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T20 World Cup: New Zealand Register First Win, Hammer Uganda By 9 Wickets

admin — Sat, 15 Jun 2024 03:44:07 +0000

New Zealand put up a clinical performance to notch a comprehensive but a consolatory nine-wicket win over minnows Uganda in the T20 World Cup in Tarouba. Left-arm pacer Trent Boult (2/7) and fellow veteran quick Tim Southee (3/4) wrecked havoc as Uganda folded up for a mere 40 in 18.4 overs, missing the lowest total in the T20 World Cup by just a run. Uganda had been bowled out for the joint-lowest team total of 39 against West Indies last week. The gulf between them and top nations has been pretty evident in the tournament.

Opener Devon Conway (22 not out off 15, 4x4s) then fuelled New Zealand’s first win of the tournament with the Kiwis knocking off the target in 5.2 overs.

Having lost their opening two games to Afghanistan and hosts West Indies, New Zealand finished outside of the semifinals for the first time in 10 years.

The Kiwis flexed their muscle against debutants Uganda, whose batters continued to struggle in the tournament. The African side has not gone beyond the 80-run mark in the tournament and conclude with three losses and a win.

With the ball swinging prodigiously in the powerplay, New Zealand made the most of it, giving away just 9/3.

Boult set the tone of the match with twin strikes in the first over.

He swung the ball away from a clueless Simon Ssesazi to trap him leg before wicket on the third ball of the innings.

Boult then knocked over Robinson Obuya’s stumps on the very next delivery. The 34-year-old, however, was denied a hattrick by Alpesh Ramjani, who negotiated an out-swinging yorker.

Southee claimed Uganda’s third wicket fell in the fourth over, as he trapped Ramjani in front of the wickets.

Wickets continued to tumble for Uganda as spinners Mitchell Santner (2/8) and Rachin Ravindra (2/9) and pacer Lockie Ferguson (1/9) joined in on the action.

Southee then returned in the 18th over to claim two more wickets, trapping Fred Achelam and Juma Miyagi leg before wicket on consecutive deliveries. But like Boult, he too was denied a hattrick.

Kenneth Waiswa (11) was the only Ugandan batter to reach a double digit score.

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New Zealand vs Uganda LIVE Score Updates, T20 World Cup 2024: New Zealand Strike Early As Uganda Go 3 Down

admin — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 21:07:24 +0000

New Zealand vs Uganda, T20 World Cup 2024 LIVE Updates© X (formerly Twitter)

New Zealand vs Uganda LIVE Updates, T20 World Cup 2024: Uganda have lost their third wicket against New Zealand in their T20 World Cup Group C match. Earlier, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and opted to field. Both the teams are already eliminated from the tournament and will be playing for prestige at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad on Saturday. New Zealand have played two matches in the tournament and they are ranked last in five-team table with no points, while Uganda have played three matches and they are ranked third in the table with two points. In their last match, the Blackcaps lost to West Indies by 13 runs, while Uganda too lost their most recent game to the Windies, by 134 runs. (Live Scorecard | Points Table)

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T20 World Cup Group C Preview: West Indies Aim For Third Title, New Zealand And Afghanistan In The Mix

admin — Fri, 31 May 2024 12:44:07 +0000

Two-time champions and co-hosts West Indies are grouped with New Zealand, Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. West Indies and New Zealand are the top-ranked teams in Group C, but will face strong resistance from Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea as they aim to make it through to the second round. West Indies will be aiming for a record third T20 World Cup title, and are in great form in the lead-up to the tournament. Uganda will make their debut on the global stage, and will look to pull off further miracles in their romantic journey.

West Indies:

A series victory against defending champions, England, towards the end of last year revealed how dangerous a full-strength West Indies side can be. Despite their lacklustre performance in the 2022 edition, the Rovman Powell-led side poses a major threat this time around.

They are well covered in all departments with several all-rounders and big-hitters, capable of swinging games. The surprise inclusion in their squad for the tournament was Shamar Joseph, uncapped in T20Is until featuring against South Africa recently, but a supreme talent in the making as he showed in Australia during the Test series at the start of the year.

