Crucket

Having playing Australia four times in 20-20s and lost each time, I think it is fair to say that New Zealand has not yet discovered the formula for beating Australia. Clearly setting a target of 119 is not going to do it.

Looking at Australia’s record (which is good, 15 wins from 28 matches, but not incredible), they seem to be as vulnerable as the next team to a moderately decent total or in being restricted to a moderately decent score.

Fielding first, as they did last night, Australia has only once chased down a score of over 160 – 161 to be precise. Checking New Zealand’s record, we have never lost posting a total of 164 or above. So I am going to suggest that 160 is a good target, which should stretch Australia.

Setting a total, Australia routinely defends totals of 180 or above, which is no surprise, as that is a good score. New Zealand has never chased down a score in excess of 180, so conceding that much would be a certain defeat for NZ. Now, while Aus have defended some pretty middling total, such as 127, they have failed to defend some pretty hefty scores in the 160s. However, 166 is the most NZ have chased down, and we’ve faltered on several scores of 150-odd. So restricting to Australia to 155 or less should give us a decent chance.

So in Sunday’s match, New Zealand should be trying to set a target of 160 or restrict Australia to a total of 155.