Bay Oval is all set for a blockbuster start as New Zealand take on Australia in the first T20I of the three-match series. Here’s how you can watch it live.
Australia vs New Zealand 1st T20I Preview
Cricket fans, buckle up—Australia and New Zealand are about to lock horns in what promises to be a fiery T20I series opener. The action kicks off on Wednesday, October 1, at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.
This series comes at the perfect time for both teams as they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. Australia enter the contest as one of the top favourites, riding high after back-to-back T20I series wins against West Indies and South Africa.
But here’s the twist—on the eve of the match, Aussie star Glenn Maxwell fractured his arm during training after copping a powerful hit from Mitchell Owen. A big blow, but the squad is still stacked with firepower.
Read More :- ILT20 Auction 2025: Date, Rules, Teams, Purse & How to Watch Live
New Zealand’s Form & Challenges
The Kiwis, led by Michael Bracewell, have been in solid form, winning 9 of their last 11 T20Is in 2025. However, they’re missing several key names due to injuries—Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Finn Allen, Adam Milne, and Lockie Ferguson are all out, while Kane Williamson is unavailable.
Despite the setbacks, New Zealand’s home advantage and fearless youngsters make them dangerous opponents.
Australia’s Squad Without Starc
For Australia, this is also the first T20I series after Mitchell Starc’s retirement. But since he hadn’t played T20Is since the 2024 World Cup, his absence might not sting as much. Mitchell Marsh leads a balanced side with Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, and Josh Hazlewood among the key players.
AUS vs NZ 1st T20I: Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
- Time: 11:45 AM IST (Toss at 11:15 AM)
- Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
AUS vs NZ 1st T20I: Live Streaming & TV Info
- TV Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
- Live Streaming: SonyLiv app & website
So, if you’re in India, grab your snacks and tune in to Sony Sports or stream it on SonyLiv to catch every ball live.
Read more :- Mega Family Unites for Pawan Kalyan’s OG Screening, Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan Join the Show
Probable Playing XIs
New Zealand Squad: Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell (c), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears.
Australia Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Alex Carey (wk), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe.
Final Word
It’s Australia’s power-hitters vs New Zealand’s gritty fighters at Bay Oval. Both teams are eyeing a confidence boost before the World Cup, so expect fireworks right from ball one.
