The cricketing rivalry between Australia and New Zealand will reach its final when both teams return for the third match of this series on Saturday at Bay Oval. With the series result already in Australia’s favour after the second T20I was abandoned due to rain on Friday, the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy will remain with the Aussies. However, New Zealand will strive to square the series.

The start of play in the second game was delayed by more than two hours due to persistent rain at The Bay Oval. Under revised playing conditions, the match was reduced to 9 overs per side, but only 2.1 overs were possible before rain again intervened, forcing the officials to call off the game.

Meanwhile, Australia entered the three-match T20I series with a strong intent and delivered a commanding performance in the opening game, securing a comfortable 6-wicket win and taking a 1-0 lead. Now, after rain washed out the second T20I, leaving both teams frustrated, Australia’s series lead ensured they retained the prestigious Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. For Australia, it's about maintaining dominance and finishing strong.

For the hosts, the third T20I gives an opportunity to bounce back and end the series on a positive note. With the trophy out of reach, New Zealand will play for pride and for the home crowd at Bay Oval. The Kiwis will be determined to correct course after a disappointing loss in the first game and the unkind weather in the second. Tim Seifert, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Matt Henry will be crucial if the Black Caps are to challenge the Australians.

Head-to-head

Matches - 21

NZ won - 5

AUS won - 14

No result - 2

New Zealand likely XI: Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy

Australia likely XI: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Matthew Short, Tim David, Alex Carey (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood