With the qualifying round now done and dusted, the action at the T20 World Cup 2022 now moves into the main round: Super 12.
Defending champions and the hosts, Australia, will kick-start their title defence against trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand. The match, which will be the first of the two Super 12 Group 1 matches of the day, will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.
Australia is considered a strong favourite to win the tournament and retain the title. However, their lead-up has been concerning, with a series loss to England and a defeat in the warm-up game to India. They, however, boast of perhaps the most powerful batting line-up in the tournament.
New Zealand, the runners-up of last year’s tournament, are once again considered dark horses. They lost the tri-series final to Pakistan at home and then suffered a 9-wicket defeat to South Africa in the warm-up fixture.
AUS vs NZ pitch report, date, and time
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
AUS vs NZ Pitch and weather report:
First things first, the Australia-New Zealand encounter stands a good chance of being affected by rain and gets shortened – dare I say, it could even be washed out altogether – because thunderstorms are predicted in Sydney on Saturday.
Coming to the pitch, the SCG surface in the last couple of years has been decent for batting in T20 cricket, but it gets slower as the game progresses. Pace bowlers will fancy getting batters caught out with long straight boundaries.
Date and Time: October 22, 12.30 AM IST
Telecast: Star Sports Network
AUS vs NZ Predicted playing XIs
Australia is likely to make the bold call and drop Steve Smith from their side and include Tim David. Cameron Green has been added to the squad as Josh Inglis’ replacement but is unlikely to slot in the first match.
Australia predicted playing XI
David Warner, Aaron Finch (c), Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
New Zealand has a spate of bowling and an all-around option where they’d have to make a couple of tough choices.
New Zealand predicted XI
Martin Guptill, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell/Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee
AUS vs NZ match prediction: Australia to win today’s match
Australia looks like a complete and well-rounded eleven, notwithstanding their recent losses. Moreover, they have had the wood over New Zealand in ICC tournaments, so it’s an obvious choice to predict the hosts to win their first Super 12 match against the Kiwis.
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, knowledge, and instinct of the writer. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
