• Mitchell Marsh's quickfire 85 outshined Tim Robinson's maiden T20I century.

  • Australia registered an emphatic victory against New Zealand in the first T20I of the three-match series.

NZ vs AUS: Fans go crazy as Mitchell Marsh’s blazing 85 outshines Tim Robinson’s maiden ton in T20I opener
NZ vs AUS: Fans go crazy as Mitchell Marsh's blazing 85 outshines Tim Robinson's maiden ton in T20I opener (PC: X.com)

Australia registered a comprehensive win in the first T20I of the three-match series against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on Wednesday, October 1.

Tim Robinson’s maiden T20I century guides New Zealand to 181/6

New Zealand opener Tim Robinson lit up the innings with a remarkable 106 not out off 66 balls, his maiden T20I century, as the hosts posted 181/6 in 20 overs against Australia. Robinson’s innings, laced with six fours and five sixes, came after a top-order collapse that saw New Zealand slump to 6/3 inside the second over.

The recovery was anchored by Robinson and Daryl Mitchell, who contributed a valuable 34 off 23 deliveries in a 92-run partnership. Late cameos from Bevon Jacobs (20 off 21) and skipper Michael Bracewell (7 off 4) pushed the score past 180.

Australia’s bowling effort was led by Josh Hazlewood (1/23), who bowled with precision, while Ben Dwarshuis (2/40) picked up key wickets but proved expensive. Adam Zampa’s 4-0-27-0 spell applied control in the middle overs, though Robinson remained immovable.

Mitchell Marsh leads Australia’s chase

Chasing 182, Australia got off to a flying start with Mitchell Marsh leading from the front. The captain smashed a blistering 85 off 43 balls, including nine fours and five sixes, at a staggering strike rate of nearly 200.

He was ably supported by Travis Head (31 off 18) and Matthew Short (29 off 18), both attacking the New Zealand bowlers in the powerplay. By the halfway stage, Australia crossed 100, putting the chase well within reach.

With the platform set, Tim David (21 not out off 12) and Marcus Stoinis (4 not out off 1) finished the chase in style, bringing Australia home at 185/4 in just 16.3 overs, winning by six wickets.

The Kiwi attack failed to stem the flow of runs, with Matt Henry (2/43) picking up both Marsh and Head but at a high cost. Kyle Jamieson (1/46) and Zakary Foulkes (1/35 in 2.3 overs) also struck, but Australia’s power hitters maintained control throughout.

Jacob Duffy and captain Michael Bracewell were unable to apply pressure, conceding at over nine runs an over. Australia’s calculated aggression ensured there were no late hiccups.

Also READ: NZ vs AUS – Fans react as Tim Robinson smashes maiden T20I century against Australia

Here’s how fans reacted:

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