Australia vs New Zealand, ICC Men s T20 World Cup, Australia, 2022 Full score card

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! This is full and on off. Cummins gets low as he looks to slog-sweep but gets a top edge and Devon Conway, the keeper doesn't have to move much to take the skier. A big defeat for Australia. New Zealand win by 89 runs.

This is full and on off, pushed to long off for a single.

A short ball,, outside off. Cummins stands tall as he looks to ramp it over but misses.

On the pads, this is clipped to deep square leg for one.

OUT! TIMBER! Two for Boult now. A knuckle ball this time, length and around leg. Zampa makes room to drive but misses and the ball hits the leg pole. This is going to be a very big defeat for the Aussies.

Bangs a bouncer on middle. Zampa looks to pull but misses.

OUT! BOWLED! Trent Boult gets his first! Mitchell Starc gets his own medicine! A yorker on middle. Starc fails to dig it out and the ball hits the base of middle.

Outside off, this is hit through covers for one.

A length ball, outside off, Starc looks to drive but misses.

Very full and around off, Cummins drives it to long off for a single.

A yorker, following Cummins on the leg side. Kept out.

SIX! Short in length and on the hips. Cummins thumps it over mid-wicket for a biggie.

FOUR! Good shot! Length ball, outside off. Cummins punches on the up and over covers and the ball races into the fence.

Full and on middle. Cummins chips it to long off for one.

A slower short ball on middle, it is pulled to deep square leg for one.

Leg bye! This is very full and on the pads. Cummins misses his whip and it goes off the pads on the off side for a leg bye.

Wide! Bowls a slower ball that is angling way outside off. Cummins leaves it alone.

On a length and on off, Starc drills it to mid off for one more.

On a length and outside off, heaved to deep mid-wicket for a single.

A slower full ball, outside off. Cummins swings across and misses.

This one goes away, outside off. Starc has a poke at it but misses.

Very full and around off, Cummins lofts it to long off for a single.

Full ball on off, Starc pushes to long on for one.

OUT! TIMBER! This time Maxwell misses and Sodhi strikes. One shot too many by Maxwell! A floated ball, full and around leg. Maxwell again tries to switch hit but misses and the ball hits the stumps. Australia might have just given up at this point now.

On middle, this is hit to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Wide! A slower one down the leg side. Cummins looks to pull but misses.

Flighted, full and was the googly, pushed back to the bowler.

Length ball, outside off, worked to mid-wicket for a single.

Lockie Ferguson tries the slower one, this is just around off. Pat Cummins swings and misses. The ball goes over the off pole. That was close.

FOUR! Off the mark! Short of a length and on off. Pat Cummins pulls it to deep square leg for a boundary.

A slower bouncer, outside off. Pat Cummins tries to dab it away but misses.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Another one goes and New Zealand are all over the hosts! On a length and outside off at 144 clicks. Wade looks to push, gets an outside edge and Devon Conway gobbles it up. Australia need 119 runs in 46 balls.

Around off, kept out.

Outside off, punched through covers for a single.

Flatter ball, outside off. Maxwell reverse paddles it to deep cover. One.

Flatter and on middle, skids through. Maxwell hits it back to the bowler. Maxwell is livid with himself.

Quicker one on off, pushed to cover.

SIX! Why not if you are getting the result? What a player! Tossed up, on middle. Maxwell switch hits it over covers, all the way for a six.

Maxwell is trying to be cheeky more often now! Around off, Maxwell reverse paddles but finds point.

Floated ball on middle. Maxwell drills it to long on for one.

Maxwell again goes for the reverse sweep but miscues it to cover.

FOUR! Need more! Well played! This is full and outside off. Maxwell reverse sweeps it fine past short third man for a boundary.

Tossed up, outside off, driven to long off for a single.

OUT! TAKEN! That's the end of David! Tries to clear the same region but finds the fielder. Mitchell Santner drops it short, and outside off. David rocks back and pulls but finds James Neesham at deep mid-wicket. Australia are falling over. 133 runs needed in 58 balls.

SIX! Powered! Tossed up, outside off. David slogs it high over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

FOUR! Up and over! Maxwell makes room, this is tossed up on off, it is lofted over cover for a boundary.

