (11/2 at Bet Fred, both, to be the best batsmen of their side) much easier.

With Dave Hussey (6/1 at 888Sport to be the best batsman for Australia) coming into his own in the first game after not having been a part of the squad earlier, it is only natural that he will make the rest of his innings in T20s count.

Tips:
Favourite: Australia (4/11 at Bet Fred)
Top Australian batsman: Cameron White (11/2 at Bet Fred)
Top New Zealand batsman: Ross Taylor (4/1 at Totesport)