NZ vs AUS: 2nd Test Match Fantasy Predictions, Tips, Teams, Pitch Report & Top Picks

NZ vs AUS, Test Series: Fantasy Tips for the Second Test (Source: x.com)

New Zealand (NZ) and Australia (AUS) are all set to take on each other in the second Test of the two-match series. The match will be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, New Zealand on Friday, March 08, 2024 at 03:30 AM IST.

Before the match goes live, here is a look at the fantasy predictions, tips, pitch report, top picks and the best-predicted XIs for the fantasy contests of the match.

NZ vs AUS Head-to-head Stats

New Zealand and Australia have faced each other 61 times in Test cricket. Australia have won 35 of those whereas New Zealand have managed to win only eight times, with 18 ending in draws.

NZ vs AUS Pitch Report

The surface at the Hagley Oval is traditionally a good one for batting. The batters can play their strokes freely after getting set in the middle. While seamers might find success in the initial overs, conditions are expected to become more favourable for the batters as the match progresses. Spinners’ role will be crucial in the middle overs.

 Hagley Oval Ground Stats (Test Record)

Matches: 12Matches won batting first: 4Matches won batting second: 7Match drawn: 1

Average first innings score: 272Average second innings score: 276Average third innings score: 255Average fourth innings score: 135

Highest Total: 659/6 by NZ vs PAKLowest Total: 95/10 by SA vs NZ

Fantasy Value from Pitch Report

• Batters who can play seamers better will be good picks for the match.
• Pick more batters from the team batting second.
• Pacers will get help with the new ball from this pitch. Selecting more pacers from bowling first will be beneficial.

NZ vs AUS Fantasy Cricket Tips

Scenario 1: If Australia bat first

• Steve Smith will likely continue to open the batting with Usman Khawaja, although their performance in the last test was not up to par, but keeping both openers for the fantasy contests of the match will be a wise decision.
• Cameron Green was the highest run scorer for the Australian team in the last Test. So he is going to be a must-pick for this match if they bat first.
• Matt Henry and Glenn Phillips, who took the most wickets in the first Test, will play an important part in the bowling department along with skipper Tim Southee for the New Zealand team.

Scenario 2: If New Zealand bat first

• Kane Williamson is New Zealand’s best batter and a lot of Kiwi hopes will rest on him. Williamson could score only nine runs in the first Test and he sure would want to make a good comeback in the second Test. The match will be his 100th Test and he will be eyeing a big score to make the day special.
• Glenn Phillips scored 71 runs in the first innings. He brings a lot of value to the side and is a certain match winner for New Zealand.
• Nathan Lyon and Josh Josh Hazlewood picked up the most wickets for Australia in the last match. Both of them, along with Pat Cummins, will handle the bowling department for their team.

NZ vs AUS Winner Predictions

New Zealand were no match to the mighty Australians in the first Test as they got hammered by the visitors by 172 runs. Australia are a brute force in this format of the game beating them is not easy, especially in conditions where there is help for fast bowlers as Australia have the best attack in the world at the moment.

NZ vs AUS Top Player Picks

Glenn Phillips (NZ)

Glenn Phillips was one of the bright prospects in the first Test. He has scored 71 runs in the first innings and picked up five wickets in the second innings of the first Test match. His all-round performance makes him a prime pick for the game.

Kane Williamson will be a key player for New Zealand in his 100th Test (Source: x.com)

Kane Williamson (NZ)

Kane Williamson will have to come good if New Zealand have to make a comeback into the series. Williamson's current batting form makes him a good choice for the match. 

Cameron Green (AUS)

Cameron Green scored a magnificent 174 in the first innings and 34 runs in the second innings. He also picked up one wicket in the first Test match. He is a top pick considering his form and all-round ability.

Nathan Lyon will be key for Australia in the match (Source: x.com)

Nathan Lyon (AUS)

Nathan Lyon is one of the best spinners in the world. He Lyon has been brilliant for Australia and bagged a 10 wicket haul in last game.

NZ vs AUS Differential Picks

Usman Khawaja (AUS)

The left-handed opener is a consistent run-scorer for the team. Khawaja scored 33 and 28 runs in the first Test and there is a possibility that the batter will come back strong in the second Test.

Matt Henry (NZ)

Matt Henry will lead the pace attack. Matt Henry picked up five wickets in the first innings and three wickets in the second innings of the first Test. Keeping him in fantasy XI can prove to be rewarding.

NZ vs AUS Fantasy Expert Advice

Considering the conditions and probable-XIs, a combination of 2-4-3-2 or 1-3-4-3 would be ideal for this fixture.

NZ vs AUS Fantasy Team for Head-to-Head/Small Leagues

Wicketkeepers: Tom Blundell, Alex CareyBatters: Kane Williamson, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, Daryl MitchellAll-rounders: Cameron Green, Glenn Phillips, Rachin RavindraBowlers: Matt Henry, Nathan Lyon

Captain: Cameron GreenVice-captain: Nathan Lyon

Australia: 5 Players; New Zealand; 6 Players

NZ vs AUS Fantasy Team for Winner Takes All/Grand Leagues

Wicketkeeper: Tom BlundellBatters: Kane Williamson, Usman Khawaja, Travis HeadAll-rounders: Cameron Green, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell MarshBowlers: Matt Henry, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Captain: Cameron GreenVice-captain: Nathan Lyon

Australia: 6 Players; New Zealand; 5 Players