On middle, this is swept through square leg for one.

On off, this is hit down to long off for one.

On off, this lands and turns. David looks to defend, it goes off the outside edge down to third man for one.

On middle, defended.

Maxwell plays the reverse sweep, but it goes off the inner half through point for one.

Another single as this is hit down to long off.

On off, this is hit to long off for one.

Shorter and outside off, David cuts it past point and takes two. He is off the mark.

On off, this is guided to point.

Tim David walks in.

OUT! TAKEN! That is a stunner! An absolute stunner! Take a bow Glenn Phillips! He is so good in the outfield! This is slower, it is tossed up outside off. Stoinis makes room and lofts it over cover. Glenn Phillips in the deep runs to his right, he makes a lot of ground and then dives full stretch to take a stunner.

So clever! Slows it up and bowls it outside off. Stoinis looks to drag it but misses.

FOUR! Over the cover fielder and a welcome boundary. Brings up the 50 and Australia need a lot more of these. On middle, Glenn Maxwell plays the reverse sweep, he hits it over the cover fielder and it goes into the fence.

Flatter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Maxwell makes room! He slaps it down to long off for another single. Singles won't harm New Zealand.

A single as this is pushed down to long on.

Two! Shorter and on the pads, this is pulled wide of deep mid-wicket for two.

Flatter and angled into the pads, defended.

A single to end another tidy over! Shorter and outside off, this is played through point for one.

Really well bowled! Slows it up, lands it wide outside off as he sees Stoinis shape up for the sweep, Stoinis looks to cut but chops it to point.

Just the one! Outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Shorter and outside off, Stoinis looks to cut but this goes off the underedge towards short fine leg for one.

Almost! Stoinis looks to sweep but this way too full outside off. Marcus Stoinis misses.

On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

A dot to end the Powerplay and Australia in all sorts of trouble after it. On off, this is pushed to cover.

Outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.

Back of a length and on middle, defended.

Angled into the pads. Stoinis works it towards mid-wicket and takes one.

On off, this is pushed towards cover.

A single as this is worked towards mid on.

A dot to end! On the pads, this is kept out.

Marcus Stoinis walks out now.

OUT! TAKEN! Australia are in dire straits now. They are well and truly on the back foot! Marsh goes. Southee gets another one. The slower one, on middle, Marsh is way too early in the loft. He hits it high up in the air towards deep mid-wicket. James Neesham takes a good catch.

A huge shout from Southee! He believes that is out but turned down! A slower one on off, Mitchell Marsh looks to go downtown but this lands and jags back in. It hits Marsh high on the pad.

Another one on a length. It is kept out.

FOUR! Nicely played! Southee might be wondering, how did he get that there! This is around middle and off, Marsh just helps it on its way over the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.

Good length and on middle, defended.

Glenn Maxwell is the new man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Mitchell Santner ends the over with a wicket! The Aussie skipper falls. Not sure if this shot was needed to be honest! Finch makes room and Santner goes full and on off, Finch looks to go over covers but fails to get under the ball. He hits it straight to Williamson who takes a nice catch at cover. Timely wicket as the momentum seemed to be shifting.

On the pads, this is worked towards square leg for one.

SIX! That is the shot of the game so far! Wow! Marsh makes room. This is tossed up on off, Marsh lifts it over the cover fence for a big one.

Flatter and angled into the pads, Marsh looks to push at it, he gets an inside edge onto the pads.

FOUR! Swept! That is the go-to shot for Marsh against spinners! Around off, Marsh manages to drag it past square leg and this one races away to the fence.

Flatter and on middle, defended.

Mitchell Santner to bowl now.

A dot to end! So after going for 10 from the first two, Boult has pulled things back nicely! Length and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Two more! Outside off, Finch guides it past point. It is just the two.

On off, Finch pushes it to cover again.

Back of a length and on off, this is pushed to cover.

FOUR! 10 from the first two balls! A low full toss, Finch stands and just times it down the ground. This one races away to the fence.

SIX! That is a massive hit! Wow! That should break the shackles and also maybe settle the nerves a touch! Finch makes room, this is on a length and on middle, it is smashed over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Perfect start to the over.

