(Cricket news) The Group stage of the 2022 T20 World Cup has concluded and now it's time for the Super 12 stage. The mega event will kick off with a Trans-Tasman clash between defending Australia and New Zealand. It will be the replay of last year's final which Australia won. Things have changed as this New Zealand side come into this tournament in bad form while Australia are pre tournament favourites. Australia lost their warm up match against India by 6 runs but they did play well in the game. New Zealand on the other hand were hammered by South Africa as they lost by 9 wickets. The Kiwis were bowled out for 98 runs in the first innings as South Africa ended up chasing the total with more than 8 overs to spare.

Australia possible playing XI:

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

Bench:

Kane Richardson, Cameron Green, Ashton Agar, Steven Smith

It is pretty clear by now that Smith doesn't have a place in Australia's T20I side. Josh Inglis' last minute injury has meant that Australia had to take the risk of including Cameron Green instead of a back-up wicket keeper. Green's recent burst into the T20 format means that he will most likely get a game in this tournament possibly before Smith. Kane Richardson is another player who is difficult to keep out of the side but the trio of Cummins, Starc and Hazelwood compliment each other really well.

New Zealand possible playing XI:

Martin Guptill, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

Bench:

Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Blair Tickner, Adam Milne, Dane Cleaver

Leaving out Finn Allen will be a very tough call but Martin Guptill with all his experience has to be in the playing XI. Bracewell and Milne will also be very unfortunate to miss out but this bowling line-up is possibly the most balanced. The spin duo of Sodhi and Santner are going to be very crucial in Australian conditions with big boundaries especially in the middle overs.

This particular encounter will be very important for both sides. Australia are out and out favourites for the clash but New Zealand always turn up in big tournaments just like they did in the last edition. A loss for Australia would not only be a big surprise but will also be a massive blow to the host's confidence. The match will be held at the SCG which offers the most spin. 

Also read: Pant and Karthik can be accommodated in playing XI if Hardik is fifth bowler: Gavaskar