New Zealand batsman Devon Conway smashed his fifth consecutive half-century in T20 cricket. It was the first T20I between Australia and New Zealand when Conway scored unbeaten 99 runs; his highest in the shortest format.

India spinner R Ashwin praised the knock by Conway and said the Kiwi batsman is 4 days late with this innings. He was referring to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 auction which was held on February 18.

"Devon Conway is just 4 days late, but what a knock #AUSvNZ", wrote Ashwin on Twitter and added clapping emojis. Conway had gone unsold in the auction.

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Conway, in his 59-ball knock, hit 10 fours and three sixes. He needed 12 runs with only three balls left in New Zealand's innings to complete his hundred. He hit a four and a six on consecutive deliveries, but could only score a single off the last delivery.

The 29-year-old's crucial runs helped New Zealand get 184/5 in the first innings. They were struggling at 19/4 at one stage but a partnership between Conway and Glenn Phillips revived their innings. 

The South Africa-born Conway had moved to New Zealand in 2017 and became eligible to represent the Black Caps last year in August.