Australia will clash with New Zealand in the T20 World Cup fixture on Saturday, 22 October 2022 at 12:30 pm IST.
This is a much anticipated match as NZ were beaten by Australia in the final of the last edition of the ICC T20 World Cup.
So, this is a perfect opportunity to get back at the Aussies.
Recent form
New Zealand came into the tournament after playing a T20 Tri series vs Bangladesh and Pakistan.
They emerged runners-up after losing the final match against Pakistan.
Even Australia hasn’t had the perfect start to their preparations, having lost to India by 6 runs at The Gabba.
Despite this, Australia is one of the strongest teams in the fray.
Also, they are playing at home which gives them a huge edge.
Team News
Steve Smith was used as an opening batter in some previous matches and the move was a success.
However, there is a high chance that Smith will be dropped from the Playing 11.
David Warner is back and that is fabulous news for the Aussies. In his last 14 innings, Warner has piled up 587 runs and is key to Australia’s chances.
In all likelihood, Warner will partner Finch for the openers’ slots.
Mitchell Marsh is another explosive batter who can be relied upon, to come in at No. 3.
Most Aussie ex-cricketers are also excited about the addition of Tim David to the squad.
In his last 7 innings, he has hit 156 runs, including a high score of 54 and is considered one of the best T20 batters in the world.
Mathew Wade is a proven finisher and can score runs at a rapid pace in the death overs.
Besides, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc Pat Cummins are capable of big hits.
The bowling department of Australia is also very strong. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Kane Richardson, Mitchell Starc, and Adam Zampa can choke any batting order in the world.
Marcus Stoinis, and Cameron Green are impact all-rounders who are handy with bat and ball.
Green, especially, is in good form and can bat anywhere from 1 to 7.Â
For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell will not be part of the final playing eleven for this match.
He will join the team in the second match against Afghanistan.
Martin Guptill is one of their key batters with 592 runs in his last 20 innings.
Glenn Phillips and Kane Williamson will be expected to shoulder the batting responsibilities.
This year, Glenn Phillips has been the top scorer for the Kiwis with 449 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 155.
Williamson has scored 2225 runs in 79 innings till date and once he gets going, is hard to stop.
Comparatively, bowling is a weak point.
Ish Sodhi is their leading T20 bowler but lacks consistency. he had not been impressive in recent matches.
A lot will depend on Tim Southee and Trent Boult as they have the ability to pick early wickets.
Pitch Report:Â
The match will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The pitch at Sydney has even bounce and is suited for stroke play.
However, the boundaries are long at the straight, so it can be challenging to score at a fast clip when folders are posted in these positions.
Weather Report:
There is 78% chance of rain that can cause interruptions or lead to a truncated match.
Venue stats
Total matches played: 12
Matches won by teams batting first: 6
Matches won by teams bowling first: 5
Average 1st Innings score: 160
Average 2nd Innings score: 140
Highest total recorded: 221/5 (20 Ov) by AUS vs ENG
Australia Likely Playing 11
Pat Cummins (VC), Tim David, Aaron Finch (C), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
New Zealand Likely Playing 11
Kane Williamson (C), Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, Martin Guptill, Lockie Ferguson, Devon Conway.
Who win win
Owing to a stronger team composition and the home factor, we expect Australia to trump New Zealand.
