It was thrilling, it was intense. In the end, it was another story of a Kiwi heartbreak. Tim David’s inspired innings of 31 from just deliveries made sure Australia would win the first T20 match against their Trans-Tasman neighbours in a thrilling showdown in Wellington. It was a game that swayed on many occasions, eventually captured by the Australians. The New Zealanders batted magnificently and bowled well in spell, but eventually it was not enough to secure a famous win.
Team Lineups
The Australians put out a strong lineup with the T20 World Cup llurking in the horizon. They made four changes to the team that was easily defeated by the West Indians in the third T20 match. The exclusion of Matthew Wade meant Josh Inglis was given the duty to keep the wicket. World Cup winning hero Travis Head was back again to partner David Warner at the top of the order. All-rounder Matt Short came to the team to take the role of a finisher like Matthew Wade.
Sean Abbott and Jason Behrendorff were axed from the team as the bowling department saw an overhaul. Regular members Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins returned to complete a three-pronged pace attack that also included Josh Hazlewood. Adam Zampa kept his place as the only specialist spinner in the team with Glenn Maxwell and Matt Short ready to take the role of part-timers. Modern day legend Steve Smith was benched for this game.
New Zealand were fresh on the back of a historic series win against South Africa. The hosts made three changes to their team. Misfiring Devon Conway was back in the place of Tom Seifert. Hard hitter Josh Clarkson was making his debut in this match. Lockie Ferguson was back to add serious pace to the attack.
Australia
- Travis Head 2. David Warner 3. Mitch Marsh (Cap.) 4. Glenn Maxwell 5. Josh Inglis (WK) 6. Tim David 7. Matthew Short 8. Pat Cummins 9. Mitchell Starc 10. Adam Zampa 11. Josh Hazlewood
New Zealand
- Finn Allen 2. Devon Conway (WK) 3. Rachin Ravindra 4. Glenn Phillps 5. Mark Chapman 6. Josh Clarkson 7. Mitchell Santner (Cap.) 8. Adam Milne 9. Ish Sodhi 10. Tim Southee 11. Lockie Ferguson
The pitch at the Wellington assists pace bowling. There will be extra zip off the surface and the extra bounce keeps the pacers interested. There will be a nice carry throughout the game and the batters will have to adapt to the conditions quickly before they can start playing freely. The pace of the pitch creates problems for the batters during the early exchanges of the game. The average score for T20 matches is 181. The New Zealand captain Tim Southee won the toss and elected to bat first on batting friendly surfaces.
Fixture
This is the first series where Australia is playing T20 cricket after their T20 series win against West Indies earlier this month. On the other hand, New Zealand were triumphant against Pakistan in a 4-1 series win. The sides have met on 15 previous occasions. Out of these matches, Australia has won on nine occasions. West Indies emerged victorious in six matches.
In the nine games played on New Zealand soil, competition is intense. Australia have won five matches. New Zealand won the other four. The two sides last met in the World Cup where Travis Head inspired Australia to victory with a stunning century in a final ball thriller.
| Venue | The first game of the three match T20 series took place at the Wellington Regional Stadium. |
| Date | The game started at 12:30 p.m. IST on Wednesday, February 21. |
Captaincy & Tactics
Australia’s thrilling last-ball victory over New Zealand in the high-scoring series opener in Wellington was a spectacle of cricketing excellence, where captain Mitchell Marsh led from the front with a powerful all-round performance. The stage was set for an exhilarating clash as Australia embarked on a challenging chase of 216 runs after New Zealand’s Devon Conway emerged from a recent form slump to notch a crucial half-century.
Despite a valiant effort by Marsh, Australia found themselves on the verge of defeat. However, it was the heroics of Tim David at the death that turned the tide in Australia’s favor. David’s superb display, scoring 31 runs off just 10 deliveries, culminated in a dramatic last-ball win with a boundary through the leg-side off Tim Southee, sealing Australia’s remarkable heist and drawing first blood in the battle for the coveted Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.
The significance of this series opener resonated beyond the thrilling victory, serving as vital preparation for both teams ahead of the impending T20 World Cup, just over three months away. With the stakes high, every performance carried weight, and it was the standout efforts of Marsh and David that stole the spotlight.
In a strategic lineup decision, Australia opted not to include Steven Smith in the batting order, giving Travis Head the spotlight after his absence in the West Indies series. Head partnered with the experienced David Warner at the top of the order, a pairing that failed to capitalize fully on their starts. Warner’s departure amidst jeers from the partisan crowd only added to the dramatic narrative unfolding on the field.
Leading the charge for Australia, Mitchell Marsh showcased his trademark aggressive batting, guiding the team’s chase with an unbeaten 72 off just 44 balls. However, the lack of support from the middle order pushed Australia into a precarious position, needing an improbable 32 runs off the final nine deliveries. It was then that Tim David rose to the occasion, shifting the momentum with a boundary off Adam Milne before unleashing consecutive sixes to bring the target within reach.
