what the captains said
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said before the match, ‘We have not even seen the pitch. It was covered this morning. We will not confirm the playing XI yet, as there will be chances of a change in the team if the match is of fewer overs. So we just have to wait.
According to Australia captain Aaron Finch, “If the first match of Saturday’s tournament ends in fewer overs, then the defending champions and the hosts may have to change their batting strategy.” “You spend so much time and effort planning all the scenarios. So, you have to be flexible and how much does it affect when it comes to rain affecting the match? In the low over match, both the teams will be affected.
Both teams struggling with form
New Zealand had lost in the final of the T20 World Cup last year. The recent performance of the team has not been anything special. Daryl Mitchell will miss the opening match for the team as he is still recovering from injury. Fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne are also making comebacks from injuries. Australia, on the other hand, seem to be in good shape despite losing the T20I series against India and England at home. They have the finest players to defend the title in the form of Matthew Wade, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, Tim David and David Warner. It can be expected that rain will not disturb this important match on Saturday.
In this match, Australia’s legendary player Steve Smith can be out of the playing XI. He was dropped in several matches of the series against England and West Indies.
head to head
T20 total: 15
Australia won: 10
New Zealand won: 05
Both teams are as follows
Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), David Warner, Adam Zampa .
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, Martin Guptill, Lachlan Ferguson, Devon Conway (wk), Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Trent Boult, Finn Allen .
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