New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
Asked to bat first, the Kiwis posted 184/5 in 20 overs on the back of Devon Conway’s 99 not out off 59 balls. Glenn Phillips (30 off 20 balls) and Jimmy Neesham (26 off 15 balls) also played valuable cameos.
For Australia, Jhye Richardson was the stand-out bowler, claiming 2 wickets by conceding 31 runs in his four overs. Daniel Sams also picked up a couple of wickets but he was expensive with the ball.
In reply, the visitors got bowled out for 131 in 17.3 overs. It was a listless batting performance from Australia as none of them managed to touch the 50-run mark. Mitchell Marsh was the top-scorer with 33-ball 45.
Ish Sodhi (4-28) was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand while the pace duo of Tim Southee (2-10) and Trent Boult (2-22) claimed four wickets between them.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand 184/5 in 20 overs (Devon Conway 99*; Jhye Richardson 2-31) defeated Australia 131/10 in 17.3 Ovs (Mitchell Marsh 45; Ish Sodhi 4-28) by 53 runs