Trans Tasman Tri-Series, AUS vs NZ, 1st T20I Review: Australia cruise to a 7-wicket victory after the rain gods impact play

In the Trans Tasman Tri-Series opener, today at SCG hosts Australia cruised to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over their Oceania rivals New Zealand after the rain gods interrupted play. Having elected to bowl first, Aussie speedster Billy Stanlake, playing just his second match reaped immediate dividends and scalped two wickets in the second over of the inning. His first ball saw Colin Munro sky a top edge to be caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey out near the 30-yard circle towards the third man.

But the second delivery set tongues wagging and underlined why Stanlake is one of the hottest prospects in world cricket. A peach of a delivery, it whizzed past to beat the outside edge of Martin Guptill’s bat and knock the top of the off stump. Stanlake then picked up a third, dismissing Tom Bruce in his next over; he was caught on the fine leg fence.

After almost fatal early blows the Kiwis lost their mojo and struggled in their attempt to hit out of troubles. One after the other, Aussie bowlers kept chipping away with wickets and it was all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme’s 38 and Ross Taylor’s 24 that repaired things to an extent and New Zealand eventually culminated their innings with a less than run a ball score of 117/9.

The Queenslander finished his four overs with 3/15. But the pick of the bowlers was T20 star bowler Andrew Tye who returned to clean up the tail and finished with figures of 4/23. Tye has a knack of picking wickets in the shortest format of the game and he continued to trouble batsmen while also maintaining a decent economy.

Lynn looks in good shape

The under-par total was never going to challenge the mighty Australian lineup that starts with David Warner at the top. Though the skipper didn’t have a memorable outing those who followed him ensured it was a smooth sail. Glenn Maxwell and Indian Premier League (IPL) and Big Bash League (BBL) sensation Chris Lynn put up a clinical batting performance after a dominant bowling display early on from the duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee.

Lynn (44) and Maxwell (40 not out) chased down the 95 runs that was Australia’s revised target under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern system following a rain delay at the innings break. Lynn who looked good all the while he was in the middle was caught in the deep, with just eight runs to scale for a win. He didn’t bat in his characteristic explosive style and was lot more responsible also the fact that the Black Caps used the slow bowlers allowed him to showcase his improving talents against spin.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand 117/9 (Colin de Grandhomme 38, Ross Taylor 24; Andrew Tye 4/23, Billy Stanlake 3/15)

Australia 96/3 (Chris Lynn 44, Glenn Maxwell 40; Trent Boult 2/14, Tim Southee 1/27)

Aus won by 7 wickets via D/L method

Man of the Match: Billy Stanlake