Finch: It’s a big loss in the context of the tournament
ICC
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Holders Australia suffered a thumping by New Zealand in their Twenty20 World Cup opener but England launched their title charge with a win over Afghanistan on Saturday.
After a week of first-round matches in Australia, the World Cup hit high gear with the Super 12 stage and two of the title favourites in action for the first time. But Australia and England were to have very different fortunes.
The hosts were on the wrong end of an 89-run thrashing in front of a sell-out Sydney crowd as New Zealand emphatically avenged defeat in the final of last year's World Cup.
Devon Conway carried his bat with a majestic unbeaten 92 to help New Zealand blast 200-3, before Australia were skittled for 111 in reply.
Conway's knock came from just 58 balls with seven fours and two sixes, joining a select group to make 90 or more at a World Cup. Mitchell Santner and Tim Southee then both took three wickets each.
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It was New Zealand's first win against Australia in Australia in any format since 2011.
Aaron Finch's men now have their work cut out to emerge from a tough Group 1 with Afghanistan, England and qualifiers Ireland and Sri Lanka awaiting them. Only the top two make the semi-finals.
"That's a big loss in the context of the tournament," said Finch. “We were just totally outplayed in all three facets. New Zealand came at us hard with the bat and their bowling was so disciplined,”
"It hurts. It hurts our net run rate, but we're still going to be positive. I think we still back ourselves that we can win four (matches), and you need a little bit of luck along the way."
Australia next play Asian champions Sri Lanka on Tuesday. New Zealand face Afghanistan a day after.
