Australia are the defending champions and are among the favourites to win the title once more in familiar conditions. Though they recently lost the T20I series against India (away) and England (home), the firepower they possess makes them a serious contender. The addition of Cameron Green to the side, after a freak injury to Josh Inglis, as yet another all-rounder only serves to strengthen their depth as a side.

New Zealand lost the final of the T20 tri-series to Pakistan this month but they have always found a way to succeed in world events. They have experience and star quality in the likes of Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill, but will be missing all-rounder Daryl Mitchell for at least the first fixture.

Head-to-head record

Overall: AUS 10-4 NZ
Last 5: AUS 2-3 NZ

AUS v NZ Dream11 fantasy tips

David Warner should be a strong contender to captain the side. The opener will get the full quota of 20 overs to make an impact and he enters the edition in excellent form. In 2022, he has made three fifties in seven innings at a strike rate of 156.61.

For New Zealand, Devon Conway should be a must-pick. He averages more than 52 in the format and has been consistent, scoring six fifties in 25 innings.

Picking Kane Williamson might not be the best decision. He has been in poor form since the T20 World Cup last year, making 420 runs in 20 innings with a strike rate of 105.26.

As far as the bowlers are concerned, Trent Boult will never be a bad selection. Josh Hazlewood should get in too – he has been effective in the powerplay overs, picking up 23 wickets in 32 innings since the tournament last year. He is currently the No.1 ranked ICC T20I bowler.

Probable XI for AUS v NZ

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

New Zealand: Devon Conway (wk), Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

Rewind

2021 ICC T20 World Cup final: Australia won by 8 wickets.

AUS NZ Dream11 Team

Potential swaps

Aaron Finch for Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Santner for Michael Bracewell

Captaincy options

David Warner, Devon Conway, Marcus Stoinis