(Cricket news) In the opening game of the 2022 T20 World Cup Super 12s, New Zealand stunned the defending champions Australia. The kiwis got the better of their Trans-Tasman rivals as they won by a mammoth 89 run margin. Aaron Finch won the toss and put New Zealand into bat first. Kane Williamson made the tough call of leaving out Martin Guptill and Adam Milne. The other two players left on the bench for the kiwis were Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell. There were no surprises in Australia's XI as Tim David was preferred over Steve Smith. 

Batting first New Zealand reached a mammoth total of 200. The kiwis got off to a flying start thanks to Finn Allen. The decision to play the youngster ahead of Guptil paid dividends as he scored 42 off just 16 balls. Allen took on the Aussies, hitting 5 fours and 3 sixes in his aggressive cameo. The New Zealand innings was anchored by Devon Conway who played an incredible unbeaten knock of 92. His innings consisted of 52 balls in which he hit 7 boundaries and 2 maximums. Jimmy Neesham scored 26 off 13 towards the end to help the Black caps finish well. Josh Hazlewood got two wickets while Adam Zampa got a scalp but all the Australian bowlers were expensive. It was surprising that Finch didn't use Mitchell Marsh or Glenn Maxwell despite his frontline bowlers not hitting their marks.

Chasing 201, Australia got off to a terrible start as they lost Aaron Finch, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh cheaply in the powerplay. The Kiwis kept taking wickets at regular intervals as Australia just couldn't get going. Mitchell Santner bowled an incredible spell of 3-31 in his 4 overs as he got rid of Finch, Stoinis and David. Glenn Maxwell was the only batter who crossed the 20 run mark. Australia in the end were bowled out for 111 in 17.1 overs.

The loss is a big blow for Australia who were considered the favorites. For New Zealand however it is a big boost especially considering that no one gave them a chance before the tournament. This was New Zealand's first victory against Australia in Australia in any format since 2011. New Zealand may not come into any ICC tournament in great form but they always manage to play well in them.

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