New Zealand vs Australia, AUS in NZ, 3 T20I Series, 2024 Full score card

FOUR! TIM DAVID, TAKE A BOW! Australia win by 6 wickets and it took the last delivery to decide the winner of this nail-biter. Pin-drop silence in the crowd. The Kiwis are in absolute disarray and why not? They were sniffing a win but David has just robbed it from them in the very last delivery. Not a bad delivery at all from Southee, as he bowls it fuller, and on the middle stump line, attempting to cramp him for room, but Tim David clears his front foot and smacks it hard past the gap between the long on and deep mid-wicket region for a boundary. Glenn Phillips slides to the left but cannot fetch it before the ropes. Australia win a thrilling match. What an initiation to this Trans-Tasman series. A good game of cricket overall but Australia ended up on the winning side courtesy of Tim David's 31 off just 10 rocks in the backend. Australia take the lead by 1-0 in the series.

Excellent comeback this from Southee! Using all his experience! A precise yorker on off, Tim David drives it though covers and scampers back for the double. 4 needed from the final ball now. Can Tim David finish off in style for Straya?

SIX! Just over the ropes and now the Aussies are just a hit away! Low full toss on offer down leg, Tim David bends a bit low and flicks it over deep square leg for a maximum. 6 needed of the last 2 balls.

Misses out the connection again! Full toss on the pads, Mitchell Marsh misses to pull and it runs a leg bye to the on side. 12 needed off the last 3 balls now.

A gutsy delivery from Southee. A yorker on the middle, Tim David outside edges and squeezes it to the off side and takes a single.

An adamant appeal for LBW! But turned down. Southee fires a precise yorker on the leg stump line, Marsh misses to connect and it thuds his back boot. New Zealand take a review for LBW. The UltraEdge comes up and shows that no bat is involved. Ball Tracker confirms it is pitching outside leg. A desperate review though. They do cross for a leg bye.

Is that out? New Zealand goes upstairs for a LBW decision, but it looks like a desperate review. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and Ball Tracking clearly indicates it is going down the legs side. Marsh survives.

WIDE! Down leg and on a fuller length, Marsh misses out on the flick but it is a Wide anyways. 15 runs from the last 6 balls now.

Tim Southee (3-0-39-0) to bowl the last over. Can he defend 15 runs here?

SIX! Clears the fence again! What a finish to the over. On the fullish length and around the middle and off channel, Tim David again swings it hard and clears the deep mid-wicket for a maximum. 16 needed now off the final over.

SIX! Oh, my word! That's been hammered by David! He is on a mission here. Milne offers a half-volley on off, Tim David clears his front foot and bangs it over long on for a maximum. That flew 98 meters away. The biggest of the night.

FOUR! A pressure-releasing boundary! Edgy but they will take it. Too full and outside off, even away from the tramline, Tim David throws his bat at it and squeezes it with a thickish outside edge which guns down to deep third man for a boundary.

On the back of a length around the off stump, Mitchell Marsh pulls straight to deep mid-wicket for just a single. 21 the required rate now.

Swing and a miss but a bonus Bye. Full, wide of off, David swings and misses. Also, the keeper fails to collect it cleanly and it trickles behind. They cross for a Bye.

An attempted yorker on off, Mitchell Marsh squeezes it through cover-point for a single. Allen does well to just keep it to a single with a slide to his left.

Adam Milne (3-0-35-1) to bowl the penultimate over. Australia needs 35 runs in the last two overs.

On the back of a length and angles into the batter, Mitchell Marsh goes for a pull but he is too early on the shot and mistimes it over the bowler's head. Just a single then. What a terrific spell from Lockie Ferguson he ends up with (4-0-23-1).

Just inside the tramline. Excellent response from Lockie Ferguson! Wide of off and full, Mitchell Marsh thinks it's a wide and lets it go but it's well inside the tramlne.

SIX! Important six and this has been smoked away! Short and on the top of off, Mitchell Marsh clears the shorter boundary with a pull shot over deep square leg.

Excellent stuff! Lockie Ferguson nails the yorker this time, on middle, Mitchell Marsh only manages to dig it out back to the bowler.

