New Zealand vow to 'fight' in T20 series with Australia

Captain Mitchell Santner declared on Tuesday that his New Zealand team, considered as the "underdogs," will fiercely compete in their three-match Twenty20 series against a fully equipped Australian squad.

New Zealand emerged victorious in their previous encounter in the shortest format, securing an 89-run win in October 2022 during the World Cup in Sydney. However, Australia has since claimed the 50-over World Cup title and is coming off a 2-1 T20 series triumph against the West Indies.

Santner expressed, "We may be considered underdogs, but we are accustomed to that label and do not pay much attention to it."

He further added, "It is always an exciting time when the Australians visit. Challenging oneself against the world's best is always a thrilling prospect, and they certainly fall into that category."

The Black Caps and Australia last faced off in a T20 series three years ago, with New Zealand emerging victorious with a 3-2 scoreline.

Santner remarked, "It holds a special place for us. We may not face Australia as frequently as we should, but the trans-Tasman clash is always enjoyable."

Assessing the current Australian squad, Santner acknowledged, "They are an exceptionally talented team with all aspects of the game covered."

He continued, "Our focus is on executing our plans and strategies effectively."

The touring side, led by Mitchell Marsh, is at full strength.

David Warner, who recently retired from Test cricket, is on the verge of surpassing former captain Aaron Finch as Australia's highest run-scorer in men's T20s, needing just 54 runs to achieve the milestone.

While New Zealand has rested Kane Williamson, they have bolstered their bowling attack with the inclusion of experienced seamer Trent Boult.

Santner emphasized, "We are aware of the threat posed by the Australian team and their explosive capabilities."

He concluded, "Our aim is to compete fiercely in this series and then shift our focus to the upcoming challenges."