T20 World Cup 2022: Match 13 - Predicted New Zealand Playing XI vs Australia

Australia are set to kick off T20 World Cup 2022 Super 12 round with a much-awaited clash against neighbours New Zealand at Sydney Cricket Ground on October 22. New Zealand suffered a heart-breaking defeat against Australia in the final of the last edition of the tournament and will be looking for quick revenge in their opening clash.

New Zealand's latest warm-up game against India was abandoned due to rain after their nine-wicket defeat against South Africa in the first warm-up clash. They also lost the T20I Tri-Series at home after a disappointing defeat against Pakistan in the final. But still, the Kiwis can consider themselves contenders for the semi-final spot in the 2022 World Cup with a balanced squad.

Let’s look at New Zealand’s probable playing XI against Australia:

Openers: Martin Guptil and Devon Conway (wk)

Devon Conway has been New Zealand's best batter in the last few months and will be their best hope to reach the knockout stages at the 2022 T20 World Cup as well. Conway scored 233 runs from five innings at a strike rate of 123.28 in the recent T20I Tri-Series. He was rested for the warm-up clash against South Africa.

Guptil scored 208 runs from seven innings in the last edition of the World Cup but is struggling for consistency this year. He featured in only one match in the recent Tri-Series and scored only 26 runs off 23 balls against South Africa. With Fin Allen and Mark Chapman as another opener options, Kiwis are likely to rotate the top order in the tournament.