Skipper Mitchell Marsh led from the front with a blazing 43-ball 85 as Australia overpowered New Zealand by six wickets in the series opener on Wednesday. Chasing 182, Marsh’s commanding knock, laced with nine fours and five sixes, ensured his side got home with 21 balls to spare.
It’s really important in a three-match series to start with a win. Nice to contribute. Heady and I have a great relationship off the field, and tonight was a lot of fun with him.
Robinson Century in Vain
For New Zealand, it was a night of missed opportunities. Tim Robinson, dropped five times, made the most of his reprieves to post a magnificent unbeaten 106 off 65 balls – only the seventh T20I century for a Black Cap. He and Daryl Mitchell (34) stitched a 92-run stand that revived the hosts from 6 for 3 after Josh Hazlewood and Ben Dwarshuis tore through the top order.
Robinson, who brought up his maiden T20I ton with a six, carried his bat to lift New Zealand to 181/6, but his heroics weren’t enough.
Australia dominate Power-play
Australia’s reply was ruthless. Marsh and Travis Head (31 off 18) blasted 67 in just 5.3 overs, shredding the Kiwi attack with 12 fours in the Power-play. Marsh raced to a 23-ball fifty and powered on before falling short of what looked like a certain century.
Matt Short added 29 on return while Tim David finished off the chase clinically as Australia underlined their batting depth despite missing Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis.
Bracewell: ‘Power-plays cost us’
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Bracewell admitted his team slipped early in both innings.
In the Powerplays in both innings, we fell behind in the game. Mitch and Travis took it away from us. But there are positives – Tim Robinson was outstanding, and the partnerships through the middle were impressive.
Brief Scores: New Zealand 181/6 in 20 overs (Tim Robinson 106*, Daryl Mitchell 34; Dwarshuis 2-40, Hazlewood 1-23) Australia 185/4 in 16.3 overs (Mitchell Marsh 85, Travis Head 31, Matt Short 29; Matt Henry 2-43). Australia won by 6 wickets.