Another crucial dot! Mitchell Marsh would have been in trouble if there had been a direct hit. Ferguson bowls it on the stumps and on a length, Mitchell Marsh attempts to smoke it over mid-wicket but ends up wearing on his body. He shoots off to sneak a single but gets a send-back from Tim David as the ball is too close to run. Lockie Ferguson kicks the ball to the stumps but has a shy.

On the back of a length and angling in from off, Tim David sways away and guides it to deep backward point for a single.

Lockie Ferguson (3-0-15-1) to finish his spell now.

What a phenomenal over from Santner. Just three from it and a crucial, crucial wicket. Length ball just outside off, David uppishly drives it to long off for a single to end the over. 43 runs required of the last 18 deliveries. This is going down to the wire. Buckle up, folks.

Tim David is the next man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Rachin Ravindra has been electrifying in the field tonight! What a sensational catch! Santner drops a looped up delivery around the off and middle channel, Josh Inglis looks to slog it over the deep mid-wicket region but does not get enough timing on that one. The ball balloons up in the night sky and Rachin Ravindra settles himself underneath the ball at deep mid-wicket and takes a brilliant catch to dismiss the dangerous Josh Inglis.

Slower and spinning away from outside off, Josh Inglis drives it straight to cover.

Full and outside off, Marsh gets an inside edge to backward square leg for a single.

A crucial dot. Swing and a miss! Just around off from around the wicket on a length, Mitchell Marsh goes to pull but misses out on connecting it. That went past the off stump by just a few centimeters.

Just around off and on a dragged length, Josh Inglis looks to smoke it over the fence on the leg side but mistimes it to deep square leg for a single.

Does not get the timing right on this one. Outside off and short, Mitchell Marsh looks to clear the fence again but mishits it down the ground to the left of mid on and runs a brace to end the over. 46 runs needed off the last 24 balls. It's pretty neck and neck here at the moment as the worms are on top of one another after the 16th over.

SIX! The Bison looks unstoppable! Six written all over it. This is the 25 the six combined both innings. Flighted delivery on off and full, Mitchell Marsh sits on his knee and drags the slog sweep over cow corner for a huge six.

Full, outside off, Josh Inglis prods ahead and drives it straight to Mitchell Santner at cover who stops it diving to his left. Only a single then.

Slower and wide outside off on a length, Josh Inglis looks to smack it hard but misses again.

WIDE! Oh dear, too many extras! Wide of off and short, Josh Inglis lets it go. Wide. With that, the 50-run partnership comes up between these two batters.

Straighter and just around off, Josh Inglis looks to go over the off side but misses.

A sensational chase from Rachin Ravindra in the deep. Slower and wide of off, Mitchell Marsh slashes hard but splices it past short third man for three runs. Rachin Ravindra saves a run with the timely dive and keeps the ball before the fence.

Ish Sodhi (3-0-30-0) to bowl out here.

Southee ends the over with a dot ball! He once again gives it no pace at all, short of a length and outside off, Josh Inglis tries to cut it away but fails to connect. Australia needs 59 runs in the last 5 overs!

Nice change of pace! Tim Southee takes pace off, lands this on a hard length and on middle, Josh Inglis backs away but is early through his shot and misses.

SIX! BOOM! Josh Inglis connects this time alright! Tim Southee goes for the short one again, on middle, this one sits up nicely for the batter, Josh Inglis gets on top of it and hammers it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

In the air...safe yet again! This is banged into the pitch and around middle, Josh Inglis tries to pull it away but gets a top edge that flies behind the keeper, Devon Conway runs backward but the ball splits third man, fine leg and keeper, and lands safely in the middle. Two runs taken.

Tim Southee lands this on a good length and angling into leg, Josh Inglis tries to heave it to the leg side but misses and gets hit on the pads as the ball goes nowhere.

Tim Southee nails the yorker this time, on middle, Mitchell Marsh digs it out down the pitch, Southee gets a hand but parries it towards long off. A single is taken.

Three wides in a row now! Tim Southee loses his line and bowls this way outside off again, Mitchell Marsh lets it go to the keeper.