A single to end! A good start by Tim Southee! On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Firmly driven but for no runs! Fuller and on off, Finch pushes it towards mid off.

Half an appeal but that is going down leg! On middle, this lands and jags back in. Finch looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

Yes, no, wait a single in the end! The Aussies just seem nervos at the moment! Length and on off, this is guided to point. Marsh wants one but Finch is late to take off. A misfield and hence, Finch goes for it.

Good length and on middle, defended.

Mitchell Marsh walks out to the middle.

OUT! TIMBER! That is a massive wicket, Tim Southee gets the best batter of the Australian line-up on his very first delivery. This is on a length and around off, Warner looks to pull but the length was not the right one for that shot. It hits the pads, then takes the inside edge of the bat and then onto the stumps. New Zealand well and truly on top now. The most unluckiest way David Warner would have got out.

SWING AND A MISS! Boult with another beauty! On a length and outside off, angling across and shaping a bit away. Finch gets on his toes as he looks to punch but misses.

On a length and on middle. Warner tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! EDGED AND JUST WIDE! Boult almost had Warner here. What a delivery! Absolute beauty. This is full, angled on middle and makes it to shape away. Warner looks to work with the angle but gets an outside edge and the ball just flies wide of first slip. A boundary to third man.

On a length and outside off, outswinger again. Warner punches it straight to cover.

A length ball, outside off, this time Boult gets the away movement. Warner looks to push at it but misses.

Boult starts with a full ball, outside off, not much swing for him. Warner taps it to point.

SIX! A brilliant end to the innings. This is in the slot and Neesham smacks it over wide long on for a biggie. No chance for the fielder there. A six to end the innings. 14 runs off the over and New Zealand reach to the 200-mark.

A run out chance! A better throw was required! On middle, this is hit to long on. Glenn Maxwell there throws it and it's too high for Matthew Wade. He still jumps and has a shy at his end but misses. Two more.

THREE RUNS! Not where Conway intented! A full toss, around off. Conway looks to scoop on the leg side but miscues and it goes off the top edge over short third man. The batters take three runs. Neesham pushes well for the third.

Pitched up, outside off. Neesham lofts it to long off for a single. Devon Conway on the strike.

Two runs! Good running again! New Zealand have been pro active in the middle. Full and on the pads. Neesham helps it to short fine leg. Adam Zampa gets a hand on it and gives away two runs.

Very good from Josh! A yorker, outside off. Neesham fails to dig it out.

FOUR! Starc cannot finish the way he wanted. 10 off this over! This is full and outside off. Conway drives it past cover and it races into the fence. 200 looking possible.

Starc misses his yorker and serves a full toss. Neesham hits it to mid-wicket only for one. Can Mitchell Starc end it nicely?

Very full and on off, worked to long off for a single. Just five of the over so far.

Pitched up on the pads, was the slower one. Conway swings his bat but mistimes it. Marcus Stoinis at deep square leg, runs in and to his left to collect but the ball just bounces in front of him. Well done there by Stoinis. Two more.

Very full and on middle. Neesham looks to heave but gets an inside edge and the ball rolls on the off side. The batters cross. New Zealand are eyeing 200. They need 15 or so runs from this over.

Pitched up, outside off. Conway drives it to extra cover for a single.

In the air but falls safe! On a nagging length, outside off. Neesham swings across but mistimes and the ball flies towards long on and falls in the vacant region.

Good running! Pat Cummins is not happy with the fielder! A full toss. Neesham slams it to long off. Tim David is a bit late to the ball and two runs are taken.

On a length and outside off. Conway knocks through point for a single.

Wide! Pat Cummins changes the angle as he comes 'round the wicket but the issue remains the same. He tires to stay away but bowls way outside off.

This is full and outside off. Neesham drives uppishly but mistimes it to deep cover for a single.

Wide! Angling outside off, and this goes well over the tramline, Neesham swings and misses.

SIX! CLOBBERED! That is why he was send up the order! On a length and outside off, in the arc for Neesham who thumps it across over mid-wicket for a biggie.

Full ball, angling outside off, Devon drives it through covers for a single.

On a length and on leg. Conway nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short in length and on leg, this is pulled behind square leg for a single.

Length ball, outside off, this is pushed through covers for a single.

