Published 18:34 IST, February 27th 2021
Australia vs New Zealand: Third & fourth T20Is to be contested 'behind closed doors'
The 3rd & 4th T20Is between Australia and New Zealand has been moved from Auckland to Wellington and will be contested behind closed doors
- SportFit
- 2 min read
The upcoming third and fourth T20Is between New Zealand and Australia will be played behind closed doors. This has officially been confirmed by New Zealand Cricket on their official Twitter handle. Taking to the micro-blogging site, the BlackCaps wrote that the remainder of the hosts' T20I series against the Aussies will be played behind closed doors and the Auckland fixture will be moved to Wellington.
Both matches were supposed to be held in Auckland on March 3 and 5; now, they have been moved to Wellington.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Saturday announced that Auckland would return to level 3 for seven days. As a result, no sport can be held at level 3, reported stuff.co.nz. Earlier, the T20I matches were set to be played in Auckland, but as per the new guidelines, the matches have now been relocated to Wellington.
NZ VS Aus: 3rd & 4th T20Is to be contested behind closed doors
"Double-headers (inc WHITE FERNS v ENG T20) to go ahead in Wellington on Wednesday, March 3, as planned -- but behind closed doors. Double-headers scheduled for Auckland on Friday, March 5, now to be played in Wellington, also without crowds," NZC said in an official statement.
"Double-headers scheduled for Tauranga on Sunday, March 7 to go ahead -- will wait for Government advice re crowds. All ticket holders to receive full refunds," it added.
The first and second T20I between New Zealand Women (White Ferns) and England Women will also be played behind closed doors following the change to New Zealand's alert levels with an eye on the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, it has also been learned that the decision regarding the fifth and final T20I between New Zealand and Australia and the third T20I between White Ferns and England will be taken later on.
(With ANI Inputs)
Updated 18:34 IST, February 27th 2021