In a thrilling encounter at the Sky Stadium in Wellington, Australia beat New Zealand by six wickets in the first T20I. Skipper Mitchell Marsh and Tim David have been heroes for Australia, as the latter smashed 12 runs off the last three balls to win the game. With this win, the visitors have taken a 1-0 lead in the series.
Earlier, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to bat first. Setting the stage for an exciting clash between the trans-Tasman rivals, they had a great outing. Notably, the series serves as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year.
However, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 215/3 in their innings. It marks their second-highest score at the Wellington venue. Devon Conway and Finn Allen provided a strong start until Allen was dismissed for 36.
Conway then formed a partnership exceeding 100 runs with Rachin Ravindra, guiding the Kiwis past the 150-run mark. Conway, in his inning, scored 63 runs off 46 balls with the help of five fours and two sixes. Meanwhile, Ravindra, in his innings, scored 68 runs off 35 balls.
In the end, Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips contributed significantly, propelling the hosts to a massive total of 215/3. For Australia, Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins each claimed a wicket.
Tim David led Australia to a memorable win!
In pursuit of the challenging target, Australia lost wickets at regular intervals while playing aggressively. Travis Head and David Warner provided a solid start, scoring 24 and 32 runs, respectively, before being dismissed by Adam Milne and Mitchell Santner.
However, skipper Mitchell Marsh played a captain’s innings, remaining unbeaten at 72. He formed crucial partnerships with Glenn Maxwell (25) and Josh Inglis (20). However, in the end, Tim David (31*) steered Australia to a remarkable victory, securing a win by six wickets.
For New Zealand, Mitchell Santner was the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets, while Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne took one each. The match showcased the resilience of the Australian team, which had previously defeated the West Indies 2-1 in a T20 series. The young Australian side is determined to maintain its red-hot form, eyeing a fitting farewell for the legendary David Warner in his last bilateral T20 series.
Here is how fans react to Australia’s win:
28 needed in 8 and Tim David smashed consecutive 6s. Seen this one before ? pic.twitter.com/QaLse2MDMA
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) February 21, 2024
Most dominant team in the cricketing history.
— Shubham Sakhuja (@ishubhamsakhuja) February 21, 2024
What a thrilling finish! Tim David's heroics led Australia to an incredible victory over New Zealand. ???
— Subhash Choudhary (@subhash92) February 21, 2024
Australia is most dangerous team now, head, maxwell, Tim David and Marcus stoinis they have most dangerous batsman
— Mirthful Moments (@moment_mirthful) February 21, 2024
Tim David is totally unpredictable. He can do anything at anytime ?
— ???? ? (@zaid_tweets__) February 21, 2024
Tim Southee most useless bowler in History
— ICT Fan (@Delphy06) February 21, 2024
Time David ..
Tim Timata Hua Taara ?Mumbai Indians is So Happy?? Now
— Ajay Gautam (@gautam_ajay007) February 21, 2024
Tim david the hero of match great match
— ? ??? ???? ??????? (@Ravirathore87) February 21, 2024
He always had the potential to be a great hitter of the ball as we have seen in PSL multiple times. Good it clicked for him today
— Hammad Raza (@hammadraza1214) February 21, 2024
