Trans-Tasman T20 Tri-Series 2018: Australia vs New Zealand- Final, 5 talking points
The first-of-its-kind T20I tri-series between England, Australia and New Zealand that was held in the two countries Down Under, ended with the two neighbouring countries fighting it off for the trophy at Eden Park in Auckland. Australia, who had picked up momentum as the series progressed, winning four matches on the trot, were forced to field first and New Zealand won the toss.
However, with constant rain interruptions and an injury scare, the Final match could not live up to its billing. New Zealand failed to push on after a decent start and ended up with 150 for the loss of 9 wickets in their 20 overs, which was meant to be a breeze for the visitors.
Six overs into the Aussie innings, the rain came pouring down but the passing showers soon gave way and the match was on track without the loss of any overs. However, the second time, when Australia were at 121 for three in 14.4 overs, the umpires decided to call it a day and the game was handed over to the Kangaroos, who were ahead by 19 runs via the D/L method.
Ashton Agar was the Man of the Match and Glenn Maxwell was declared the Player of the Series.
Here are the 5 talking points from the match.
#1 A confident start from Munro and Guptill
As has been the case all throughout the tournament, New Zealand once again got off to a roaring start, courtesy their big-hitters Martin Guptill and Colin Munro. The duo started off on an aggressive note, with Munro smashing Billy Stanlake’s length ball into the crowd.
Consecutive fours in Kane Richardson’s next over by Guptill displayed the intent of the two openers, and in no time, the duo raced away to 48 in just 4.2 overs.
Guptill was the first to depart when he tried to make room for Stanlake’s back of a length delivery but it only ended up in the safe hands of David Warner at mid-off. He made 21 in 15, and 11 runs later Munro too joined him in the pavilion after making 29 from 14.