Sydney: Australia captain Aaron Finch won the toss and opted to bowl against New Zealand in the opening match of the Twenty20 World Cup Super 12 on Saturday.
The hosts are the defending champions with a sell-out clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground in a repeat of the 2021 final in Dubai, where Mitchell Marsh’s unbeaten 77 gave Australia an eight-wicket win and a maiden crown.
The date is against New Zealand who remarkably have not beaten Australia in any format since 2011.
The only change from this 2021 winning team is Tim David, who was preferred over Steve Smith.
New Zealand notably left out Michael Bracewell while all-rounder Daryl Mitchell was ruled out as he recovers from a broken finger.
Conditions were overcast and gloomy, with rain forecast yet to materialize.
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (capt), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson
Australia: Aaron Finch (capt), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Umpires: Adrian Holdstock (RSA), Kumar Dharmasena (SRI)
TV Umpire: Langton Rusere (ZIM)
Match Referee: Chris Broad (ENG)