Touch fuller and well outside off again, Mitchell Marsh tries to smack it over extra covers but misses. The umpire calls it a wide. This is a really close call.

Tim Southee lands this on a good length but way outside off, Mitchell Marsh takes a couple of steps forward but leaves it alone. Wided.

A bit of a halt in the proceedings as Mitchell Marsh called to exchange his gloves. He selects a pair and goes back to the crease. Also, it will be Tim Southee (2-0-26-0) to bowl now.

FIFTY FOR MARSH! A powerful half-century from the skipper, but he knows the job is not done yet. This is flighted, full and outside off, Mitchell Marsh forces it towards long off for one.

Slower through the air, outside off, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone thinking it will be a wide but no signal from the umpire.

Quicker, short and on off, Mitchell Marsh punches it straight to short covers.

Floated, full and on off, Josh Inglis goes inside out and lofts it towards sweeper covers for another run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Mitchell Marsh drags it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

A googly, full and on middle, Josh Inglis swipes it through mid-wicket for a single.

Ish Sodhi (2-0-25-0) is back into the attack replacing Mitchell Santner.

SIX MORE! 18 runs off the over! Adam Milne goes full and well outside off, Mitchell Marsh somehow manages to reach it and carves it away, he times it so well that it goes over the deep point fence for another maximum.

DROPPED AND SIX! Adam Milne bangs this short and on middle, Mitchell Marsh tries to pull but mistimes it off the upper half of the bat, the ball goes flat and in the air towards deep square leg, Glenn Phillips gets behind the line of it, but instead of grabbing it tries to parry it back inside, but only manages to deflect ot over the fence for a biggie.

DROPPED! A fine effort though! This is pitched up and around off, Josh Inglis lifts it aerially wide of mid off, Tim Southee dives to his left, gets both hands on it but just spills it out. They cross. Southee is not happy with himself.

FOUR! Nicely played! Adam Milne serves this one full and on middle, Josh Inglis stays back in his crease and lofts it wide of mid on for a boundary.

BEATEN! Adam Milne lands this on a hard length and on off, shaping in, Josh Inglis tries to guide it away but gets beaten on the inside edge to the keeper.

Back of a length and around off, Mitchell Marsh punches it through covers for a single.

Quicker one, full and on off, Mitchell Marsh drills it through covers for one. Australia 93 runs in 48 balls now.

Fires this one full and outside off, keeps low too, Mitchell Marsh stays back to steer it away but misses.

Another short delivery around off, Josh Inglis punches it through cover-point for one.

Flatter, full and on middle, angling in, Mitchell Marsh stays back to drive but gets an inside edge towards short fine leg for a run.

SIX! Just over! Mitchell Santner drags his length back now, on middle, Mitchell Marsh rocks back and heaves it towards the deep mid-wicket fence, Mark Chapman leaps up but it bursts through his hands over the fence for a biggie.

Slower through the air, short and on off, Josh Inglis moves back and punches it through covers for a single.

Mitchell Santner is back into the attack.

Short and outside off, Mitchell Marsh slashes at it but fails to connect.

Lockie Ferguson bangs this into the pitch and on the body of the batter, Josh Inglis clips it through square leg for a run.

Short of a length and around off, Josh Inglis stays back and keeps it out to the off side.

Back of a length but angling down the leg side, Josh Inglis misses his flick. Wided.

Josh Inglis is in at number 5.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Lockie Ferguson strikes! A massive wicket for New Zealand as they see the back of the dangerous Glenn Maxwell. This one is on a good length and on off, nips back in sharply, Glenn Maxwell gets stuck in his crease and tries to push it away, but misses as the ball brushes against his pads and rattles the stumps. The Drinks break once again brings a wicket for the fielding side and Australia lose their third now. Glenn Maxwell departs after a quick-fire 25.

Short of a length and on middle, Mitchell Marsh this time connects with his pull towards deep square leg for a single.

Lockie Ferguson bangs in a sharp bouncer now, on middle, Mitchell Marsh goes for the pull but misses it.

