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BSP-09
CRICKET-NZL-AUS,LEAD
Australia beat New Zealand to force T20 series decider
WELLINGTON, March 5, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Australia crushed New Zealand by 50
runs in a low-scoring fourth Twenty20 international in Wellington Friday to
level the series at 2-2.
The result sets up a winner-takes-all blockbuster in the final match at
the same venue on Sunday, with Australia in red-hot form after struggling
early in the series.
The Australians scored 156 for six in their 20 overs after winning the
toss and electing to bat.
In reply, New Zealand were all out for 106 after 18.5 overs.
Captain Aaron Finch anchored the tourists’ innings with a gritty 79,
making him Australia’s most prolific T20 international run scorer on 2,310,
ahead of David Warner’s 2,265.
Finch chiselled out his 14th T20 half-century off 55 balls before cutting
loose with four sixes in the final over, in which Kyle Jamieson conceded 26
runs.
But he struggled for partners as the Black Caps pinned back Australia’s
batters with accurate bowling and a steady flow of wickets.
Despite his man-of-the-match batting performance, Finch singled out his
bowling attack for praise, saying they were outstanding on a wicket that did
noy play as expected.
“I thought we adapted really well, it was a really polished performance
with the ball,” he said.
Paceman Kyle Richardson ended with the best figures of three for 19, but
spinners Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell all contributed with two
wickets each.
Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers, claiming
three for 32.
The Black Caps made a slow start, with openers Martin Guptill and Tim
Seifert managing just one boundary apiece in the opening three overs on a
spin-friendly wicket.
Guptill departed cheaply for seven but it was only the beginning of New
Zealand’s woes as they lost a further six wickets for 30 runs.
The collapse effectively ended the contest, despite some tail-end
resistance from Jamieson, who top-scored for the Black Caps with 30.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was frustrated at a passive display
that he said needed to improve for Sunday’s decider.
“That was a pretty poor performance from us, particularly in the second
half,” he said.
“We lacked a little bit of intent at times.”
BSS/AFP/BZC/1600HRS