Auckland: Josh Hazlewood bowled brilliantly with the new ball before spinner Adam Zampa returned to form as Australia broke through a tight New Zealand batting order to wrap up the T20I series in Auckland.
While their thrilling win in the first game was highlighted by a spectacular chase, Australia’s disciplined bowling shone through here, with Hazlewood’s brilliant opening spell setting the tone. Zampa then took over with four wickets as Australia won the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy in command and had the match in hand.
It was a stellar comeback for Australia, who were staring down the barrel at 138 for 7 after being sent to Eden Park.
New Zealand’s woes were compounded when wicketkeeper-batsman Devon Conway injured his left thumb early in the match and was unable to bat. An X-ray cleared him of a fracture, but he will be examined further.
The series finale is played at the same venue on Sunday.
Australia looked to be defending a sub-par total but Hazlewood was on the money with his trademark accurate bowling on line and length. After being driven for a six by Finn Allen on his third delivery, Hazlewood got his revenge as Allen miserably bowled on.
Also read: Kenya bids solemn farewell to marathon sensation Kiptum
Enjoying the bounce off the surface, Hazlewood reset a jittery New Zealand top order with an opening three-run blast that was covered by a maiden. Amazingly, he played 15 runs in his first 18 deliveries. It was an important hit for Hazlewood, who will not be playing in the IPL due to the birth of his first child. With Mitchell Starc rested, quick Nathan Ellis had an opportunity as he eyed a place in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad. . He bowled his usual array of offcutters mixed with piercing yorkers and finished with 2 for 16 from three overs.
Zampa slammed the door on New Zealand with the wickets of Josh Clarkson and Adam Milne off successive deliveries. It was a relief for Zampa, who had 107 runs in his last two T20Is.
Australia’s strong fielding performance was highlighted by returning wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, who sprinted to fine leg and completed a fine diving catch to remove opener Will Young.
