AUS-W vs NZ-W Match Prediction : 2nd T20, New Zealand Women tour of Australia, 2026

Australia are favourites to win the second T20I after surviving a tense finish to take the opening match by two wickets. They have a 1–0 lead in the three-match series and will be determined to improve their execution after nearly throwing away a commanding position in the chase.

Bettors will measure Australia Women’s proven form against New Zealand Women’s volatility. Expect market interest to firm around Australia Women, with value pockets possible on New Zealand Women props. For broader market context, compare prices using our latest cricket odds and choose from reputable options listed on our best cricket betting sites.

Head-to-Head Record

Australia Women have won all of their previous five matches against New Zealand Women. Their dominance over

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Australia come into the second T20I as favourites, but their opening-match performance exposed a few areas to address. They started the chase confidently through Mooney and Perry, who put on 86 runs before Mooney was run out. Perry then reached 52 before falling, triggering a dramatic collapse.

New Zealand’s bowlers capitalised on that loss of momentum, and Australia went from a comfortable position to needing contributions from the lower order. Kim Garth eventually helped secure victory, but the hosts will want to avoid another situation in which the result depends on their tailenders.

Perry’s form is a major positive, and Mooney remains important at the top of the order. Gardner and Sutherland provide middle-order power, while Sophie Molineux’s leadership and the team's bowling depth should give Australia plenty of options.

Phoebe Litchfield’s fitness was a concern heading into the series, so her availability and final selection should be checked when the official XI is announced.

Predicted Playing XI

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New Zealand will take confidence from their performance in the first T20I despite ending up on the losing side. Plimmer and Green produced a superb partnership, scoring 127 runs without being dismissed. Plimmer’s 85 not out was a career-best T20I score, while Green’s 56 not out gave the innings an excellent finish.

The challenge now is to build on that effort while finding ways to take wickets with the ball. New Zealand had Australia in trouble late in the chase, but the hosts still managed to reach the target. Maintaining pressure through the middle overs and executing their plans at the death will be crucial.

Amelia Kerr offers valuable all-round ability and leadership, while Jess Kerr can provide a wicket-taking threat with the ball. New Zealand will also hope their other batters contribute so that the scoring burden does not fall too heavily on Plimmer and Green.

Predicted Playing XI

Toss Prediction

The captain winning the toss may choose to bowl first. Australia successfully chased 163 in the opening T20I, which could encourage the team winning the toss to field first and target a clear score.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

North Sydney Oval hosted a high-scoring opening match, with New Zealand making 162/2 before Australia chased down the target at 165/8. A total in the region of 160 could again be competitive, based on the first match, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed par score.

The forecast points to comfortable weather around 22 degrees Celsius with few clouds, moderate humidity near 56%, and a steady breeze. These conditions should enable a full match with minimal weather disruption.

Our Prediction

We expect Australia Women’s stronger recent form and deeper all-round balance to edge a competitive contest. Mooney and Perry provide a higher floor with the bat, while Molineux and Sutherland shape a more rounded attack.

New Zealand Women have match-winners in Amelia Kerr and Izzy Sharp, but Australia Women’s stability across phases gives them the advantage. For our full match calls, see our expert cricket predictions.

Bet on Australia Women to win.