New Zealand vs Australia, 1st T20I - Live Cricket Score

New Zealand (NZ) will take on Australia (AUS) in the first T20I of the three-match series on Wednesday, October 1, at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Australia is currently ranked in second position in the ICC rankings, while New Zealand are in fourth place. New Zealand and Australia have played a total of 19 T20I matches so far. Australia has won 13 out of these 19 matches, while New Zealand has won the remaining six games. Australia and New Zealand have played a total of six bilateral series so far and Australia has won four of them.

This will be the first T20I series for Australia after Mitchell Starc’s retirement. Australia included Marcus Stoinis in the squad for this series. Stoinis has not played a game for Australia since November 2024. He retired from ODIs earlier this year before the Champions Trophy. Australia will be without Pat Cummins as well, who is recovering from a back injury. Nathan Ellis is on paternity leave and will miss this series. Australia has suffered a huge blow as Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out of the series. Maxwell suffered an injury in the nets when a powerful hit from Mitch Owen hit him on the forearm. Josh Philippe has been added to the squad as Maxwell’s replacement.

Michael Bracewell will lead the Blackcaps in the absence of Mitchell Santner. Santner is recovering from abdominal surgery and might be back later this month during the England series. Bracewell has captained New Zealand in 10 matches so far. It will be the first time Bracewell will lead the New Zealand side against any opponent other than Pakistan. New Zealand is missing at least five players in the series due to injuries. Kane Williamson has made himself unavailable for this series. Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of the series after suffering a facial injury during training on September 30. He has been replaced by James Neesham in the side.