Fuller ball, outside off. Neesham tries to smash it away but without any foot movement. The ball goes to long on for a single.

On middle on the shorter side, pulled to deep square leg for a single.

FOUR! Conway on the other side is playing so beautifully. Plays with the field this time. Full and on middle, pitched up. Conway drives it past mid off, and no chance for long on to cut it off as well. Four runs.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Josh Hazlewood has been the best bowler of the lot so far and by many miles. Excellent delivery to get rid of Phillips! Josh bangs it hard in the deck, around off and on the shorter side. Glenn Phillips looks to pull but was cramped for the room a bit. He gets a top edge and the ball lobs nicely for Josh Hazlewood to take the return catch on his left.

Wide! Just over the tramline. Josh Hazlewood serves it very full and outside off. Left alone.

Very full and on middle. Conway digs it to point for one more..

A single as this is hit to long on. 150 up for the Kiwis.

FOUR! That was hit hard! Short and outside off. Phillips opens his body up and smashes it over to long off for a boundary.

Big swing and a miss! Short of a length and outside off. Phillips clears his front leg as he looks to go big on the off side but misses. A stifled appeal follows but Australia are not quite convinced. Still, Aaron Finch takes the review. Ultra Edge shows no bat. Australia lose both the review.

Length and on top of middle. Conway pulls it to long on for a single.

A single to end! Not the best of nights for Zampa as he ends with figures of 4-0-39-1. On the pads, this is worked towards square leg for one.

Fuller and on middle, Conway somehow hits it past cover and takes two more.

FOUR! Thumped down the ground! A little too full and Conway makes Zampa pay. It is on off, this is smashed down the ground to the long off fence.

That is lovely bowling! Slows it up, lands it outside off and gets it to turn away a little. Devon Conway is beaten as he looks to go over covers.

WIDE! Fires this one down the leg side. Left alone. Wided.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one. The throw comes towards Zampa, he gets an awkward bounce and hence, does not stop it cleanly. No extra run taken.

A dot to end but another productive over for the Kiwis! On middle, defended.

Excellent running! This guy is really quick! Shorter and on middle, Glenn Phillips looks to pull, it goes off the top edge towards fine leg. Two taken.

FOUR! Magical timing! Fuller and on off, Glenn Phillips leans into it and strokes itwide of sweeper cover for a boundary. Beautifully timed.

Angled into the middle pole, blocked.

Good length and on off, defended.

Misfield and more runs! Fuller and on off, this is driven towards cover. The fielder there lets it through. Mid off gives it a chase and hurls it back. Three taken till then.

Glenn Phillips comes in.

A HUGE SHOUT AND THE FINGER IS RAISED! WILLIAMSON HAS BEEN GIVEN OUT LBW! He reviews right before the timer runs out. OUT! THREE REDS AND WILLIAMSON HAS TO WALK BACK! He takes a review along with him. That was not a good review to be honest. That just looked plumb if there was not bat. Zampa provides the breakthrough his side desperately needed. This is very full. Kane Williamson looks to play a shot which is probably not in his comfort zone. He tries the reverse sweep but this is quite full and on off. He misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal and the finger is raised. Timely wicket as they two were upping the ante.

That semed like it was in the slot! On middle, Conway gets the slog sweep out, it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one.

Outside off, shorter, this is cut through point for one more.

Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.

Two! Really good batting! Steps out again but does not get to the pitch of it. Works it with soft hands towards long on and takes two.

SIX! Conway straightaway goes after Zampa and gets the full result. Steps out and does not quite get to the pitch of the ball but still goes ahead with the shot. He manages to clear the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Pressure on Zampa who has been expensive so far.

End of a top over from Starc! Just the five singles from it. A yorker to end, Conway plays it towards cover and gets to the other end.

Really good from Starc! Another yorker on middle, all Williamson can do is jam it out towards mid-wicket and take one.

Full and on middle, Conway works it towards mid-wicket and takes one.

Well bowled! Williamson makes room and Starc follows him. He looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls on the off side. A run taken.

A yorker on off, Conway jams it down to third man and takes one.

Shorter and outside off, yet again it does not come onto the bat. Conway looks to cut but ends up chopping it to the keeper.

