Australia will begin its New Zealand leg of the Trans-Tasman T20I tri-series when it takes on the hosts at the Eden Park in Auckland on Friday.
Having won all its three home matches, David Warner’s men are safely through to the finals already as New Zealand and England battle it out for the second spot.
We look at the key talking points ahead of Friday’s showdown between the two neighbouring rivals.
HOSTS AIM TO SEAL FINALS BERTH
Having registered their first win of the tournament in their last match against England, Kane Williamson’s men could book their date with Friday’s opponents in the finals with a game to spare should they win.
They were blown away by Australia’s new look T20 team on the other side of the Tasman Sea when they last met and will be looking to make home advantage count at Auckland.
New Zealand can seal their ticket to the finals with a win.
ENGLAND HOPE FOR AUSSIE FAVOUR
England meanwhile will be hoping their Ashes conquerors can do them a favour on Friday with a New Zealand victory ending all hopes for Eoin Morgan’s men. If Australia can gain the victory, then it will all come down to the final match between England and the Kiwis at Hamilton on Sunday where the former will have to win to have any chance for the finals.
England desperately need Australia to win on Friday.
WARNER UNDER PRESSURE TO DELIVER
While one skipper in Williamson played himself into form in New Zealand’s win over England, another is still struggling. David Warner has not had a great time with the bat in the ODI series against England and has suffered an even more miserable time in the ongoing T20I series.
His scores so far in the tri-series read 6, 4 and 2. The southpaw has not registered a half-century in the format now for almost two years, with his last one coming in March 2016. It has been 12 innings since and the Australia captain will be under pressure to justify his own place in the squad.
Warner has been poor in the series so far.
REVAMPED AUSTRALIA AIM TO RIDE MOMENTUM
With a new-look side filled with Big Bash League (BBL) performers, Australia have looked the part so far with three straight wins. Ever since its introduction, T20 has been a format which has been difficult to master for the Aussies with the side failing to reach a single World Twenty20 final to date.
For the first time, the Australians seem to have found the formula to succeed with its decision to fill the side with T20 specialists paying dividends. They will aim to keep this juggernaut going against the Kiwis and make it four wins in four.
Australia will look to continue their winning run.
