• Australia will begin their title defence against New Zealand in Sydney on Saturday.

  • There are 90% chances of rain in Sydney which may put a damper on the opening match of the Super 12s.

T20 World Cup 2022: Australia vs New Zealand – Predicted XI, Pitch & Weather report
AUS vs NZ: Weather report

In the first match of the Super 12 stage at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, defending champion Australia will take on their Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday (October 22).

The Black Caps will look to take revenge for their defeat in the final of last year’s T20 World Cup and make a positive start in this edition, but it won’t be easy as they don’t have an impressive record in Australia.

On the other hand, the Aussies would like to live up to their reputation of being the title holders and get their campaign off to a flying start.

Weather conditions

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecasted 90% chances of rain in Sydney with 3 to 6mm. “Partly cloudy. Very high (90%) chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a thunderstorm,” it stated in a weather report.

A minimum of five overs is required to get a result for the match and there are no reserve days during the group stages.

Pitch report

The pitch was under cover for most of Friday so Aussie skipper Aaron Finch only got a brief look at it. He said it was on the drier side.

Probable XIs

Australia – David Warner, Aaron Finch (c), Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

New Zealand – Devon Conway (wk), Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi.

Current Form

Australia – LLWWL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
New Zealand – LWWWL

*W – Win; L – Loss

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