An impressive knock from Mitchell Marsh and a clutch last-ball boundary from Tim David have seen Australia claim a thrilling six-wicket victory over New Zealand in Wellington.
Read on for three key talking points from Wednesday’s win!
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Tim David prevails in MIRACLE final over | 02:50
AUSSIES SKIPPER’S UNHERALDED 950-DAY FIRST
Australian captain Mitchell Marsh was named player of the match for his batting heroics during the run chase, but his contribution with the ball was arguably just as valuable.
The West Australian was the pick of the Australian bowlers on Wednesday evening, claiming 1-21 in a crucial three-over spell. He was the only Australian to concede less than nine runs per over at Sky Stadium.
Marsh removed Black Caps opener Devon Conway in the 17th over for 63 (46), with the New Zealander top-edging a slower ball towards Mitchell Starc at short third man. It was the 32-year-old’s first T20I wicket since July 2021.
All-rounder Marcus Stoinis was ruled out of the series with a back complaint, meaning the Australians won’t have access to their fourth seamer against the Black Caps this week. However, Marsh has proven he can serve as an additional bowling option if required.
“I haven’t bowled myself too much as captain,” Marsh laughed during the post-match presentation.
“I thought I’d better start bowling at some point.
“It’s always nice to contribute, being that sixth bowling option for us if things get tight.
“It’s always nice to chip in with the ball.”
AUSSIE KRYPTONITE STRIKES AGAIN IN 18-MONTH DEJA VU
Devon Conway helped knock Australia out of the 2022 T20 World Cup, and the New Zealand opener continued tearing into his trans-Tasman rivals in Wellington on Wednesday evening.
The 32-year-old blasted 63 (46) against Australia’s world-class bowling attack in the series opener, combining with Finn Allen for a ruthless 61-run opening partnership. The duo raced past 50 in just 23 deliveries, replicating the feat they achieved against Australia during their T20 World Cup opener 18 months earlier.
Australia only lost one match during the tournament courtesy of Conway’s unbeaten 92 (58) at the SCG in October 2022. The classy knock ruined Australia’s net run rate, which ultimately resulted in the host nation being knocked out in the Super 12 stage.
Conway relishes facing Australia in the game’s shortest format, clobbering an unbeaten 99 in Christchurch in February 2021. The left-hander boasts the highest batting average against Australia in men’s T20Is, proving he’s Australia’s T20 kryptonite.
Removing Conway in the Powerplay should be a priority for Australia’s seamers for the remainder of the series.
Highest batting average against Australia in men’s T20Is
69.40 — Devon Conway (NZ)
63.83 — Babar Azam (PAK)
57.00 — Brendon McCullum (NZ)
56.60 — Yuvraj Singh (IND)
55.75 — Ruturaj Gaikwad (IND)
* Minimum five innings
Aussies beat NZ in final-ball thriller | 03:38
AUSSIES ‘LUCKY’ TO HAVE WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS T20 BATTER
Tim David, take a bow.
After Wednesday’s remarkable assault in Wellington, the 27-year-old looms as one of Australia’s most crucial figures ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States.
Since making his Australian debut in September 2022, David has been the team’s second-leading run-scorer with 479 runs at 34.21, while his career strike rate of 174.18 ranks as the highest among Australians who have played at least ten innings.
David, who has an uncanny knack for clearing the boundary rope early in an innings, has not been dismissed in his four most recent T20I knocks, compiling 140 runs off just 60 deliveries against the West Indies and New Zealand.
“David’s extremely calm and he’s got a lot of confidence in his ability towards the end,” Marsh said during the post-match press conference.
“We’re very lucky to have him.”
David, who represents the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League, does not have a state cricket contract, earning national selection on the back of stellar performances on the global T20 circuit. After this week’s T20 series against New Zealand, the West Australian will join the Mumbai Indians on a $1.53 million contract for the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League.
Highest strike rate in men’s T20Is among Test-playing nations
174.18 — Tim David (AUS)
171.55 — Suryakumar Yadav (IND)
165.97 — Phil Salt (ENG)
164.44 — Finn Allen (NZ)
163.52 — Andre Russell (WI)
* Minimum 20 innings
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