West Indies also get a fairly easier start to the tournament with games against the lower-ranked teams in the group, PNG and Uganda. If they start well, the co-hosts will be favourites to top the group.

Squad:

Rovman Powell (c), Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd

Fixtures:

Sun, 2 June 2024 – West Indies v Papua New Guinea, Guyana, 10:30 AM LOCAL

Sat, 8 June 2024 – West Indies v Uganda, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL

Wed, 12 June 2024 – West Indies v New Zealand, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL

Mon, 17 June 2024 – West Indies v Afghanistan, St. Lucia, 08:30 PM LOCAL

New Zealand:

New Zealand made very little change from the 2022 edition to this one with their squad selection. It highlights the consistency in selection on the one hand, and also how well-rounded the Blackcaps unit is.

The team is also well prepared for the event with 36 T20Is under their belt since the end of the last T20 World Cup, the most among full-member teams.

The depth of talent at their disposal was evident in the recent T20I series in Pakistan, where a second-string squad managed to level the series.

Kane Williamson, who will be playing his sixth T20 World Cup, will lead a strong side that has a wealth of experience alongside the exuberance of youth in the likes of Rachin Ravindra, who sizzled with the bat in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and the exciting Finn Allen.

Veterans Trent Boult and Tim Southee will lead the pace attack, which also has Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry. There are ample options in the spin department too with Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Michael Bracewell, and Ravindra.

New Zealand open their campaign against Afghanistan in Guyana and then take on co-hosts West Indies in Trinidad.

Squad:

Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee. Travelling Reserve: Ben Sears

Fixtures:

Fri, 7 June 2024 – New Zealand v Afghanistan, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL

Wed, 12 June 2024 – New Zealand v West Indies, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL

Fri, 14 June 2024 – New Zealand v Uganda, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL

Mon, 17 June 2024 – New Zealand v Papua New Guinea, Trinidad, 10:30 AM LOCAL

Afghanistan:

Afghanistan are ranked 10th in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings, but are more than capable of pulling off big wins.

They recorded series victories against UAE (twice), Pakistan and Ireland since the end of the last T20 World Cup and also reached the final of the Asian Games Men’s Cricket Competition, where they lost to India.

The squad is boosted by the return of Rashid Khan after the leg-spinner’s long injury layoff. He leads a versatile spin department that also has the likes of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Nangyal Kharoti and veteran Mohammad Nabi.

Afghanistan begin their campaign against Uganda in Guyana on June 3.

Squad:

Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik. Reserves: Sediq Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Saleem Safi

Fixtures:

Mon, 3 June 2024 – Afghanistan v Uganda, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL

Fri, 7 June 2024 – Afghanistan v New Zealand, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL

Thur, 13 June 2024 – Afghanistan v Papua New Guinea, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL

Mon, 17 June 2024 – Afghanistan v West Indies, St. Lucia, 08:30 PM LOCAL

Uganda:

Uganda secured a spot in the T20 World Cup by comfortably defeating Rwanda in their last match of the Africa region qualifier. With five wins in six games, Uganda was the standout team alongside Namibia in the Africa Qualifier as they sealed their berth in the mega event.

Uganda have a stellar record leading up to the tournament with 41 wins in their last 49 T20Is, a win percentage of 83.67 per cent.

Led by Brian Masaba, Uganda will feature in the tournament with plenty of experience in the squad. The 43-year-old Frank Nsubuga aside, the squad also features Alpesh Ramjani, who was one of the nominees for the 2023 ICC Men’s T20I cricketer of the Year.

Uganda play their first three games in Guyana and have the opportunity to spring a surprise from Group C.

