Australia’s T20 World Cup title defence got off to the worst possible start as they were blown away by brilliant New Zealand in the Super 12 curtain-raiser.
The Sydney Cricket Ground was treated to a repeat of last year’s final, but the result was very different this time around as the ruthless Kiwis avenged that painful defeat.
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Kane Williamson’s men sent an early message to their title rivals as they crushed the hosts by 89 runs — their worst ever defeat in the format.
Aaron Finch’s Aussies were the pre-tournament favourites to successfully defend the treasured title on home soil. But they looked like also-rans as their net run-rate took a battering in their highly-anticipated opener.
Left-hander Devon Conway stole the show with his unbeaten 92 from 58 balls as New Zealand hit 200/3, their highest ever T20 World Cup score, before an all-round display with the ball and in the field completed a massive victory.
Tim Southee, New Zealand’s most successful bowler at T20 World Cups with 25 scalps, took 3/6 as Australia imploded to 111 all out. Williamson’s side look a formidable force at this year’s event and will take some stopping if today’s stunning showing is anything to go by.
Captain Finch admitted: “We were outplayed completely, we weren’t good enough and the net run-rate taking a bit hit as well. We play Sri Lanka next, we have four games left, we need to win everything and have some luck on our side."
Take a bow !!!
#T20WorldCup22 #AUSvNZ #GlennPhillips
The Aussies instantly regretted their decision to field first as destructive Finn Allen set the tone by smashing Mitchell Starc for 14 in the first over. He continued that fine striking as he got the Kiwis off to a flier with 42 from just 16 balls.
And they got off to the perfect start with the ball as Southee dismissed dangerous David Warner, last year’s Player of the Tournament, for just five with his first ball.
The game was all but over as the hosts’ top three departed inside the powerplay. Jimmy Neesham’s steepler to remove Mitchell Marsh after he sent Southee high into the night sky left the Aussies tottering at 34/3 and they never recovered.
Wickets fell at regular intervals as the game petered out into an embarrassing defeat for Australia.
Player of the Match Conway said: “It was a special performance from the boys. Victory over Australia on any occasion is a big up for us.”
Match Scorecard: (New Zealand win by 89 runs)
New Zealand: 200/3 (20): Conway 92* (58), Allen 42 (16)
Australia: 111 (17.1): Southee (3/6), Santner (3/31)
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
