Australia won the opening match of the tri-nation T20I series
by 7 wickets against New Zealand. The team led by David Warner chased down a
95-run target in 11.3 overs. The rain-marred match was reduced to 15 overs, due
to DLS method, before Australia’s batting.
Winning the toss, Australia skipper chose to bowl first.
They restricted New Zealand to 117 runs in 20 overs while taking nine of their
wickets.
Billy Stanlake hit twice in the very first over of the match
to dismiss the Kiwi openers – Martin Guptill and Colin Munro. The next two batsmen
were also out scoring less than ten runs as Stanlake bagged the wicket of Tom
Bruce after Andrew Tye dismissed New Zealand captain Kan Williamson.
After the top-order collapse, Ross Taylor tried to salvage
some pride for number 2 T20I side and added 24 runs before Ashton Agar got him
out. He made a 30-run partnership in the 6th wicket with Colin de
Grandhomme, the highest stand in the innings of the Black Caps. In the 5th
wicket, Tom Blundell and Taylor stitched a 26-run partnership before Blundell
got out by Adam Zampa scoring 14 runs.
Grandhomme remained unbeaten on 38 runs as another collapse
in the lower-order resulted in a below par total of 117 runs for the Kiwis. Andrew
Tye scalped a total of 4 wickets, including the last three wickets.
Australia also became two wickets down after posting their
first ten runs. However, two of their finest T20 batsmen – Chris Lynn and Glenn
Maxwell stood firm and kept scoring runs with ease to rescue the Kangaroos. Chris returned to the pavilion
scoring 44 runs but Maxwell ensured the victory by remaining not out on 40.
Trent Boult picked up two wickets for the Black Caps and Tim
Southee took one as Australia chased down the target with 21 balls remaining. Australia quick Billy Stanlake was the Man of the Match for his three important scalps
Australia will face England in the next match in Hobart.
They will take on the same opponent in the third match as well to finish the
first half of the series in Australia. The rest of the series will take place
in New Zealand including the final match.
