Teenager Pat Cummins was branded a superstar of the future by teammate Clint McKay after Australia's quicks skittled New Zealand for 83 in Saturday's World Twenty20 warm-up game in Colombo.

Australia scored 6-139 before claiming a 56-run win as Cummins (2-13), McKay (2-14) and Shane Watson (2-7) combined with spinner Brad Hogg (3-23) to run through the New Zealand batting line-up in just 17 overs.

The Black Caps were hurt by the absence of the game's No.1-ranked batsman Brendon McCullum, rested because of an arm injury.

Openers Watson (27) and David Warner (24) gave Australia a solid start while allrounder Glenn Maxwell (24) pushed his selection claims for Wednesday's opening Group B game against Ireland.

Wicketkeeper Matt Wade was unbeaten on 25.

Allrounder Dan Christian, who could be vying for a spot with Maxwell against Ireland, hit 11 not out from three deliveries at the Nondescripts Cricket Club ground where the two-paced nature of the pitch made scoring difficult at times.

Australia rested in-form quick Mitchell Starc to give McKay a crack after the big Victorian missed the T20 series against Pakistan in Dubai with a hamstring injury.

There's a second warm-up game against defending champions England on Monday, with Starc likely to return.

Australia and New Zealand also played a one-over eliminator after Saturday's match to gain more experience in the tie-breaker format, after Australia lost by one run in extra time against Pakistan in Dubai last week.

In Saturday's extra over, Cummins claimed 1-1 in a nerveless effort from a 19-year-old before Warner and Watson hit 13 off Tim Southee.

It was a brilliant comeback from Cummins, who had conceded 12 in his extra-time over against Pakistan.

"He was excellent. He's going to be a superstar," McKay said.

"Today Patty executed beautifully and Davey (Warner) and 'Watto' came out and batted nicely as well."

McKay predicted Cummins would have an unbelievable impact in the World T20 event.

"Not only this tournament, but in world cricket," McKay said.

"He's got all the attributes. He's fast, he can swing it, he has a level head.

"It's going to be unreal to watch him go about his business."