T20 World Cup 2022: Australia vs New Zealand match preview, playing XI, Head to Head, Where to Watch on TV, & Live Streaming Details for T20 WC

New Zealand and Australia will lock horns in the curtain raiser of the Super 12 stage in front of a jam-packed SCG on Saturday, the 22nd of October. The Trans-Tasman rivals headlined last year's T20 World Cup final in Dubai, won comprehensively by the Aussies.

The Kiwis come into the game after a disappointing loss against Pakistan in the tri-series final earlier this month, followed by an embarrassing outing against the Proteas in one of their warm-up fixtures. Kane Williamson's side are also plagued by injuries in the build-up to the tournament after mercurial batter Daryl Mitchell was sidelined for the all-important fixture against Australia.

Australia, the defending champions, who blew away their rivals in last year's final, have got a few injury headaches of their own as Josh Inglis was ruled out of the tournament just days before the New Zealand clash after suffering a freak accident. 

While the forecast for the game is grim, it will be interesting to see what changes both sides make with rain expected to play a huge role in the fixture. New Zealand boasts of an abysmal record Down Under, something they would love to change this time around.

Pitch Conditions

The surface at the SCG has been covered for the most part owing to the relentless rain in the region. The moisture will certainly help the bowlers and with continuous rain, the outfield will also slow down considerably. Batting won't be easy at the venue.

Playing Combinations for AUS vs NZ

Australia

The Men in Yellow have decided to axe former skipper Steve Smith from the eleven in order to accommodate the hard-hitting Tim David. Mitchell Marsh's return to fitness is another boost for the home side, as he could chip in with a couple of handy overs in the middle.

Predicted Playing XI: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

New Zealand

The Kiwis are likely to take the bold decision of resigning veteran opening batter Martin Guptill to the bench in favor of the young dasher Finn Allen. It will be interesting to see who gets to be the third seamer for the side accompanying Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

Predicted Playing XI: Devon Conway (wk), Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (capt), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson/Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi

AUS vs NZ Head-to-Head

Played - 15 | Australia - 10 | New Zealand - 05 | NR - 00

AUS vs NZ Broadcast Details

Match Timings- 12:30 PM IST

TV- Star Sports

Streaming- Disney+ Hotstar