Another single to end! A decent comeback by Stoinis after going for a biggie earlier on but it is still a good over for the Kiwis. On the body, shorter, this is pulled through square leg for one.

Slightly shorter and on the pads, Conway pulls it down to fine leg for two.

A slower bumper this time, holds in the surface a touch. Williamson's one hand comes off the handle as he tries to pull, it goes towards deep square leg for one more.

Bangs it short, Conway pulls it nicely through square leg for one.

And again, you could see Williamson went hard there too. Full and outside off, Williamson looks to go over covers but it goes off the toe-end towards mid off for one.

SIX! What a shot that is! Lovely! Trademark Kane Williamson! This is angled into the pads, he plays the pick-up shot and it sails over the square leg fence. Intentions clear after the break. New Zealand probably will look to up the ante now.

Bangs a bouncer on middle. Conway pulls it to deep square leg for a brace. At the halfway mark, New Zealand are 97 for 1. Since the wicket of Finn Allen, the run rate has dropped down but not drastically. A lot of work to do for Australia now.

A stifled appeal for LBW but Mitchell Starc is not sure if it is pad first. No, clearly it was off the bat, a big inside edge. A corker of a yorker, around off. Conway digs it out off the inside edge and the ball bounces over the leg pole and goes to the keeper. Starc is not sure to review and so was not the keeper. Aaron Finch does not review. He did the good thing in the end.

On a length and outside off. Williamson punches it through point for one more.

A single as this is hit through point.

Two runs! A length ball, outside off. Conway punches it through covers and the batters get easy couple.

This is full and on middle. Williamson works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Not out it is! Adam Zampa appeals for LBW. He thinks it is pad first. Aaron Finch feels the same and takes the review. It does look like pad first in slow motion. Ultra Edge confirms the same. Ball Tracking shows wickets missing, the ball is going over the middle pole. Conway will continue. That was a good review nonetheless. A flatter ball on middle. Conway gets his pad across as he looks to defend but misses. Adam Zampa puts on a big appeal. The length was just short and the ball goes over. Australia lose the review.

SIX! BANG! Welcome boundary! The boundaries just dried up in the last over or so. Flighted, full and on middle. Conway comes down the track and launches it over long on for a biggie.

Tossed up, around off, slower in the air. Conway reverse sweeps it but finds short third man.

Another single as Williamson works it to long on.

Full and on leg. Conway flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Tossed up, drifting on middle. Williamson forces it to long on for run.

Tad short and on middle, Kane pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Wide! A bouncer at 130 clicks on middle. Williamson ducks. A wide given for height. Marcus Stoinis shakes his head.

A slower ball, length and angling on leg. Williamson is deceived as he pulls it back to the keeper.

On middle, flicked to mid-wicket for one more.

Length ball, outside off. Williamson punches off the back foot through covers for a single.

Australia have not been tight! Too many deliveries down the leg side. This is on the pads, Conway tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

Good running! Couple of runs! Length ball, around leg. Conway bunts it to mid-wicket and takes a brace.

A quicker ball on middle. Conway eases it to long on for a single.

A googly, no sharp turn. This is around off and Kane works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Zampa bowls it on the pads, it's flicked through square leg for a single.

Zampa floats it full and outside off. Williamson uses his feet and drills it to long on for one.

On the pads, clipped to square leg for one.

FOUR! New Zealand are not allowing any bowlers to settle! Zampa gets the same treatment. This is full and outside off. Conway smashes it through covers for a boundary.

Tight from Cummins! So, a good couple of overs from Aussies but the damage was done before. This is on middle. Williamson defends it out. At the end of the Powerplay, New Zealand are 65 for 1.

On a length and on middle. Williamson nudges it to mid-wicket.

Outside off, guided to deep point for a single.

Length and on off, knocked to mid off.

FOUR! Not more as New Zealand hit a boundary! This is very full and outside off. Conway does well to guide it through point. The fielder in the deep runs to his right and dives to in vain. A boundary.

On middle, Conway plays it to mid-wicket.

Another dot to end! On middle, Williamson plays it to mid-wicket. End of a really good over from Josh Hazlewood, an over his side needed.

