Preview: Trans-Tasman rivals face-off in Super 12 opener

Australia & New Zealand meet for the opening fixture of the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup, with both sides looking to stamp their authority early in the tournament. Pitted in group 1 alongside Afghanistan, England, Ireland and Sri Lanka, both sides will understand the importance that a victory on an opening day can do to their chances of progression.

The SCG is due to welcome the third encounter between the two sides at the T20 World Cup, with the record standing at one win apiece. New Zealand head into the showpiece event looking to exact revenge after they fell to defeat last year in Dubai.

Kane Williamson's valiant effort of 85 from 48 deliveries proved to be in vain, as Australia chased down the total for the loss of only two wickets, spearheaded by Mitch Marsh's player of the match-winning 77 not out.

Heading into the maiden Super 12 clash, New Zealand find themselves in a strong vein of form across the game's shortest format. In 15 T20Is this calendar year, the Black Caps came out victorious on 12 occasions.

Another element that looms low over the heads of the New Zealand squad has been their inability to win against Australia in Australia (across any format) since 2011, a record they will be looking to rectify on Saturday.

On the other hand, Australia start their T20 World Cup title defence coming off the back of mixed fortune in the format with just three wins inside their last ten fixtures. Spurred on by the home crowd, Australia will look to remedy any pre-tournament woes with a confidence-boosting victory in the opening match.

David Warner - Player of the tournament at last year's edition, the Australian opener led by example as he spearheaded his side to a maiden T20 World Cup title in the UAE. Warner's run-scoring exploits on falling second fiddle to Babar Azam as he returned 289 runs at an average of 48.16.

With a string of back-to-back 70s in Australia's fixtures leading up to their opening match, Warner looks a man primed to fight for a second successive title.

**Trent Boult -**A vital component in the Blackcap's journey to last year's final, the left-arm quick is one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket.

The best-performing seamer at the 2021 tournament registered 13 scalps at an average of 13.30. Boult will once again be fundamental to New Zealand's chances of success whether it be bowling overs up front or at the death.

**Australia -**David Warner, Aaron Finch, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

**New Zealand -**Martin Guptill, Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Adam Milne

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**Captaincy Pick:**David Warner

An ever-dependable source of runs, Warner currently sits as the 7th-highest run-scorer in T20I history, boasting a record of 2,850 runs at an average of 33.92 and a strike rate of 142.00. That record alone is enough to make him a pick for your captain.

**Must Have Pick:**Glenn Phillips

New Zealand's leading man in T20I cricket this year, Phillips' 2022 record stands at 449 runs in 12 innings at an average of****49.88 and strike rate of 153.76. With the number four set to take up a more focal role at this year's T20 World Cup, we tip the Blackcaps batter to make a statement.

**Differential Pick:**Tim David

Taking part in his maiden T20 World Cup, the addition of David to the champion side is enough to instil fear into many a bowler. A finisher of the highest calibre, Australia will look for their newest recruit to close out their innings in style with his strike rate at a lofty 165.95 in green and gold.