Squad:

Brian Masaba (c), Simon Ssesazi, Roger Mukasa, Cosmas Kyewuta, Dinesh Nakrani, Fred Achelam, Kenneth Waiswa, Alpesh Ramjani, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, Bilal Hassun, Robinson Obuya, Riazat Ali Shah, Juma Miyaji, Ronak Patel. Travelling Reserves: Innocent Mwebaze, Ronald Lutaaya

Fixtures:

Mon, 3 June 2024 – Uganda v Afghanistan, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL

Wed, 5 June 2024 – Uganda v Papua New Guinea, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL

Sat, 8 June 2024 – Uganda v West Indies, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL

Fri, 14 June 2024 – Uganda v New Zealand, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL

Papua New Guinea:

Like Uganda, PNG come into the tournament with an impeccable record of 14 wins in their last 18 games. They are led by the enterprising Assad Vala, PNG are set to appear for the second time at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Papua New Guinea maintained an unbeaten record in the qualifiers, winning six consecutive matches.

With plenty of all-rounders in the squad, PNG have a versatile unit that can test the bigger teams in the group.

Papua New Guinea kicks off its campaign with a challenging opening match against the host nation, West Indies, on June 2. They then face Uganda on June 5, followed by matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand.

Squad:

Assadollah Vala (c), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, CJ Amini, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura

Fixtures:

Sun, 2 June 2024 – Papua New Guinea v West Indies, Guyana, 10:30 AM LOCAL

Wed, 5 June 2024 – Papua New Guinea v Uganda, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL

Thur, 13 June 2024 – Papua New Guinea v Afghanistan, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL

Mon, 17 June 2024 – Papua New Guinea v New Zealand, Trinidad, 10:30 AM LOCAL

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Australia Move To Second In WTC Table After 2-0 Series Win Over New Zealand

admin — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 07:25:35 +0000

Australia have overtaken New Zealand to take the second spot in the World Test Championships ranking following the 2-0 series win over their Trans-Tasman rivals in Christchurch on Monday. The win in the second Test helped Australia collect 12 points on their road to defending the World Test Championship mace. Australia have improved their percentage points from 59.09 to 62.50 after 12 matches. New Zealand have dropped from 60 percentage points to 50 to be third on the list. They have played six games.

India, who have won six of their nine matches, continue to lead the table 68.51.

One guy stood up in key moments: Cummins after thrilling series-win over NZ

Cummins lauded his team for its fearless attitude and particulary praised wicketkeeper Carey for his series-clinching effort, saying the story of the rubber was that one player who stood up when they needed.

A herculean effort from Alex Carey alongside Mitchell Marsh’s 80 and Pat Cummins’ late heroics helped Australia defeat New Zealand in the second Test and seal the series.

Australia had won the first Test by 172 runs in Wellington last month. Carey finished on 98 not out while Cummins (32 not out) struck the winning runs off New Zealand debutant Ben Sears (4/90), whose double-wicket over to collect Mitchell Marsh and Starc, earlier looked to bring the Kiwis back into the match.

In the end, the 61-run partnership between Cummins and Carey sealed the deal for Australia.

“If the scoreboard is not moving, you always feel in the game (from the bowling side), but if they’re just chipping away at it seems like it’s all happening pretty quickly.

“So that was a goal today – just always be busy out there. Just keep the run rate ticking over, bit by bit getting closer,” Cummins was quoted as saying by ICC after the end of the match.

Cummins feels the 92-run first innings lead over New Zealand played a big role in Australia’s success in the keenly-contested clash.

“That day one moved really quickly. And then after that the pitch flattened out and it was a bit tougher going for the bowlers. But yeah, the first innings lead was always key.

“I think the story of this series was in key moments one guy stood up, and we didn’t necessarily play complete games but you know, someone stood up and made themselves a match-winner. (We) keep finding ways to win. It’s a pretty awesome squad,” he said.

“Amazing win, bit by bit, the boys were fantastic today.”

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Alex Carey’s 98 Drags Australia Home In New Zealand Test Thriller

admin — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 05:29:15 +0000

An unbeaten 98 from Alex Carey and a formidable partnership with Mitchell Marsh rescued Australia from a dire position to set up a three-wicket victory in a tense second Test against New Zealand on Monday. Carey and Marsh put on a vital 140-run partnership at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, the tourists having had their backs to the wall at 80-5 in their chase of 279. At 220-5, the Test took another turn when Ben Sears claimed Marsh and Mitchell Starc in successive deliveries, leaving Australia needing a further 59 runs with three wickets remaining.

