AUS vs NZ: Key face-offs of the match

Kane Williamson and Aaron Finch (Source: Twitter)

The Super 12 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 will take off with the match between Australia and New Zealand. The match will be taking place at the Sydney Cricket Ground. 

It is often said that the smaller battles decide the fate of the war. Similarly, the result of this match will be decided by a few key face-offs. Let us have a look at some of the important mini contests within the match. 

David Warner vs Trent Boult

David Warner and Trent Boult (Source: Twitter)

Australia will be depending heavily on David Warner for a solid start. On the other hand, New Zealand will be using Trent Boult as their opening bowler. So, definitely the two will be facing off against each other. 

Let us see the history between the two.

David Warner vs Trent Boult in T20I cricket

Balance of the face off

The contest is currently in favour of David Warner. Boult has been able to tame Warner is the face-offs till now. He has dismissed him twice in 24 balls and the dot percentage is as high as 66.66. It will be great to watch how Warner negotiates Boult during the contest. 

Kane Williamson vs Mitchell Starc

Kane Williamson and Mitchell Starc (Source: Twitter)

New Zealand's batting order will heavily depend on how Kane Williamson performs throughout the tournament. He is their only proper anchor and it will be his duty to carry the New Zealand batting order through during the tough times. 

Mitchell Starc, has always been a vital part of Australia's plans, especially in ICC tournaments. The team will depend on Starc for some fiery spells. 

This face off will definitely leave a big impact in the result of the match. To have and idea as how this may turn out let us have a look at the history between the two. 

Kane Williamson vs Mitchell Starc in T20Is

Balance of the face off

The face-off is completely tilted towards Kane Williamson. In the little these two have faced against each other, the batter has dominated. But a player of Starc's quality and temperament will not sit and allow things to flow in the same tide for long. How, Mitchell Starc adjusts himself during the match against Williamson will be very interesting to watch. 

Glenn Maxwell vs Trent Boult

Glenn Maxwell and Tim Southee (Source: Twitter)

Glenn Maxwell might turn out to be an X-factor for the Australian batting. He has the capability to change the complexion of a match on any given stage. 

It would be necessary for New Zealand to keep Maxwell quiet and ensure that he does not get off the blocks early. If the Black Caps are looking to put pressure on Maxwell, by not allowing him too much of freedom at the beginning, then Trent Boult could be a great weapon for them. 

Trent Boult vs Glenn Maxwell in T20Is

Balance of the face off

Containing Glenn Maxwell in T20 cricket is a pretty tough job. But it seems Trent Boult has been able to do that till now. A scoring rate of 100 is uncharacteristic of Maxwell. So, it is Trent Boult who is in the advantage in this contest even if he has not been able to pick up the wicket of Maxwell enough number of times. 

Glenn Phillips vs Adam Zampa

Glenn Phillips will be vital part of the New Zealand batting in the middle phase of the match. During this phase Australia's prime weapon will be Adam Zampa. So, it is a must that these two players will be facing off against each other. 

Glenn Phillips vs Adam Zampa in T20Is 

Balance of the face off

Glenn Phillips has an edge over Adam Zampa in the contest. While the strike rate is touching nearly 200, Zampa has not been able to dismiss him till now. So, this contest will be an interesting watch in middle overs of the Kiwi innings. 

Also Read: Rohit Sharma's report card ahead of the T20 World Cup