The Australian women's cricket team will be out to extend their remarkable T20 streak after finally getting the green light to begin their rain-affected trans-Tasman series decider in Auckland on Thursday.
A depleted New Zealand have won the toss and opted to bowl at Eden Park for the three-game series' decider, which was reduced to 13-overs-a-side after a 90-minute rain delay.
Australia have replaced Darcie Brown with fellow speedster Tayla Vlaeminck as they look to continue their stellar T20 run.
They have not lost a T20 series since late 2017 - a streak that has included two World Cup triumphs.
But they have never claimed a T20 series in New Zealand and will attempt to seal victory at a venue an Australian women's cricket team has not played on since 1997.
World No.4 New Zealand will be out to claim consecutive T20 wins against Australia for the first time since 2017 without their skipper Sophie Devine and game two player of the match Frankie Mackay.
New Zealand coach Bob Carter said star allrounder Devine would miss the second straight T20 due to fatigue after she was initially ruled out with illness.
"Sophie won't play today and will stay at the team hotel as we continue to support her," he said.
In another blow, Mackay will miss not only the T20 finale but also the upcoming three-match trans-Tasman one-day international series due to injury.
She tweaked a calf complaint during her match-turning knock of 46 off 39 balls after also claiming 2-20 in New Zealand's thrilling four-wicket game two victory at Napier on Tuesday.
Mackay has been replaced by Lauren Down.
The White Ferns have won just two of their last 19 games against their trans-Tasman rivals across all formats.
Australia - who won the series opener in Hamilton by six wickets - have lost just seven of their past 40 T20s.
New Zealand: Hayley Jensen, Katey Martin (wk), Amy Satterthwaite (c), Amelia Kerr, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hannah Rowe, Lauren Down, Thamsyn Newton, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair.
Australia: Beth Mooney, Alyssa Healy (wk), Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes, Ashleigh Gardner, Ellyse Perry, Nicola Carey, Georgia Wareham, Jessica Jonassen, Megan Schutt, Tayla Vlaeminck.