Australia captain Pat Cummins joined Carey to drag the tourists home, with the winning runs coming from a boundary by Cummins.

It sealed a 2-0 series win for the visitors and earned them valuable points in the World Test Championship standings.

New Zealand were left deflated after starting the fourth day with high hopes of a first home victory over their neighbours in 31 years.

When Australia resumed the day at 77-4, after a one-hour delay because of rain, Marsh on 28 was dropped by Rachin Ravindra in the second over and Travis Head was out on the next ball from Tim Southee.

New Zealand were buoyant, aware that Marsh and Carey were struggling for form, with Marsh coming off back-to-back ducks.

Carey had compiled just 27 from his three previous innings in the series.

The Australian pair found form when it mattered and rather than be cautious, they went on the attack at more than five an over in the morning session as batting conditions became easier with the ageing ball.

The breakthrough New Zealand desperately sought came after lunch when debutant Sears took his double.

Marsh, who had made 80 off 102 deliveries, went lbw and Starc followed first ball caught at square leg by Will Young.

The hat-trick ball, however, was wide of the mark and the new batsman Cummins edged it for four.

Carey had an anxious moment when given out lbw to Matt Henry on 19 but on review the ball tracker placed the ball outside leg stump.

He gave few other chances in a 123-ball innings which included 15 boundaries.

For New Zealand, Sears took 4-90 while Henry’s 2-94 gave him nine wickets for the match.

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On Kane Williamson, Tim Southee Playing Their 100th Test, Sachin Tendulkar Says This

admin — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 10:58:28 +0000

Tim Southee and Kane Williamson together.© Twitter

New Delhi :

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Friday heaped praise on Kane Williamson and Tim Southee and called them the “torchbearers” of New Zealand cricket after the Kiwi players reached the milestone of playing 100 Test matches. Tendulkar in his social media account X, said that it was “fitting’ that both Williamson and Southee played their 100th Test match together after 16 years of playing in the 2008 U19 World Cup. The 50-year-old also sent his best wishes to the Kiwi cricketers for reaching the remarkable feat against Australia.

“Kane Williamson and Tim Southee have been the torchbearers of New Zealand cricket ever since they burst onto the scene at the 2008 U-19 World Cup. It is only fitting that they also play their 100th Test match together around 16 years later. All the very best to them for their landmark match against familiar foes Australia,” Tendulkar wrote on X.

Kane Williamson and Tim Southee have been the torchbearers of New Zealand cricket ever since they burst onto the scene at the 2008 U-19 World Cup. It is only fitting that they also play their 100th Test match together around 16 years later. All the very best to them for their… pic.twitter.com/sFFWVUdJz5

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 8, 2024

Southee and Williamson became just the fifth and sixth Black Caps players to reach the milestone of 100 Test matches.

The two Blackcaps veterans were teammates at the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup in 2008 where the team reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual champions, India.

Southee had already made his senior international debut a few weeks before the U19 World Cup, in the T20I format. He would go on to make his Test debut within a year.

Williamson, on the other hand, had to wait until 2010 to make his Test debut, but since made rapid strides across formats to evolve into one of New Zealand’s greatest-ever batters.

Williamson has 8675 runs in Tests, well ahead of Ross Taylor, the next best for New Zealand, and averages 55.25 in the format. No other active player has more Test hundreds than Williamson’s 32. Southee, meanwhile, has 378 Test wickets and is just over 50 wickets away from eclipsing Richard Hadlee’s tally for most Test wickets by a Kiwi bowler.

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“We Have To Make Decision”: Tim Southee On Recalling Retired Neil Wagner For 2nd Test vs Australia

admin — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 11:08:20 +0000

Unclear about bowler Will O’Rourke’s fitness for the next test in Christchurch, New Zealand captain Tim Southee did not completely rule out the possibility of Neil Wagner being called up from retirement for the second Test against Australia. New Zealand and Australia will meet for the final Test in Christchurch, beginning on Friday. O’Rourke left the field five balls into his eighth over on the third day, complaining of left hamstring tightness. He did not play again in Australia’s second innings, but on day four he batted and was able to run between the wickets even though he was never asked to sprint. The crowd responded enthusiastically when Wagner entered the game as a replacement fielder.

