Mount Maunganui, Oct 1 (UNI) Tim Robinson’s scintillating century for New Zealand had almost turned the first T20 International at Bay Oval into a memorable home victory, but Australia’s superior batting depth and composure ensured a six-wicket win, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The match was a thrilling contest of individual brilliance versus collective performance, with Robinson’s unbeaten 106 standing out amidst a flurry of boundaries, sixes, dramatic run outs, and clinical finishing by the Australians.
Electing to bowl first after winning the toss, Australia struck early with Josh Hazlewood removing Tim Seifert for 4 in the second over. Ben Dwarshuis followed up with a key delivery that bowled Devon Conway for 1, leaving New Zealand reeling at 6 for 2. Mark Chapman’s golden duck added to the early pressure, and the Kiwis were suddenly in a precarious position.
Daryl Mitchell (34) and Bevon Jacobs (20) offered brief resistance, but the innings was punctuated by two dramatic run-outs – Jacobs at 18.4 overs and stand-in captain Michael Bracewell at 19.4 overs – which curtailed any late acceleration.
Amidst the chaos, Tim Robinson played a masterclass. The right-hander displayed impeccable timing and power-hitting, reaching his century with a mix of precision drives and towering sixes, including a memorable final-over smash to the deep mid-wicket grass bank.
Robinson’s innings was built under intense pressure, rescuing New Zealand from early collapse and giving them a competitive total of 181 for 6. His ability to consistently pierce the field, coupled with aggressive running between the wickets, kept the hosts in contention and electrified the Bay Oval spectators.
Australia’s reply was both commanding and stylish. Captain Mitchell Marsh led the charge, scoring 85 off 43 balls, blending brute power with timing as he dispatched multiple sixes off Matt Henry, Michael Bracewell, and other bowlers.
Travis Head (31) provided a solid start before being caught by Chapman, while Matthew Short (29) and Tim David (21 not out) steadied the middle order.
Alex Carey fell for 7, caught by Chapman off Zakary Foulkes, but Marcus Stoinis (4 not out) finished the chase in style with a boundary in the 16.3rd over. Robinson’s earlier heroics, impressive as they were, ultimately could not prevent Australia from asserting dominance with a clinical chase, completing the target in just 16.3 overs.
The match was a rollercoaster of sixes, edges, misfields, and run-outs, offering fans an exhilarating spectacle. While Robinson’s brilliance was a highlight for New Zealand, the defining narrative was Australia’s superior batting depth, composure under pressure, and ability to finish the game decisively.