Drinks! At the halfway mark, nothing really separates these two sides. Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell are going nicely here and they have just started to change gears now. The Aussies will hope that this pair can take this game deep. New Zealand will be hoping to pick up a few wickets to stop the run flow here. An exciting second half of the chase it coming up.

SIX! He will punish every short ball thrown at him! Poor conclusion from Sodhi after a decent over. Just short and a wrong'un on offer which turns back in from off, Glenn Maxwell detects the googly and rocks back before pulling it over the deep mid-wicket boundary for a six. 10 runs from it.

Oh...this one keeps low on the bounce. Outstanding comeback from Sodhi. This one grips on a fuller length outside off, Glenn Maxwell gets deceived by the low bounce and misses to connect the sweep.

Wide of off on a short length, Mitchell Marsh cuts it well through point for a single.

Flighted wrong'un on offer on a tad short length, Mitchell Marsh gets beaten on the inside edge trying to whack it over the bowler.

WIDE! Oh dear, they cannot afford too many extras. Slower and outside off, the umpire signals for a Wide.

Slower and outside off on a length, Glenn Maxwell cuts it somehow past the cover-point gap for just one.

WIDE! Maxi has made them think too much! Too wide of off. Wide given.

Flipper outside off on a length, Glenn Maxwell shuffles way across off to ramp it weirdly and wears it on his pads.

Sluggish delivery on off and short in length, Glenn Maxwell guides it to the off side and sneaks a single. Also, brings up 100 for Australia.

FOUR! A gift from Santner and Maxwell says thank you! Full toss on the off stump line, Glenn Maxwell simply lofts it over Santner for a boundary down the ground. No chance for the fielder running from long on to stop it.

Low full toss on offer on the middle, Mitchell Marsh drives it to long on along the ground for a single.

Full and on off, driven to the covers with no real timing on it.

FOUR! No mercy whatsoever. Offers too much of width on a length, Mitchell Marsh throws his at it and places it in the gap at deep point for a boundary.

SIX! This is TONKED! Too slow and too short on off, Mitchell Marsh rocks back and clears the deep mid-wicket for a huge six.

SIX! Sodhi Overcompensates and pays the price! Short and down leg, Glenn Maxwell helps it with the pull and deposits it in the crowd clearing the deep square leg fence.

Sodhi bowls it wide outside off on a fuller length after seeing Maxwell readying himself for another reverse sweep. He gets no real connection and hits it to widish short third man for a brace.

FOUR! Maxwell won't stay still for long. Sodhi bowls a bit wide of off on a length, Glenn Maxwell employs his famous reverse sweep and hits it over the backward point region for a four.

Slides it into the stump line on a fuller length, Mitchell Marsh steers it along the grass to long on for a single.

Slower and outside off on a tad fuller length, Glenn Maxwell cuts it past cover-point and jogs a single.

Full and on the stumps, Mitchell Marsh runs it to deep square leg for a single.

'The Big Show', Glenn Maxwell comes out to the middle now. Also, Ish Sodhi replaces Lockie Ferguson.

OUT! TAKEN! A big, big blow for Australia and the Kiwi skipper makes a solid comeback in the over. Santner drops a flighted delivery on off and fuller in length, David Warner sits on his knee and again attempts to clear the fence for a maximum, but ends it hitting with the toe-end of the bat with no real timing on it. The ball spoons up in the air and carries straight to Glenn Phillips at deep mid-wicket. Santner has the last laugh and the crowd sends off Warner with a roar.

Flat and on off, David Warner digs it out to the bowler.

Slow and short, inviting Warner to repeat and make a mistake, but he improvises it to the off side.

SIX! Same result. It's not a good night for the turners it seems like! Flighted short-pitched delivery on off, David Warner rocks back and pulls it over deep mid-wicket for another biggie.

SIX! Warner takes on the charge. Drops it full and on off, David Warner sits on his knee and slogs it over cow corner for a biggie.

Just short. Around the wicket on a fuller length, Mitchell Marsh mistimes the drive trying to overhit it in front of the cover. Single taken.

New Zealand going with spin now as Mitchell Santner comes into the attack now.

