‘No team can match Australia’s fighting spirit’- Fans react to Australia’s last ball win in thrilling 1st T20I vs New Zealand
Excitement crackled at the Sky Stadium in Wellington as Australia edged out New Zealand in a nail-biting first T20I. Chasing a challenging 216 set by the Blackcaps, the Aussies emerged victorious on […]
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Feb 21, 2024 4:30 pm
Australia got across the line all thanks to the sensational blitz by Tim David.
Excitement crackled at the Sky Stadium in Wellington as Australia edged out New Zealand in a nail-biting first T20I. Chasing a challenging 216 set by the Blackcaps, the Aussies emerged victorious on the last ball, securing a memorable win in the three-match series opener. New Zealand, led by skipper Mitchell Santner, set a challenging 215 in the first T20I against Australia at Sky Stadium. Openers Finn Allen and Devon Conway provided a solid foundation with a 61-run partnership.
Rachin Ravindra then took centre stage, smashing 68 off just 35 balls in a 113-run stand with Conway, who played the anchor role. Late cameos from Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman boosted the total. Australia’s bowlers faced the brunt of the onslaught, with only Mitchell Marsh escaping punishment. Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell, and Pat Cummins bore the brunt of New Zealand’s aggressive batting.
David flexes muscles!
Australia’s chase began explosively with Travis Head (24) leading the charge before his dismissal in the 4th over. David Warner (32 off 20) kept the momentum going, but it was Mitchell Marsh who truly ignited the chase. His blistering 72 off 44, laced with 7 sixes, gave Australia a fighting chance. Glenn Maxwell chipped in before Tim David stole the show, smashing 31 off just 10 balls, including the match-winning four off the last delivery. New Zealand’s bowlers struggled, with only Lockie Ferguson offering consistent resistance.
Speaking to the official broadcaster after the game, Mitchell Marsh, the Australian skipper expressed immense delight at the team’s performance and lauded David for his brilliance at the backend. He acknowledged that this game served as ideal preparation for the T20 World Cup which is now looming large.
The action now shifts to Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, where the Blackcaps will be determined to bounce back and even the scoreline, while Australia aims to capitalize on their momentum and secure a series win. More than anything, both teams will want to try out certain things as the World Cup is just around the corner.
Here’s how ‘X-verse’ reacted to Tim David’s heroics and Australia’s sensational victory:
