New Zealand vs Australia: Start Time, Live-Stream Links, Line-ups & Key Stats for Tonight’s Blockbuster Showdown

A high-stakes trans-Tasman showdown unfolds today as New Zealand host Australia in the third and final T20I of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. Australia, leading 1-0 after the rain-ruined second match, won the toss and elected to bowl, handing the Black Caps a bat-first mandate in must-win conditions. Series context • Australia: 1 win, 0 losses, 1 no-result • New Zealand: 0 wins, 1 loss, 1 no-result A victory tonight secures the trophy for Australia; a Kiwi win levels the ledger and preserves their unbeaten home T20I streak that stretches back to early 2024. Key match-ups to watch • Devon Conway vs Mitchell Starc – Conway’s power-play aggression against Starc’s new-ball swing sets the early tone. • Glenn Phillips vs Adam Zampa – Phillips (SR 157 in 2025) is New Zealand’s middle-order engine; Zampa’s googly has dismissed him three times in six T20Is. • Tim Southee vs David Warner – Warner needs 33 runs to become the first Australian to 3,000 T20I runs, but Southee has removed him seven times in the format. Projected XIs New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson. Australia: David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood. Pitch & conditions Bay Oval traditionally offers true bounce and value for strokes; average first-innings score in night T20Is sits at 176. The fresh surface could quicken under lights, while a gentle Nor’wester is forecast to keep dew minimal. Live score & streaming • TV: Sky Sport NZ, Fox Cricket AU • Digital: Prime Video (NZ), Kayo Sports (AU), ESPN+ (US) Live scorecards, ball-by-ball commentary and NZ vs AUS highlights will update in real time on ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz and Guardian Sport. What’s at stake Beyond silverware, ICC T20I ranking points hover: Australia (3rd) could leapfrog India with a 2-0 result, while New Zealand risk slipping behind Pakistan if they lose 0-2. Head-to-head since 2024 • Matches: 7 • Australia: 4 wins • New Zealand: 2 wins • No result: 1 Fantasy & betting tips Expect runs from Travis Head, who averages 45.2 in NZ conditions, and wickets for Trent Boult with the new ball. Punters lean Australia (1.70) over New Zealand (2.10), but local knowledge and crowd energy make the Black Caps a live underdog. Stay tuned for NZ vs AUS live score updates, post-match analysis and full highlights as trans-Tasman bragging rights and the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy hang in the balance.