Australia v New Zealand predictions: Marsh could be instrumental for hosts

Free cricket tips, best bets and analysis for Australia v New Zealand in the T20 World Cup on Saturday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event & Cricket, 8am Saturday

Best bet

Mitchell Marsh to score over 20.5 runs
1pt 5-6 Coral, Ladbrokes

Match preview

Saturday marks the beginning of the Super 12 phase in the Twenty20 World Cup and punters could hardly ask for a more captivating opener as hosts and defending champions Australia take on rivals New Zealand at the SCG in a repeat of last year's final.

In the 2021 tournament in United Arab Emirates and Oman, both the Aussies and the Kiwis sailed through their groups with each nation recording four wins from five matches.

Australia then edged Pakistan and New Zealand got the better of England in the semi-finals before Aaron Finch's men prevailed in the final.

And it is no surprise to see Australia rated 11-4 to defend their title this year in the first T20 World Cup to be held on their own patch.

They are 1-2 to win their opener but punters should tread with caution after Australia lost a short series 2-0 to England earlier this month before a six-run loss to India in their final warm-up encounter.

Instead, a bet in the player markets looks best and Mitchell Marsh could be a value selection to score more than 20 runs.

Australia's batting line-up is packed with quality but Marsh, who has operated at number three recently, often gets overlooked.

In the final against New Zealand last year, he contributed a crucial unbeaten 77 and, while Australia were far from their best against England, he still managed to score 36 and 45 in the two completed matches between the sides.

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