The Trans-Tasman rivalry is back in action as New Zealand take on Australia in the first T20I of the three-match series at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 just six months away, both teams will treat this series as a vital preparation opportunity. Fans can expect fireworks as two cricketing giants lock horns in a high-stakes clash.
Match Details
Tournament: Australia Tour of New Zealand 2025
Match: New Zealand vs Australia, 1st T20I
Date: October 1, 2025 (Wednesday)
Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Time: 11:45 AM IST | 6:15 AM GMT | 7:15 PM NZDT | 4:15 PM AEST
TV Broadcast & Digital Streaming:
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India: FanCode (app & website)
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New Zealand: Sky Sport, Sky Sport Now, TVNZ+
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Australia: Foxtel, Kayo Sports
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Other regions: Check local listings
Team Overviews
New Zealand
The Blackcaps enter the series with injury concerns and a slightly depleted squad. Captain Mitchell Santner is unavailable due to surgery, which hands leadership duties to Michael Bracewell. Rachin Ravindra remains doubtful for the opener after a facial injury, while several regular stars like Kane Williamson and Finn Allen are missing. Despite this, New Zealand have momentum on their side, winning nine of their last eleven T20Is this year. Their bowling attack—featuring Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Ish Sodhi—remains their strongest suit, while Tim Seifert and Devon Conway carry the batting hopes.
Key Strengths: Depth in seam bowling, experienced spinners.
Concerns: Inexperienced batting order, reliance on top three.
Australia
Australia also have injury setbacks with Glenn Maxwell ruled out after fracturing his arm. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis and all-rounder Cameron Green are also missing from the tour. Skipper Mitchell Marsh will look to lead from the front, supported by an aggressive top order of Travis Head and Matthew Short. The finishing power of Tim David and Marcus Stoinis adds balance, while the bowling lineup, spearheaded by Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa, remains formidable.
Key Strengths: Explosive batting, proven death bowling.
Concerns: Lack of spin-bowling variety without Maxwell, middle-order experimentation.
Head-to-Head Record
Total T20Is Played: 19
Australia Wins: 13
New Zealand Wins: 6
No Result/Tied: 0
Australia have historically dominated this rivalry, though New Zealand will count on home advantage to close the gap.
Key Players to Watch
New Zealand
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Devon Conway – Anchoring role at the top with ability to accelerate.
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Ish Sodhi – Key in middle overs to contain Australia’s big hitters.
Australia
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Travis Head – Known for his fearless starts, capable of destroying bowling attacks early.
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Josh Hazlewood – Accurate pace bowler who thrives in the powerplay and death overs.
Pitch & Weather Report
Pitch: Bay Oval is a batting-friendly venue with short boundaries and a quick outfield. Fast bowlers may find swing early on, but conditions generally settle into a high-scoring contest. Chasing has been the more successful option at this ground.
Par Score: 170–180
Weather: Pleasant evening with mild breeze, minimal rain threat, and temperatures around 20–22°C.
Probable Playing XIs
New Zealand (Probable XI):
Devon Conway
Tim Seifert (wk)
Rachin Ravindra / Tim Robinson
Daryl Mitchell
Mark Chapman
Michael Bracewell (c)
Zakary Foulkes
Kyle Jamieson
Ish Sodhi
Matt Henry
Jacob Duffy
Australia (Probable XI):
Travis Head
Mitchell Marsh (c)
Matthew Short
Tim David
Marcus Stoinis
Mitch Owen
Alex Carey (wk)
Sean Abbott
Ben Dwarshuis
Adam Zampa
Josh Hazlewood
Probable Match Scenarios
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If New Zealand bat first, they’ll need Conway or Mitchell to play anchor roles to reach a par score of 170+.
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Australia’s strong batting depth means even chasing 180+ may not be out of reach.
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The toss could play a decisive role, with both teams likely to prefer chasing under lights.
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A close contest is expected, but experience in pressure moments may tilt the game.
Prediction
New Zealand will have the support of home conditions and a bowling unit capable of troubling Australia. However, their inexperienced batting lineup remains a major concern. Australia, despite injury setbacks, look more balanced and carry superior head-to-head records.
👉 Prediction: Australia to win the 1st T20I, but expect a tight contest if New Zealand’s bowlers strike early.