Australia got their T20 World Cup title defence off to a disastrous start on home soil as New Zealand hammered them to start the Super 12 stage with an 89-run victory.
It was a repeat of the final from 11 months ago, when Australia got the better of their neighbours, but it was emphatic revenge for the Black Caps in Sydney as they got their campaign up and running in some style.
They flew out of the traps, thanks to Finn Allen’s 42 off 16 balls while fellow opener Devon Conway hit a sensational 92 not out off 58 deliveries. Jimmy Neesham smashed Josh Hazlewood for a six off the final ball of the innings to life New Zealand to 200 for three from their 20 overs.
Tim Southee became the leading T20 international wicket-taker of all-time with his 123rd dismissal in fortuitous fashion as David Warner was bowled via ricochets off his leg, arm and the back of his bat, and from that moment onwards Australia were never in the chase.
Southee finished with three wickets for just six runs from 2.1 overs, bookending the innings when Pat Cummins shovelled in the air to be caught by Conway, as New Zealand claimed their first win in any format against their neighbours on Australian soil since December 2011.
Glenn Maxwell regularly turned to the reverse sweep and switch hit, occasionally threatening something special, but he was bowled by Ish Sodhi for 28 to end any hopes the hosts had of a miraculous comeback.
Australia, who were bowled out for 111 in 17.1 overs, now have little room for manoeuvre if they wish to progress from the Super 12s, with their net run-rate taking a heavy hit.