After selecting four fast bowlers on a Basin Reserve pitch that spun more than he had ever seen in his 16-year Test career, Southee conceded that New Zealand might have made a mistake in their selection for the second straight Test match.

In the past, Hagley Oval in Christchurch has been less conducive to spin bowling and even better for pace bowling. Wagner retired after learning he would not be selected for either of the Test matches against Australia, so if O’Rourke is ruled out, New Zealand will be without a fourth seamer in the squad.

However, Southee was specifically asked after the game whether Wagner could be called up for Christchurch now that New Zealand was behind 1-0 in the series, and he did not rule it out.

“We haven’t had a lot of discussions as yet. We’ll see how Will scrubs up. The physio hasn’t sort of put a timeframe on it or how bad it is. We’ll just wait and see how Will goes over the next couple of days. I’m sure there’ll be an update in the next 24 hours. We obviously have to go on and make a decision on who comes in and what role we sort of see that playing out in Christchurch,” Southee said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“[Wagner’s] had a great reception here over the last week where he got a couple of moments on the field and obviously he’s been a fan favourite for a long time,” he added.

In light of the fact that Trent Boult has only recently started playing T20 cricket, the New Zealand skipper did rule out the chance of his recall.

“I don’t think his loading is up to it on the back of T20,” Southee said.

Southee believes that Scott Kuggeleijn, the fourth seamer for New Zealand, performed admirably in just his second Test match. In the first innings, Kuggeleijn claimed two wickets but gave up 75 runs in 20 overs with just one maiden.

“He bowled well at times. It was tough out there with that wind, the job he did, picked up a couple of wickets in the first innings which were crucial. It’s obviously a very small sample size in the two matches he’s played and there’s a bit of time, a year between Test matches as well. It’s not easy to come in and make an impact straight away,” Southee said.

The difference in the game, according to Southee, was Cameron Green’s 174 not out and his 116-run stand with Josh Hazlewood at the 10th wicket on the second morning. He told Green that his team’s strategy was flawed.

“I think we probably could have tried to get Green out on that second morning. I think the way he played that that night before, we thought he was probably going to come out and play some shots. But we probably could look to get him out and on that second morning and make things slightly easier than what we did,” he said.

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Australia Take Charge Of First Test After New Zealand Collapse

admin — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 06:48:53 +0000

Australia seized control of the opening Test on Friday after a miserable day for hosts New Zealand left them 217 runs adrift in Wellington and with a mountain to climb to stay in the match. The visitors finished on 13-2 in their second innings with nightwatchman Nathan Lyon not out six and opener Usman Khawaja on five after Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne departed cheaply. Tim Southee bowled Smith with his third ball, then had the out-of-form Labuschagne caught behind by Tom Blundell.

However, Southee dropped Lyon in the slips late on from Matt Henry to cap a frustrating day for New Zealand at Basin Reserve.

Cameron Green earlier smashed an unbeaten 174 as Australia raced to an imposing first-innings 383, before bowling out New Zealand for 179.

Australia struck early, dismissing Tom Latham (5) before Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra fell for ducks within the space of five balls to leave them tottering at 12-3.

Glenn Phillips offered the most resistance before he was dismissed for 71, caught by Mitchell Starc off a Josh Hazlewood delivery. Australia then quickly picked off New Zealand’s tail.

Phillips’ sixth-wicket partnership of 84 with Tom Blundell (33) was the meagre highlight.

“The pitch was moving around a little bit and they were hitting really good areas so it was up to us to get the pressure back up on them,” said Phillips.

“Obviously the way Green played with Hazlewood, they did really well and put up a massive partnership. It’s not ideal for us but that’s what Test cricket is like.”

The Black Caps never recovered after the horror start by their top order.