The final over, bowled by Tim Southee, added another layer of tension to the already nail-biting contest. David’s exceptional finishing skills came to the fore as he smashed a crucial six over the leg-side, followed by a boundary that underscored Australia’s formidable firepower and hinted at difficult selection decisions leading up to the T20 World Cup.
On the bowling front, the partnership of Adam Zampa’s leg-spin and the pace duo of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins brought a mix of wicket-taking prowess and control. Starc, in particular, made an immediate impact with his precision and early breakthroughs, while Cummins showcased his variations to keep the opposition batsmen in check.
The New Zealand bowling attack, spearheaded by Adam Milne and Lockie Ferguson, posed a significant threat with their pace and swing. Ferguson’s fiery spells and accurate yorkers in the crucial overs added pressure on the Australian batsmen, showcasing the depth of talent in the New Zealand bowling arsenal.
While Australia’s frontline bowlers returned with intent and Marsh impressed with the ball, picking up a vital wicket, New Zealand’s batting display was anchored by the resurgence of Devon Conway from his recent form slump. Conway, along with the promising Rachin Ravindra, displayed resilience and attacking flair, laying the foundation for a competitive total.
Conway’s return to form, marked by a stellar half-century, and Ravindra’s aggressive batting prowess highlighted the depth in the New Zealand batting lineup. Despite missing key players like Kane Williamson, the team rallied together, with contributions from Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman adding value to the batting effort.
In a match that ebbed and flowed with thrilling moments, the resilience of both teams and the individual brilliance of players like Marsh, David, Conway, and Ravindra captured the essence of modern T20 cricket. As the series unfolds, and preparations intensify for the T20 World Cup, fans can expect more high-octane clashes and captivating performances from these cricketing powerhouses.
Batting Analysis
Tim David’s electrifying knock against New Zealand sent shivers down spines and rekindled the debate about his place in the Australian T20 squad. While some were left awestruck by his finishing prowess, others remained unconvinced, their skepticism fueled by a lack of exposure to his global T20 exploits and a limited understanding of his journey.
For those who religiously follow the globetrotting T20 leagues, David’s performance was no surprise. He’s been carving his name into the record books, dismantling bowling attacks with brutal efficiency. Yet, a sizeable chunk of Australian fans miss these overseas fireworks, their sleep schedules clashing with the distant matches. Add to that the paywall shrouding most of his 23 T20I appearances for Australia, and it’s easy to see why some remain unfamiliar with his talent.
Their limited view, however, paints an incomplete picture. They see him in the Big Bash League (BBL), toiling for an underperforming Hobart Hurricanes side, and dismiss him as “all hype.” This narrative, however, fails to acknowledge the complexities of his path. David dominated grade and second XI cricket in Western Australia, proving his mettle in the traditional system. But when a full domestic contract eluded him, he chose a different path, carving his own destiny in Associate and franchise cricket.
Now, with every match-winning six, David silences the doubters. His chasing record is phenomenal, a testament to his composure under pressure. He thrives in the final overs, where the game hangs in the balance, walking out with no time to waste and no room for error. In these high-stakes scenarios, he strikes at a mind-boggling rate, clubbing boundaries with impunity.
Compare him to Matthew Short, the next batsman in Wellington. Despite playing fewer T20s and boasting more experience, Short lacks David’s finishing prowess. This highlights the unique skillset David possesses, a skillset honed not just through natural talent, but also through years of experience in pressure-cooker situations around the world.
His journey hasn’t been without setbacks. David has faced failures too, valuable lessons learned in the crucible of defeat. He understands the mental fortitude required to bounce back, to learn from each dismissal and return stronger. Coach Andrew McDonald and teammate Mitchell Marsh echo this sentiment, praising his mental strength and skill, a potent combination that makes him a nightmare for bowlers.
The narrative surrounding David needs to shift. Instead of skepticism, there should be appreciation for his unique role and the selectors’ courage in recognizing his talent. He’s not just a BBL player; he’s a global T20 force, a finisher Australia desperately needs. His story is one of perseverance, of defying limitations, and ultimately, of finding success on his own terms. As he continues to write his chapters in Australian cricket, let’s celebrate his journey, his talent, and the promise he holds for the future.
Bowling Analysis
Rachin Ravindra, the young New Zealand batsman, is making waves across formats. His recent knock against Australia showcased his talent, but also highlighted the unique challenges he faces as he adapts to the demands of T20 cricket.
Starting slowly against a fiery Australian attack, Ravindra initially struggled. However, his ability to overcome this hurdle impressed many. Lockie Ferguson praised his mental fortitude, highlighting his successful year across formats and the confidence this innings would likely bring.
This was only Ravindra’s second time batting in the top three in T20Is. His limited opportunities make his inconsistent returns less concerning. Previous glimpses of his hitting prowess, like his six-hitting cameo against Sri Lanka, hint at his vast potential.
The shift from scoring a 240-run Test hundred to facing Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins, and Zampa in a T20I within weeks showcases the demanding adaptation Ravindra undergoes. He acknowledges this challenge and is actively learning from experienced teammates like Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips.
Recognizing his talent, the New Zealand management strategically rested him during the Pakistan T20I series. He admits finding this rest period difficult, but acknowledges its necessity given his busy schedule since August. His recent IPL contract with Chennai Super Kings signifies his potential, and the upcoming months offer crucial opportunities to solidify his place in the T20 World Cup squad.
Despite occupying Kane Williamson’s crucial No. 3 slot, Ravindra remains grounded. He prioritizes learning and contributing to the team, viewing selection as a secondary concern. His ambition lies in becoming a versatile all-rounder, adding his left-arm spin to his batting prowess.
With a mature attitude and a willingness to learn, Ravindra’s future looks promising. He understands the process, prioritizes personal growth, and embraces the challenges of adapting between formats. As he continues to gain experience and showcase his talent, his journey towards becoming a key player for New Zealand is an exciting one to watch.
Fielding Analysis
The fielding performance of the New Zealand side was shockingly below par. The ever-brilliant Glenn Phillps could have put a better effort to save the final ball reaching the boundary line. Any effort to stop the ball somehow could have prevented an Australian victory. Tim Southee and Rachin Ravindra put down important catches when their team were desperately in need of a breakthrough.
Tim Southee dived forward to take a fine catch that ensured the first breakthrough for the Australians. Rachin Ravindra also made amends for his good catch to dismiss Josh Inglis. The Australian fielding was good overall.
Key Performances
In a nail-biting finish that had hearts racing until the very last ball, Australia clinched a thrilling six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening game of their three-match T20I series in Wellington. Chasing a challenging target of 216, the Aussies found themselves requiring a daunting 32 runs from the final nine balls. However, thanks to a late-innings blitz from Tim David and a crucial knock from captain Mitchell Marsh, they managed to pull off the improbable feat.
With nerves jangling, Marsh, who played a captain’s knock of 72 runs from 44 balls, was on strike needing 16 runs from the last six balls. The pressure was immense, and the bowler entrusted with the responsibility was none other than the legendary Tim Southee, the leading wicket-taker in T20I cricket.
Southee started the over with a wide, but then conceded only a single run and a couple of leg byes, leaving the Aussies needing 12 from the last three balls. The tension was palpable, the crowd on the edge of their seats.
However, this is where David, known for his big-hitting prowess, stepped up to the plate. With nerves of steel, he launched a magnificent six over square leg, reducing the equation to a more manageable six from two balls. The crowd erupted in cheers, hope rising again for the Australian camp.
The penultimate ball saw Marsh and David scamper for two runs, leaving David on strike with four needed to win. All eyes were on him, and he didn’t disappoint. Southee bowled full, but David met the ball with perfect timing, clubbing it through midwicket.
Glenn Phillips, stationed at the boundary, desperately threw himself at the ball, but in vain. It raced past him to the boundary, sealing a remarkable victory for Australia in the final ball of the match. David finished unbeaten on a swashbuckling 31 runs from just 10 balls, his late heroics proving decisive in the chase.
Earlier, New Zealand had set a competitive total of 215-3 thanks to impressive knocks from Devon Conway (63) and Rachin Ravindra (68). Conway ended his lean patch with a much-needed half-century, while Ravindra, playing in place of the absent Kane Williamson, staked a strong claim for a World Cup spot with his six-hitting exploits.
In the end, despite their strong batting display, New Zealand fell short against a determined Australian side that refused to give up until the very last ball. This thrilling encounter sets the stage for an exciting rest of the series, with both teams aiming to gain the upper hand before the upcoming Test matches.
Match Result
Australia won this nerve-wracking match by four wickets thanks to the heroic performance by their batter Tim David. The visitors took a 1-0 lead in the three match series.
Player of the Match
For his captain’s knock of 72 from 44 deliveries, Mitchell Marsh was elected as the player of the match. The Australian captain also took one wicket for 21 runs from 3 overs in his inspired spell of pace bowling.
Brief Scorecard
| New Zealand Total: 215/3 (20 overs) | Australia Total: 216/4 (20 overs) |
| Rachin Ravindra 68 (35) | Mitchell Marsh 72* (44) |
| Devon Conway 63 (46) | David Warner 32 (20) |
| Mitchell Marsh 1/21 (3 overs) | Mitchell Santner 2/42 (4 overs) |
| Mitchell Starc 1/38 (4 overs) | Lockie Ferguson 1/23 (4 overs) |
Match Highlights
Match Wrap-Up
It was another epic counter between the two neighbours from Oceania. The New Zealanders could have won the match easily with their sensational bowling performance at the death. But Tim David stood strong for the visitors and secured a fairytale win on the last delivery of the match. Captain Mitchell Marsh led his side from the front with an aggressive innings. The two teams would face each other for the second T20I at Eden Park on Friday.