FOUR! Finds the gap! Lovely placement. Shorter and outside off, Williamson makes use of the little width that was on offer and guides it past point for a boundary. He is off the mark.

Williamson steps out, this is on middle, it is worked to mid-wicket. Four dots in the over so far.

Plays that well! Length again and on off, takes off after landing. Kane Williamson does well to guide it to point by getting on top of the bounce.

On a length and around off, kept out.

Kane Williamson is the new man in. Halt in play due to some technical issue. Not quite sure what.

OUT! TIMBER! Josh Hazlewood is absolutely thrilled and there is a look of relief on the Aussie players' face as they have gotten rid of Allen. That is a corker of a yorker from the best bowler of this format currently. Allen yet again steps down the track but this is very full, a yorker. Allen swings but this sneaks under the bat and hits the stumps. A top innings from Allen. Have to say, he has done his job. He usually has the role to get his side off to a flier and has done so. He though misses out on a well-deserved half ton. Can the Aussies build on this now?

Change. Josh Hazlewood is back on.

Had Stoinis stopped that, there could have been half a chance! Australia have been a tad sloppy so far in the field. On off, this is pushed to the left of Stoinis. Allen is off for a run. Stoinis fails to collect it cleanly and the single is easy in the end.

SIX! Fifty up for the Kiwis in no time! Another biggie for him and he is into the 40s in no time! Uses his feet again and makes this length ball into a full one, he hits it high up in the air but has the distance on this one too as it clears the long on fence.

Tip and run! On off, Conway pushes it towards cover and gets to the other end. Gets Allen on strike who is going great guns.

Two dots in a row! A slower one outside off, well outside off actually. Conway reaches out for it. It goes off the underedge to the keeper.

Halt! Saw dust has been poured near the bowler's landing area.

That really took off! Shorter and on the body, Conway looks to pull but this gets big on him. He is beaten. Half an appeal but turned down. Maxwell thought there is an edge but nothing from the rest.

Two more! Fuller and outside off, Conway strokes it through covers for a couple.

Change. Marcus Stoinis to have a go now.

Two to end another huge over! Fuller and on off, Allen pushes it through covers. The outfield is not that fast. Two taken.

SIX! Over the fence! Not sure about what length to bowl to Allen at the moment. Bowl full, he is hitting you down the ground and if you bowl short, he is pulling it in the stands. Shorter and on middle, this is pulled over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

A rare dot! Cummins goes for a yorker but ends up bowling a low full toss outside off, it is pushed to cover.

FOUR! All these runs will be hurting Zampa! Allen steps out again, Cummins bowls it on a length. Allen hits it over mid off and this races away to the fence again. Raining boundaries here.

DROPPED AND FOUR! That has bursts through the hands of Zampa! Shorter and slower but down the leg side. Allen is through the shot as he tries to pull. It goes more off the toe-end towards short fine leg. Zampa looks to take it above his head but it goes through and down to the fence. He should have taken that and Australia needed it to be caught. This could prove very costly as Allen is in the mood here.

Yet again, a single, these singles will just not let the pressure build! This is fuller and on off, Conway looks to drive, it goes off the inner half through square leg for one.

Starc, Hazlewood and now time for Pat Cummins.

FOUR! That has been crunched! It went to the fence like a tracer bullet. Cracking sound of the bat too and that boundary means 15 came from the second over. Allen makes room and steps out, this is on a length and around off. It is hammered through covers and it races away to the fence.

Brilliant! No dots in this over so far. If not a boundary, a single. Josh Hazlewood comes around the wicket and bowls it on a length and on off, Conway plays it late and on the off side for a quick run.

FOUR! Class, this guy is full of class! Another top shot. Conway steps out, he does not get to the length of the ball as Josh Hazlewood drags it back. Conway still manages to stroke it on the up, gets on top of the bounce and hits it past mid off for another boundary.

Slightly shorter, Allen looks to pull, this goes more off the inside half through mid-wicket for one.

Tip and run! Superb stuff from Devon Conway! Josh Hazlewood gets it right, he bowls it on a length and around off, Conway drops it towards cover for one.

Halt in play. Josh Hazlewood pulls out in the last moment as Conway gets distracted by a man walking near the sight screen.