A dot to end the over. 52/1 in the Powerplay for Australia. Lockie Ferguson serves a low full toss, on off, David Warner pushes it straight to extra covers.

In the air...but safe! Rachin Ravindra just lost it in the lights. But a top effort. Ferguson bangs in short and across off, David Warner miscues his pull behind mid-wicket. Rachin Ravindra runs backward keeping his eyes on the ball but shells it without getting any fingertips on it diving to his front. Two runs taken.

Just on top of off on a hard length, David Warner flat-bats it along the ground behind mid off for a brace.

At 150 clicks on the nagging length across off, David Warner rides on the bounce and finds the fielder at point.

Steams in and follows the batter and bowls it fuller and wide of off, David Warner shuffles wide across off but misses to connect the drive, as the ball slants across his outside edge.

Angles in down leg on the pads on the length, Mitchell Marsh goes to flick but wears on the pads and it trickles to short fine. They cross for a leg bye.

Lockie Ferguson replaces Adam Milne.

SIX MORE! 22 runs off the over! Tim Southee lands this short and on middle, takes pace off, David Warner has all the time in the world to rock back and whacks it over the deep square leg fence for another maximum. 50 up for Australia!

Back of a length and on leg, Mitchell Marsh works it through square leg for one.

SIX! BANG! Oh...wow this is a big one! Tim Southee tries to target the pads, on middle, shaping away, Mitchell Marsh picks it up, and uses the flick of the wrists to whip it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

FOUR! Nice shot! Tim Southee serves this a bit fuller and around off, Mitchell Marsh takes a couple of steps forward, throws his hands at it and slices it over covers for a boundary.

On a length and on middle, slower too, David Warner clips it towards square leg for a single.

FOUR! A bit lucky for Warner! Tim Southee bangs this short and around middle, David Warner goes for the pull shot but only manages to glove it, the ball goes well over the keeper's head and to the fence for a boundary.

Tim Southee (1-0-4-0) to bowl now as he replaces Lockie Ferguson.

Short of a length and outside off, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone.

A huge shout for LBW, but turned down! Milne looks confident and Tim Southee also convinces Mitchell Santner to go for the review. This one is pitched up around middle, swinging in sharply, Mitchell Marsh tries to work it away but misses getting hit on the pads. It looks like going down the leg side. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows it is missing leg. New Zealand lose a review!

Mitchell Marsh the skipper is in at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! An excellent running catch from Tim Southee! Travis Head swings his way back to the hut now as Adam Milne draws first blood. This is full and around off, Travis Head steps across to slog it across the line but gets it from the toe-end of the bat, the ball goes high in the air behind mid on, Tim Southee runs backward, keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a fine catch diving forward. Australia lose their first wicket!

FOUR! Not a bad delivery, but a fine shot! Adam Milne lands this on a good length and just around off, jags back in sharply, Travis Head gets hurried, loses his bottom hand again, but manages to get enough bat on it to guide it past point for another boundary.

Full again and well outside off, angling away again, Travis Head loses his bottom hand trying to swipe at that, and misses.

FOUR! Up and over! Adam Milne serves this full and angling away from the left-hander, Travis Head goes down and smacks it over extra covers for a boundary.

On a length and around off, David Warner steers it towards point and sends his partner back.

Goes fuller this time, on leg, follows the batter well, Travis Head gets cramped and nudges it towards mid-wicket for just one.

SIX! BANG! First one for Australia! Lockie Ferguson bangs this short again and on middle, Travis Head does well to get on top of the bounce and pulls it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Finally, he gets one from the middle of the bat.

Good bowling! Lockie Ferguson bangs this one into the pitch, on middle, and takes off sharply, David Warner gets surprised, takes his eyes off it but manages to fend it down towards square leg for a single.

Lockie Ferguson sees the batter back away and lands this short of a length, well outside off, David Warner tries to reach for it but fails to do so. He looks at the umpire but no signal is given.

Lockie Ferguson starts with a pitched-up delivery, on off, David Warner drills it straight to mid off.

Lockie Ferguson to operate now and he replaces Tim Southee.

