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In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, Australia registered a convincing series victory over New Zealand in the second T20I, claiming the three-match series with a resounding 72 run win in Auckland. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa emerged as the archit💙ect of Australia’s triumph, dismantling New Zealand’s middle order with a brilliant bowling performance. Zampa’s figures of 4/34 left the home side reeling, eventually skittling them for a mere 102 runs in 17 overs in reply of 174 at Eden Park.
Batting collapse and injury woes for New Zealand
New Zealand’s batting woes were evident from the start, losing early wickets and failing to mount a substantial challenge against the Australian bowlers. Despite Glenn Phillips’ resistance with a score of 42, New Zealand’s hopes were shattered when he was caught at long-on off Zampa in the 14th over. The situation worsened with a thumb injury to Devon Conway, sustained while wicket-keeping, which pr🦹evented him ൩from batting.
Captain Mitchell Santner‘s attempt to boost New Zealand’s batting order by promoting himself proved futile, culminating in his dismissal for a mere five runs. Unfortunately, Santner was one of eight New Zealand batters who struggled to reach double digits, succumbing to a sequence of ill-judged♋ and loose shots. This experiment in the batting lineup faced setbacks, contributing to the overall challenges faced by New Zealand in the match
Ferguson’s four-fer and Australia’s strong start
Earlier in the match, opener Travis Head provided a fiery start for Australia, scoring 45 runs off 22 balls. However, the middle stages witnessed a brilliant comeback from New Zealand’s paceman Lockie Ferguson, who finished with 4/12 from 3.5 overs. Head’s dismissal triggered the loss of five quick wickets for Australia after they had reached 84/1 in t𓆏he seventh ove🔯r.
Also READ: Andrew McDonald provides clarity on Steve Smith’s chances for꧋ the T20 World Cup 2024
Australia’s skipper Mitchell Marsh contributed with 26 runs, while Pat Cummins added a late flourish with 28 runs. Despite stumbling in the middle overs, Australia managed to post a total of 174 before being dismissed in the final over. Lockie Ferguson’s exceptional bowling performance was complemented by Santner, Adam Milne and Ben Sears, each taking two wickets for the hosts.
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