FOUR! Tickled nice and fine! Conway is underway with a boundary too. This is not the start Finch or Australia would have wanted. This is so not Josh Hazlewood! He starts off with one on the pads. It is worked down to fine leg for another boundary. Dealing in boundaries at the moment are the Kiwis.

Who will bowl from the other end? It is Josh Hazlewood. A slip and fine third man in place for Conway.

A dot to end but that is the most expensive first over by an Australian bowler in T20Is. Starc bangs it in, tennis-ball like bounce on this delivery. Allen is through the pull and gets beaten. 14 from the first over. An electrifying start to the game here.

FOUR! Down the ground! Allen is on a mission here. Yet again a delivery in his slot. It is full and on off, Allen slams it down the ground, this time it is as straight as an arrow and it reaches the fence.

Change of pace! Starc goes full, a slower one though and it is almost a yorker outside off. It is jammed towards mid off.

SIX! This is even better! Absolutely brilliant. He has treated Starc with disdain here. Fuller again, Starc is not learning, there is no swing but he continues to look for it. In the process, he is bowling slot balls. Allen thumps it over the long on fence and it goes for a biggie. First of the game. New Zealand off to a flier.

FOUR! What a shot that is! Wow! That is some confidence. Yes, it is a half volley, yes, it is right in the slot for Allen but in such a big game, pulling that shot out on the second ball itself shows how fearless this guy is. He tonks it over the mid on fielder and bags a boundary to get off the mark.

Starc goes full, in search of some swing. He tries to get it back in from outside off but not a lot of movement. Allen strokes it to mid on.

All set now. Gear up everyone, to kick off the mega event. The Aussies are out in the middle. Devon Conway and Finn Allen are the openers for the Kiwis. Mitchell Starc to start with the new ball. A slip in place. Here we go...

We are all set for the action. So far so good with the weather. Let's hope it stays away. The players walk out along with the two umpires. As we see every time before the game starts, it will be time for the national anthems. New Zealand's first followed by Australia's.

NEW ZEALAND (Playing XI) - Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (C), Glenn Phillips (WK), Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.

AUSTRALIA (Playing XI) - David Warner, Aaron Finch (C), Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (WK), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

Kane Williamson, the captain of New Zealand says they wanted to bowl first too but they'll make good use of the wicket now. Adds it is now about focusing on this game and not think about the plans and try and execute the plans. Informs about his team.

Aaron Finch, the captain of Australia says there is weather around and he feels the wicket gets better. States every time one plays for the Aussies there is pressure and everyone wants to do well. Informs Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Kane Richardson and Ashton Agar are not playing.

TOSS - AUSTRALIA have won the toss and they will BOWL first!

PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull says the wicket looks really good. Isha Guha then says it is a slow kind of a wicket and there is something in it for both, the pacers and the spinners. Adds it though has been under cover and the skipper might be tempted to bowl first after winning the toss. Informs the average score is around 160.

Enough about the teams now, let us talk about the weather, the forecast is not that great and there are dark clouds above but the rain has stayed away for now and let us hope it remains that way and we get a full game of cricket.

For New Zealand, Australia is not a place they enjoying visiting. Also, the hosts are not an opponent they fancy playing. They have won, just the one game in the last 17 against the Aussies in Australia. To add to that, they have not been in the best of forms heading into this World Cup. They were recently beaten by Pakistan in their own country. However, just like their opponents, they too are a side who have been doing unexpectedly well when it matters. Despite the form, the Kiwis are not a side one can discard.

The Aussies are yet again heavy favourites in the tournament. They are the defending champions and with the tournament being played in their own backyard, you have to term them as favourites to go all the way. However, no side yet has been able to defend the title. Also, the Aussies, in recent times have not been in the best of forms in this format. They head into this tournament after being beaten by England quite comprehensively. The hosts though are a side who thrive when it matters the most. The look of their side is more or less similar to what they had in the last World Cup and Finch will be eager to start off with a win.

IT IS TIME! It is time for the mega event! The first game of the T20I World Cup and it is a clash between the two finalists of the last editions, the Trans-Tasmain rivals will lock horns to kick things off. It is Australia taking on New Zealand at the SCG. This promises to be an absolute cracker. Stay tuned.

... MATCH DAY ...