Australia’s T20 World Cup defence has gotten off to a nightmare start after being humbled by New Zealand in its tournament-opener.
Up against the side it swept away in last year’s final, Aaron Finch’s men proved no match for a slick and aggressive New Zealand outfit at the SCG, with the Black Caps finishing with a 89-run victory.
Finch won the toss and elected to field, but saw boundaries fly all over the park from the opening over of the match.
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New Zealand openers Devon Conway and Finn Allen put on a half-century partnership inside the first five overs, allowing the Black Caps to post a score of 3-200, the highest score Australia has conceded in a T20 contest in a decade.
In response, Australia was bowled out for just 111, with the loss its biggest in T20 World Cup history.
Conway’s unbeaten 92 came off just 58 deliveries and is now the highest individual score conceded by the Australians in a T20 match on home soil, surpassing the 90 not out from Virat Kohli in 2016.
In response, Australia’s run chase was more or less over before it began as David Warner, Aaron Finch and Mitch Marsh all dismissed within the first powerplay.
New Zealand’s brilliance was encapsulated in a stunning fielding effort from Glenn Phillips to dismiss Marcus Stoinis.
With Australia’s required run rate skyrocketing, Stoinis attempted to hoist Mitchell Santner into the stands on the off-side, but did not get the distance required.
The ball looked destined to land safe in the outfield before Phillips took the catch while diving horizontally while mid-air.
Phillips’ incredible display of athleticism left those watching both at the ground and around the world simply stunned.
The implications from the loss could be catastrophic for Australia’s hopes of defending its World Cup, with the home side’s net run rate dropping to a lowly -4.45 after its opening match.
Australia will next be in action when it faces Sri Lanka in Perth on Tuesday evening.
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