NZ vs AUS 2025: New Zealand vs Australia, 1st T20I Match Preview

Published - 30 Sept 2025, 18:48 IST | Updated - 30 Sept 2025, 19:54 IST

The three-match T20I series is set to commence with New Zealand (NZ) and Australia (AUS) taking on each other in the first T20I at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The BlackCaps will aim at regaining the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.

New Zealand arrive into this series having last played the 20-over format during the tri-series in Zimbabwe, a tournament in which they managed to go unbeaten right till the end. They have generally been in fine form in T20Is in 2025, winning nine out of 11 games. Amongst other, there will be a lot of eyes on Tim Seifert. The top-order batter has 497 runs in his past 11 innings at a remarkable strike rate of 168.47.

As for Australia, their T20I form has been quite significant too. They have lost only two matches in 17 games since the previous T20 World Cup. They are without Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis who are out due to several reasons. It is also Australia's first T20I series post the premier fast bowler Mitchell Starc's retirement from the format.

It is expected that the deck at Bay Oval will be conducive for batting. The breeze which typically flows across the ground could play as an important factor. The forecast for the series-opening clash is expected to be clear of any rain.

Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell (c), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Matt Short, Tim David, Alex Carey (wk), Mitch Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood