New Zealand clinch the T20I series against Australia

New Zealand clinched the T20I series 3-2 against Australia after a 7 wicket win at Westpac Stadium, Wellington. New Zealand went 2-0 up in the series but Australia made a strong come back with captain Finch back in form squaring the series 2-2 and carried the momentum going in to the final T20I.

Earlier Australia won the toss and elect to bat for the third time in a row at Westpac Stadium. Having won the 2 previous matches by a good margin they held the advantage. Aaron Finch opened with Josh Philippe in this match with Matt Wade dropping down to No.3.

Boult removed Josh Philippe early for just 2 runs with Australia’s score reading as 8/1 in 2.2 overs. Captain Finch and Matthew Wade put on a 66 run partnership for the 2nd wicket in 46 balls – Finch departed for 36 runs in 32 balls with the score on 74/2 in 10 overs.

Australia couldn’t capitalize on their decent start as they fell apart with part timer Mark Chapman getting the price wicket of Glenn Maxwell for just 1 run. Marcus Stoinins run a ball 26 just steadied things after Wade departed for 44 in 29 balls at Aussie score at 103/4 in 14.2 overs.

Leg spinner Ish Sodhi removed Marcus Stoinis and Ashton Agar – 2 in 2 balls in the 18th over and dented the Australian innings the way he has been doing it through out the series.

No other batsman could kick away as New Zealand restricted Australia to 143/8 in 20 overs – which seemed like a below par score given the 2 previous matches.

New Zealand also had a new opening pair in the form of Martin Guptill and Devon Conway. Guptill was back at his best with a knock of 71 in 46 balls while Devon Conway played a perfect support role with his knock of 36 runs in 28 balls. Both players brought up the 100 partnership in 11.2 overs dominating the proceedings from the word go!

Aaron Finch tried different bowling options but to no avail until Riley Meredith got rid of Devon Conway and Kane Williamson in 2 back to back deliveries with the score reading as 106-2 in 12 overs with New Zealand needing 37 more runs in 8 overs.

Guptill continued his dominance till Jhye Richardson’s sharp short delivery top edged as Mitchell Marsh gobbled a catch at short fine leg. This set the stage for a Glenn Phillips mini entertainment as New Zealand clinched the match by 7 wickets. Phillips entertained the crowd with 34* in 16 balls with the help of 5 Sixes & 2 Sixes.

Playing XIs:

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Tim Seifert (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult

Australia: Matthew Wade (wk), Aaron Finch (c), Josh Philippe, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Riley Meredith

Match Summary

Australia 142-8 in 20 overs
Matthew Wade 44 (29) – 3 Fours & 2 Sixes
Aaron Finch 36 (32) – 5 Fours & 1 Six
Ish Sodhi 4-0-24-3

New Zealand 143-3 in 15.3 overs
Martin Guptill 71 (46) – 7 Fours & 4 Sixes
Devon Conway 36 (28) – 3 Fours & 1 Six
Glenn Phillips 34*(16) – 5 Fours & 2 Sixes
Riley Meredith 4-0-39-2

New Zealand won by 7 wickets – clinched the T20I series 3-2

Man of the Match: Martin Guptill

Man of the Series: Ish Sodhi