FOUR! A streaky one! Adam Milne continues with his fuller length, on the middle, angling away, Travis Head tries to push it away but gets an outside edge that flies past the short third man for a boundary.

In the air...safe! Adam Milne pitches this one up on off, Travis Head tries to go for the slog again but mistimes it high in the air, Rachin Ravindra from mid-wicket runs after it but fails to reach it. Two more runs added to the total. Head is not timing the ball at all here.

Pulls his length back a bit now, on off, shaping away, Travis Head tries to guide it away but gets beaten by the pace.

Swing and a miss! Adam Milne goes full again and on off, angling away, Travis Head once again tries to go leg side but only connects with thin air.

Just wide! This is full and on off, Travis Head tries to slog it across the line but hits it from the bottom half of the bat, the ball flies in the air and goes just wide mid on who collects it afterward. Two runs taken.

Adam Milne begins with a fuller one as well, on off, shaping away, David Warner pushes it through covers for a single.

Adam Milne to operate from the other end.

Slower one, on a length and on off, Travis Head dabs it straight to point. Just 4 runs off the first over.

Touch fuller and on middle, David Warner tucks it wide of mid-wicket for a run.

Short of a length and around off, David Warner hops up and steers it through backward point for a couple of runs and gets off the mark.

Travis Head and Australia are underway! This is pitched up and on middle, Travis Head swipes it off the inside half of the bat towards deep square leg for a single.

Back of a length and on middle, shaping in again, Travis Head backs away but mistimes his heave straight to short mid-wicket.

Oh...close! Tim Southee starts with a full delivery, on middle, shaping in sharply, Travis Head tries to play at it but just manages to get an inside edge onto his pads. That saves him otherwise he was plumb in front.

Only a single to end the innings then! Another slower one, back of a length and around off, Mark Chapman goes through his pull shot early and toe-ends it to the off side for one. 15 runs off the last over. New Zealand finishes on 215/3!

Pat Cummins goes for the slower one, but bowls this full and way outside off, Glenn Phillips fails to reach. The batters steal a bye and it is called a wide.

Pitches this one up around off, Glenn Phillips drags it towards wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

FOUR! Unlucky for Pat Cummins! He bangs in a good bouncer here, on middle, Glenn Phillips goes for the pull but gets a top edge that flies well over short fine leg for a boundary.

Good fielding! Pat Cummins serves this in the blockhole, outside off, Mark Chapman manages to squeeze it past short third man, David Warner gives chase and puts in a excellent dive just in time to push it back inside. Three runs taken.

Short of a length and around off, takes pace off, Mark Chapman pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Fuller one and outside off, Glenn Phillips backs away and drives it through extra covers for a single.

Pat Cummins (3-0-28-1) to bowl the final over of the first innings.

A full toss now, on middle, Glenn Phillips lofts it on the bounce to long on for one. 16 runs off this over. Also, 200 up for New Zealand!

SIX! This one has wings on it! Mitchell Starc lands this back of a length and on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips shimmies to the leg side and hammers it over the deep mid-wicket fence and into the second tier for his first maximum of the game.

Overpitched and around off, Mark Chapman drills it hard but straight to sweeper covers for just a single.

Mitchell Starc tries to the yorker but bowls a high full toss, on middle, Mark Chapman gets hurried by the pace but manages to bunt it down to long on for a brace. The crowd thinks that it should be a No Ball but it is just under the waist height.

Good comeback from Starc! He goes full and outside off, shaping away, Mark Chapman goes down to lift it over covers but misses.

SIX! BOOM! There she goes! Mitchell Starc misses his length and serves this in the slot, on middle, Mark Chapman picks it up early, clears his front leg and smokes it way over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Mitchell Starc (3-0-23-1) to bowl the penultimate over.

Pitched up and on middle, Glenn Phillips swipes it off the inside half of the bat wide of deep square leg, Travis Head runs to his right and slides to make a fine stop saving a couple of runs.

Touch fuller and on off, Mark Chapman stabs it out in front of covers for one.

Josh Hazlewood bangs this onto the pitch and on middle, Glenn Phillips pulls it away aerially towards deep mid-wicket, Tim David stays back and collects it on the bounce. Hazlewood is not happy with the effort as he thinks David should have attacked that one.

