Image Credit- AFP
Australia easily won a shortened series-finale at a
dismal Eden Park, capping off a devastating sweep of New Zealand ahead of the
T20 World Cup.
Australia was sent in under overcast skies, and they made 67 for 2 in the
powerplay before rain repeatedly stopped play, causing their innings to
terminate at 118 for 4 from 10.4 overs. Then, New Zealand failed miserably to
reach their revised target of 126 from 10 overs, as Australia’s disciplined
pace bowlers enjoyed the seaming conditions.
Before their Test series began on Thursday, both teams
exercised caution by resting some key players.
After dominating the three-match series, Australia won their 100th Twenty20
International and celebrated winning the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. This was
crucial preparation for both sides as they try to finalise their World Cup
lineups.
It was Australia’s last practice session before the competition in June.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will complete their preparations by visiting Pakistan in
April for a five-match Twenty20 International series.
Spencer Johnson, a left-arm quick bowler, took
advantage of a situation when Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were given a break
to finish the three-over powerplay with a brilliant bowl.
Averaging over 140 km/h, Johnson began with a terrible short throw and then
took out the recalled Tim Seifert with a vicious delivery. Then he produced an
even better delivery, slicing sharply back into Glenn Phillips and veering past
Matthew Wade, the acting captain, behind the stumps.
In his second over, Johnson followed up with a frightening combination of full
and short deliveries, while Nathan Ellis, Australia’s fringe quick, too
impressed with tight bowling to highlight the country’s abundant supply of
pacemakers.
On a lively surface, batting was difficult because the
hosts never posed much of a threat during the chase. Against Australia’s stingy
attack, their top order never got going and, as the pressure on the scoreboard
increased, they kept picking out fielders in the deep.
Similar to game two, Philipps carried New Zealand’s hopes as he hammered forty
off just twenty-four balls, but he was not well-supported.