NEW ZEALAND WIN BY 89 RUNS Outplayed with bat, outplayed with ball, defending champions and hosts Australia have been handed a thumping defeat by New Zealand in their opening game of the 2022 T20 world cup. Finn Allen entertained with his early onslaught, while Devon Conway held the innings together with an unbeaten 58-ball 92. It was well backed up by James Neesham's late assault which powered New Zealand to 200. Australia, in response, were never really in the chase. With Tim Southee and Mitchell Santner picking three wickets each, they eventually folded up for 111 in 17.1 overs. Not only have they lost the contest in what promises to be tricky group, with England also strong favourites to qualify for the semifinals but also the massive margin of defeat has left them with a large ground to cover going further in Super 12.
Glenn Maxwell falls and it's left to Australia's lower order to save them from a massive defeat. 89/7 in 13.3 overs
THREE WICKETS FOR MITCHELL SANTNER Australia are struggling to find momentum in the run chase. The occasional boundaries are soon followed by the occasional wickets. Marcus Stoinis, Tim David and Matthew Wade are dismissed cheaply. The onus is now on Glenn Maxwell, if not to chase the total down, at least to ensure there isn't a big NRR deficit they leave. 82/6 in 12.2 overs
EARLY STUTTER Australia's chase is in disarray in the powerplay itself. Soon after the hosts lost their openers, Mitchell Marsh is also sent back. Two wickets for Tim Southee, one for Mitchell Santner and Australia are already reeling at 34 for 3 in 4.5 overs
David Warner and Aaron Finch have walked out to open the chase for Australia
Devon Conway's unbeaten 58-ball 92, backed up by blazing knocks from Finn Allen and James Neesham from either end of the innings has powered New Zealand to 200 for 3, in what has been an incredibly entertaining innings. None of the Australian bowlers had a good outing, with Mitchell Starc returning the most economical spell - conceding 36 runs in 4 overs. During the pitch report, it was suggested that scoring won'e be easy. But it remains to be seen if it's enough to beat the hosts in their opening clash.
Some fair praise for Devon Conway
LBW Adam Zampa strikes but it's not a wicket that Australia will have too many reasons to celebrate. Kane Williamson is trapped legbefore on a run-a-ball 23.
FIFTY Devon Conway has brought up his half century with a six, another maximum off the first ball of the over. This time, Adam Zampa bearing the brunt of the assault.
Kane Williamson has struggled to get going today. Batting on 21 off 20 balls
Australia have pulled back New Zealand's scoring rate, especially by keeping a check on Kane Williamson. However, Devon Conway is picking boundaries every now and then.90/1 in 9 overs
The Powerplay is done - New Zealand 65/1, their highest powerplay score in a T20 World Cup match
BOWLED Josh Hazlewood returns for his second over and cleans up Finn Allen with a yorker. A much-needed breakthrough and respite for Australians. Allen's innings ends on 42. What entertainment that was! 56/1 in 4.1 overs
Finn Allen is reviving memories of Brendon McCullum's playing days here. He has butchered all the Australian frontline pacers - Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood.
Finn Allen has taken the attack to Mitchell Starc, hammering the pacer for three boundaries in the opening over. Quite an expensive start for Australia.
Devon Conway and Finn Allen have walked out to open the batting for New Zealand. Mitchell Starc with the new ball
Some focus on Lockie
While we wait for play to begin, here's something you can read: Into the uncharted territory of T20s in Australia
Australia have won the toss and elected to bowl
Teams:
New Zealand (Playing XI): Devon Conway (wk), Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
Australia (Playing XI): Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Hello and welcome to the first match of the Super 12 of the ICC T20 World Cup, set to be played between hosts Australia and New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground. In what is expected to be a tricky group, the neighbours and traditional rivals would want to go one-up in what is set to be one of their toughest challenges in this stage.
We will be bringing you the live updates from the contest. You can tweet to us with your views and questions using #CricbuzzQnV.