In an electrifying T20I series opener between New Zealand and Australia, Tim David‘s blazing 10-ball cameo, amassing a staggering 31 runs, proved to be the game-changer, overshadowing a remarkable combined effort from New Zealand’s batting duo of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. Despite New Zealand’s formidable total of 215/3, Australia clinched victory in dramatic fashion on the very last delivery of the match. Australian Skipper top-scored for the visitors with a 44-ball 72.
Explosive Start by Finn Allen and Devon Conway
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, New Zealand got off to a flying start, courtesy of their opening pair of Finn Allen and Devon Conway. Allen and Conway smashed away Glenn Maxwell during the PowerPlay, propelling the team to a commanding 59/0 in just five overs until Mitchell Starc’s well-disguised slower delivery claimed Allen’s wicket.
Conway, however, continued to anchor the innings, reaching his half-century off just 34 balls. He found an able partner in Rachin Ravindra, who played a blistering knock of 68 off just 35 balls. Rachin Ravindra joined Conway, and together they showcased an exquisite exhibition of power-hitting against spin.
Rachin Ravindra’s Middle-over Onslaught
Rachin Ravindra, initially slow to get going with just 14 runs off 16 deliveries, shifted gears with a crucial six against Glenn Maxwell in the 11th over. The game-changing moment occurred in the 15th over when Ravindra unleashed a barrage of three massive sixes and a boundary against Adam Zampa, completely turning the tide in New Zealand’s favor. The Australian spin pair of Maxwell and Zampa struggled, collectively conceding a significant 74 runs in their five overs against the aggressive Kiwi batting onslaught.
Despite the quick dismissals of Conway and Ravindra at the start of the death overs, New Zealand managed to score 41 runs off the last four overs, comfortably surpassing the 200-run milestone and finishing their innings with a formidable total of 215/3, which appeared to be sufficient at the halfway stage.
Australia’s Early Struggles and Marsh’s Heroics
In response, Australia had a shaky start, losing both their openers rather early. Travis Head had a brief and scratchy innings, attempting aggressive shots on the leg side. He was fortunate to survive a few close calls as the ball narrowly missed the New Zealand fielders.
However, his luck ran out in the 4th over when Tim Southee took an excellent catch running behind, bringing an end to his innings. David Warner seemed to be in good form, scoring quickly. He struck two huge sixes off New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner in the 7th over but was dismissed in the same over while attempting another big hit.
Lockie Ferguson and Mitchell Santner’s Impactful Bowling
Mitchell Marsh, coming in at number three, played a breathtaking innings, taking the attack to the New Zealand bowlers and smashing boundaries at will. He reached his fifty off just 29 balls. At one point, it seemed Australia would comfortably chase down the target with Marsh and Glenn Maxwell in full flow. However, Lockie Ferguson’s return to bowl just after the break in the 11th over changed the game. He conceded only 3 runs and dismissed Maxwell, shifting the momentum in New Zealand’s favor.
Josh Inglis struggled to find his timing, increasing the pressure on Mitch Marsh, who continued his aggressive approach. New Zealand’s fielding was subpar, with several crucial catches being missed. Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson bowled tightly in the final overs, with Santner conceding only 3 runs in the 17th over and Ferguson allowing just 8 runs in the 18th over. This left Australia needing 35 runs from the last 12 balls.
Tim David’s Heroics
Adam Milne further tightened the screws by conceding only singles on the first three balls of the over. However, Tim David then dramatically turned the game around. He started by dispatching a wide yorker for a boundary and followed it up with two consecutive sixes – one straight down the ground off a slower ball and the next over long-on.
Tim Southee, tasked with defending 16 runs off the final over, started well by conceding just four runs off the first three balls, putting New Zealand in a strong position. However, Tim David once again seized control of the game. Southee’s attempted yorker resulted in a leg side full toss that David smashed over fine leg for a boundary. Southee responded with another yorker, this time wide, allowing David to pick up two runs.
Tim David Seals the Win on the Last Ball
With four runs needed off the final ball, Tim David expertly pierced the gap between deep midwicket and wide long-on. Despite Glenn Phillips’s diving effort, he couldn’t prevent the boundary as he may have slightly overrun, allowing Australia to complete the exceptional run-chase.
The upcoming T20I matches are scheduled to take place in Auckland on the 23rd and 25th of February. New Zealand will be without the services of Tim Southee for these games, but they will have the addition of Trent Boult to their squad.
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