From the very first over of New Zealand's T20 World Cup opener against Australia, more than a decade of trans-Tasman dominance appeared primed for the breaking.
The Black Caps ran out to a sold-out SCG knowing it had been 11 years since they last won a game on this side of the ditch.
Throw in the fact they were facing the reigning T20 World Cup champions and their unrivalled bowling attack, and it would have been a brave pundit to have backed the Kiwis in.
But led by Devon Conway and 23-year-old Aucklander Finn Allen, the Black Caps stood up to their older brothers for an 89-run win that puts their World Cup destiny in their own hands.
After New Zealand were sent in to bat by Australian captain Aaron Finch, Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson admitted he too would have preferred to bowl first.
How quickly he must have changed his mind.
Allen had been picked to open the batting ahead of Martin Guptill - New Zealand's record-holder for most T20I appearances - and was only told he'd be playing the evening before the game.
But the young man stared Mitchell Starc down and repaid the faith instantly.
The opening bowler famously dismissed New Zealand legend Brendon McCullum with a yorker in the first over of the 2015 ODI World Cup final but in his first spell this time around, Starc's full deliveries were punished to the tune of three boundaries.
He needn't have felt too embarrassed; Allen and opening partner Devon Conway gave Mr. Reliable Josh Hazlewood the same treatment the next over.
Australia conceded a total of 29 runs across the first twelve balls - their most expensive opening two overs in a T20 World Cup match - as Allen and Conway explored the ground fearlessly.
Hazlewood got the breakthrough the Aussies so desperately required with a yorker that careened into the stumps to dismiss Allen but Conway (92 not out) assumed his role of chief agitator.
New Zealand's total of 3-200 was the second-biggest total posted against Australia in a T20 World Cup match and left the hosts with all the work to do.
David Warner could consider himself unfortunate for chopping on for only five runs, the ball ricocheting from his bat, to his pads, back to his bat and onto the stumps.
But there was no luck to the Kiwis' dismissals of Aaron Finch and Mitch Marsh, both caught in the teens under lights as they tried to ignite the Aussies.
New Zealand found success with both spin and pace, Mitchell Santner and Tim Southee each taking two scalps in the top order.
Australia were 3-37 by the end of the powerplay and victory was a formality for the Black Caps.
