New Zealand cricket captain Mitchell Santner is confident his side, the underdogs, can battle hard against an Australian side playing at full strength in their three-match Twenty20 series. This is an exciting build-up to the 2018 World Cup. Wednesday's game is scheduled to take place in Wellington, with games in Auckland scheduled for Friday and Sunday.

New Zealand, who emerged victorious in their last T20 encounter against Australia during the 2022 World Cup in Sydney, winning by an impressive 89 runs, are eager to maintain their winning momentum. However, they are well aware of the challenges posed by the reigning 50-over World Cup champions.

Santner, speaking to reporters, acknowledged that the Black Caps are often considered underdogs in such encounters. However, he emphasized that this tag doesn't affect their determination to perform against the best teams in the world. He expressed his excitement about the rivalry between the two nations, highlighting the infrequency of clashes between them in the T20 format.

The New Zealand captain acknowledged the strength of the Australian squad, describing them as a formidable team with all bases covered. Santner stressed the importance of the Black Caps executing their game plans to counter the explosiveness of the Australian side.

While New Zealand has rested their world-class batsman, Kane Williamson, they have added experienced seamer Trent Boult to their bowling attack. On the other hand, Australia will be led by captain Mitchell Marsh and boast a full-strength lineup.

Additionally, Australian opener David Warner is on the verge of surpassing former captain Aaron Finch as Australia's all-time leading scorer in men's T20s, needing just 54 runs to achieve this milestone.

Following the T20 series, the two teams will go head-to-head in a two-match Test series, adding to the excitement of the cricketing rivalry between the trans-Tasman neighbours.

As anticipation builds for the series, cricket fans from both countries eagerly await the showdown between these two formidable sides. The New Zealand team is determined to put up a strong fight and set the tone for their World Cup campaign. With a sell-out crowd expected at each venue, fans can expect thrilling cricketing action filled with fierce competition and exceptional performances.

As the T20 series gets underway, all eyes will be on the battle between these cricketing powerhouses, as they vie for supremacy in this highly anticipated clash.