Latham played on in the fourth over, unable to deal with the pace of Starc. It got worse when Williamson and Ravindra were out soon after.

Williamson was run out after a comical collision with opener Will Young midway down the wicket, with Labuschagne’s throw pitch-perfect.

More New Zealand misery followed three balls later when Ravindra was caught by Lyon at point.

Daryl Mitchell managed 11 before being taken behind by wicketkeeper Alex Carey off Cummins.

Young followed next ball when he nicked Mitchell Marsh, with Carey again collecting to leave New Zealand struggling at 29-5 before Blundell and Phillips briefly steadied the ship.

Phillips was finally removed when he pulled a Hazlewood bouncer to Starc at deep backward square. Spin king Lyon ended with 4-43.

Green had started the morning by picking up where he left off, adding to his overnight 103 by clobbering a six to push the visitors past 300, having resumed on 279-2.

The 24-year-old piled on the misery for the Black Caps bowlers with another six to reach 150, with his 174 eclipsing the 114 he scored last year against India for his maiden Test century.

His innings included 23 fours and five sixes, rescuing the Australians after their top-order batsmen struggled in their first innings on Thursday.

Green led the charge in a superb 116-run last-wicket partnership with a plucky Hazlewood, who survived 62 balls for his 22 before being caught by Ravindra off Henry.

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New Zealand vs Australia Live Score Updates 1st Test Day 1

admin — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 18:30:58 +0000

1st Test, Day 1 Live: Tim Southee and Pat Cummins pose with the trophy.© X (Twitter)

NZ vs AUS, 1st Test Day 1 Live Updates: New Zealand will take on Australia in the first Test of a two-match series at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Australia have confirmed their playing XI for the series opener, while the hosts will make a late call on their final spot due to Devon Conway‘s injury. Conway was ruled out of the series with Henry Nicholls replacing him in the squad. There has been rain in the lead up to the match, but clear and cool conditions in Wellington are expected. (Live Scorecard)

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With 12 Needed Off 3, Mumbai Indians Star Unleashes Mayhem vs New Zealand

admin — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 10:17:48 +0000

Australia’s Tim David scored 31 not out off 10 balls against New Zeland in first T20I.© X (formerly Twitter)

Tim David and Mitchell Marsh starred in Australia’s nail-biting six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first T20I in Wellington on Wednesday. Chasing a target of 216, Australia needed 12 runs off the final three balls. David smashed New Zealand pacer Tim Southee for a six to fine leg. On the next delivery, the right-handed batter managed to steal a couple. Australia needed 4 runs to win off the final ball and David took them home by whipping the ball between the deep mid-wicket and long-on fielders for a boundary.

Watch the thrilling finish from 15:23 –

Having been set 216 to win, Australia skipper Marsh hammered 72 off 44 balls before batting partner David (31 not out off 10) sealed a thrilling last-gasp victory.

The three-match series is the last for both teams before the T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies in June.

Rachin Ravindra had earlier put New Zealand in the driving seat by hitting 68 runs off 35 balls to claim his first half-century in the format as the hosts finished on 215 for 3.

Marsh finished with best bowling figures of 1 for 21 before leading the charge with the bat, hitting seven sixes and two fours in his unbeaten knock.

The captain steadied his side after they lost openers Travis Head and David Warner early on.

Marsh built a partnership of 42 for the third wicket with Glenn Maxwell, who was clean-bowled by Lockie Ferguson on 25 to leave Australia 111-3 after 10 overs.

New Zealand’s fielding let them down in the 12th over as Southee missed a catch off Josh Inglis, then Phillips dropped Marsh next ball on the boundary.

Inglis was dismissed with three overs left and Australia on 172-4 when he skied his shot to Ravindra at deep backward square leg. Inglis made 20.

The game went to the wire after New Zealand seamer Adam Milne was smashed for 19 runs in the penultimate over.

Australia needed 15 from the last six balls, but David held his nerve by smashing a six before sending the final ball of the night to the boundary past a diving Phillips.

(With AFP Inputs)

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