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Mitchell Marsh unleashes havoc as Australia crush New Zealand in 1st T20I

Kaushik Kashyap

Mitchell Marsh vs NZ [Source - AFP]Mitchell Marsh vs NZ [Source - AFP]

Backed by a disciplined bowling performance and a Mitchell Marsh batting blitz, Australia defeated New Zealand by six wickets in the first T20I. The enthralling contest at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, saw the visitors take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Here, we take a look at the entire highlights of the 1st T20I match between New Zealand and Australia, as it panned out at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Wednesday, October 1st. 

Tim Robinson’s epic century guides Kiwis after early collapse

After being asked to bat first, New Zealand had a horrific start, reduced to a shocking 6/3 early on. Tim Seifert hit a boundary off the second ball, but Josh Hazlewood immediately removed him. Ben Dwarshuis, from the other end, took back-to-back wickets, including Devon Conway and Mark Chapman, leaving the Kiwis in deep trouble.

Tim Robinson and Daryl Mitchell joined forces to rebuild New Zealand’s innings, launching a counter-attack that took the score to 49 for three by the end of the powerplay. The duo continued their calm reconstruction, managing 93 runs on the board without any further loss at the halfway mark. Robinson gradually took charge while Mitchell played second fiddle.

Australia, desperate for a breakthrough, finally struck when Matthew Short ended the 92-run partnership by dismissing Mitchell. Bevon Jacobs, who joined at six, struggled in the middle overs, allowing Australia to slow the scoring rate. Robinson then accelerated in the death overs, hitting boundaries and sixes to complete his maiden T20I century, guiding New Zealand to a competitive 181/6.

Ruthless Marsh mauls New Zealand in dominant chase

Chasing 182, Australia started with full throttle as openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh showcased aggressive intent from the very first over. The pair stitched a rapid 67-run opening stand, taking Australia to 68 for one at the end of the powerplay.

Head fell just before the powerplay ended, but Marsh, in sublime touch, accelerated brilliantly, reaching his fifty in only 23 balls. Matthew Short joined the assault, striking a couple of sixes to keep the momentum going. By the 10th over, Australia were cruising at 122 for 1, firmly in control of the chase.

New Zealand managed to grab a couple of wickets post 10 overs, including Mitchell Marsh, who departed after a brilliant 85 off 43 balls. But it was too little, too late, as the visitors continued their assault, with Tim David doing the later damage and Australia finishing things off in spectacular fashion with more than three overs in hand.