Australia and New Zealand are gearing up for a marquee clash as they are slated to lock horns in the first T20I of their upcoming three-match series at the picturesque Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. This match will not only mark the opener of the trans‑Tasman T20 series but also add a new chapter to Bay Oval’s growing stature in international cricket, as it hosts Australia for the first time.
This will be Australia’s first men’s international at Bay Oval. The series will also serve as a big platform for both Australia and New Zealand to start their preparation for the upcoming T20I World Cup. Australia have suffered a setback ahead of the series with Glenn Maxwell being ruled out after fracturing his forearm in training. His absence opens the door for Josh Philippe to be part of the squad.
New Zealand, on the other side, will be without regular skipper Mitchell Santner, who is out recovering from abdominal surgery, and as a result, Michael Bracewell will lead the side. Despite the absence of formidable campaigners, New Zealand have some experienced players in Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway.
New Zealand are coming off the back of their T20I tri-series final victory against South Africa in July, while for Australia, they have been dominant in the shortest format over the past few months, toppling West Indies and South Africa in their last assignments.
Head-to-head
Matches - 19
NZ won - 6
AUS won - 13
New Zealand probable XI: Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra/Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell (capt), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy
Australia probable XI: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Matt Short, Tim David, Alex Carey (wk), Mitch Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood