New Zealand seal series victory against Australia

After letting a 2-0 series lead slip, New Zealand clinched victory in the final T20I in Wellington to prevent Australia from completing the comeback. Martin Guptill’s half century and tight spells from New Zealand’s spinners helped the Black Caps cross the line and win the 5^th T20I by 7 wickets. It was another disappointing night for the Australian batsman who failed to get going and were bundled out for a measly total of 142. Thanks to a 100 run opening partnership from Guptill and Devon Conway, the Kiwis comfortably chased the total with 4.3 overs to spare. Ish Sodhi was named as man of the series for his 13 wickets at an average of 12.

Having won the toss and opting to bat first, Australia decided to alter their batting line-up with Josh Phillippe opening the innings with Aaron Finch with Matthew Wade coming in at first drop. Unfortunately, this reshuffle was unsuccessful with Phillippe trapped LBW by Trent Boult in the 3^rd over. Australia managed to recover the innings well after the loss of Phillipe and ended the powerplay at 47-1.

However, as they have done the entire series, Australia struggled against the spinners in the middle overs and Chapman, Santner and Sodhi managed to put a stranglehold on the Australian innings. Aaron Finch couldn’t add to his two half centuries in the previous two games and was dismissed for a wasteful 36 off 32 deliveries. Maxwell’s time at the crease did not last long either as he was caught in the deep by Trent Boult.

Wade made a well made 44 off 29 but was eventually dismissed by a well disguised knuckle ball from Boult. The wickets kept tumbling for the Aussies as they limped to a total of 142 after scoring only 36 runs from the last 5.

New Zealand on the other hand got off to a lighting start from their openers Guptill and Conway. They scored 51 runs in the powerplay and kept the required run-rate in check before completely running away with the game in the 9^th over of the innings where Guptill smashed 23 runs off Adam Zampa. Riley Meredith gave the Australians a sniff after picking up two wickets off consecutive deliveries but Glenn Phillips proceeded to put the game to bed with a wonderful cameo off 34 in just 16 deliveries.

In the end, it was a clinical performance from the Black Caps to bounce back after two defeats and snap Australia’s momentum to seal their third T20I series in a row.