Tim David’s dazzling 10-ball cameo worth 31 runs nullified an all-round New Zealand batting effort that saw them amass 215/3 in the T20I series opener in Wellington. The edifice of New Zealand’s huge total, which they would’ve believed was enough at the halfway stage, was built on the free-spirited Finn Allen’s knock and the ensuing second-wicket partnership. Allen and Devon Conway took Glenn Maxwell apart in the PowerPlay and dragged the team to 59/0 in five overs before a slower one from Mitchell Starc removed Allen.
Rachin Ravidra joined Conway and the duo put on an exhibition of spin hitting. Between them, Adam Zampa and Maxwell sent down five overs and conceded 74 runs. Even as they both fell in quick succession at the beginning of the death overs, New Zealand managed to score 41 off the last four overs to drive their score comfortably past the 200-run mark, and yet fell short for a win.
Brief Scores: New Zealand 215/3 in 20 overs (Rachin Ravindra 68, Devon Conway 63; Mitchell Marsh 1-21) lost to Australia 216/4 in 20 overs (Mitchell Marsh 72*, David Warner 32, Tim David 31*; Mitchell Santner 2-42) by 6 wickets
Australia have won the first T20I in Wellington in the most exciting fashion with the game coming down to the last ball! @BLACKCAPS v Australia: 2nd T20I | LIVE on Friday from 6.55pm on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+ 🔥🏏 pic.twitter.com/eU0aX2rD0T
— TVNZ+ (@TVNZ) February 21, 2024