Short of a length and outside of, Mark Chapman slaps it towards sweeper covers just for a run.

Josh Hazlewood lands this on a hard length and just around off, Mark Chapman goes for the pull too close from his body and misses.

Back of a length and on off, slower too, Glenn Phillips waits for it and punches it through covers for a single.

Josh Hazlewood (3-0-30-0) replaces Pat Cummins.

Pitches this one up, on middle, Glenn Phillips drills it towards long on for one.

Back of a length and on of, Glenn Phillips pats it down to short covers.

Short and on the body, Mark Chapman waits and pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

WIDE! Back-to-back extras. Wide of off on a fuller length, even wide of the tramline. Wided.

Way too outside off on a length, Mark Chapman lets it go. The Umpire gives Wide.

Slower one this time, full and outside off, Mark Chapman tries to drive it away but misses again.

On a length and around off, angling away, Mark Chapman tries to guide it away but misses.

Mark Chapman is in at number 5.

OUT! TAKEN! TWO IN TWO FOR AUSTRALIA! The skipper gets one now and removes Devon Conway. This is on a good length and around off, slower too, Devon Conway tries to drag it form there and go over mid-wicket but loses his shape and goes through his shot early too. As a result, the ball goes off the top edge towards short third man where Mitchell Starc takes another good catch. New Zealand lose both set batters in quick succession now.

Glenn Phillips walks in at number 4.

OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Finally one carries to the fielder here, and Pat Cummins gets the crucial breakthrough. He pulls his length back a bit, on middle, Rachin Ravindra once again tries to go for the big swipe and connects well too, but unfortunately hits it flat and straight into the hands of Mitchell Starc who moves to his left swiftly and pouches it safely. Rachin Ravindra goes back after a smashing knock and the crowd has really enjoyed it.

FOUR! SMASHED! Pat Cummins pitches this one up around middle, Rachin Ravindra clears his front leg away and smacks it between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for a boundary.

Uppish but safe! Pat Cummins bangs in a sharp bouncer now, on middle, Rachin Ravindra gets hurried on his pull and the ball flies off the top edge, but lands safely in the vacant mid-wicket region, the batters turn around for the second as the fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end. A direct hit and Conway was a goner.

Swing and a miss! Pat Cummins goes a bit full, on off, angling away, keeps really low, Rachin Ravindra tries to slog it away but this one sneaks under his bat to the keeper.

Loopy one now, low full toss, outside off, Devon Conway reaches out for it and forces it through covers for a single.

A slower delivery, on a length and on middle, Devon Conway tucks it with soft hands in the vacant mid-wicket region and comes back for the second run. Excellent running!

Pat Cummins is back into the attack.

SIX! This is some brutal hitting from the local boy! Flighted up around off on a fuller length, Rachin Ravindra accepts the dolly and sweeps it before clearing the deep mid-wicket boundary. 24 runs from it. Ravindra moves into the 60s in no time.

SIX! He is clearing the fence with ease now! Drops a juicy half-volley on the middle, Rachin Ravindra slogs it over cow corner for a biggie. He has been so precise with his shots today. Too good from him.

On a dragged length outside off, Devon Conway sweeps and misses towards the off side. A leg bye is taken.

FIFTY for Rachin Ravindra. Another special moment in his very young career. Full and wide of off, Rachin Ravindra slaps it down to long off for a single. He started off on a sedate note but now he is dumping each and every ball being thrown at him.

FOUR! He is on fire! This is fuller and flatter on the middle, Rachin Ravindra picks his spot and sweeps it through the gap at deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

SIX! That's gone a long, long way! TONKED! Drops a loopy delivery right in the slot of Ravindra, Rachin Ravindra sits on his knee and deposits it into the stands clearing deep mid-wicket.

Adam Zampa to bowl his third over now. He has conceded 19 runs in his first two overs.

FOUR! This is a fine knock from Conway! Bowls it short does Hazlewood from around the wicket on top of off and pace-off, Devon Conway waits and pulls it over the mid-wicket and it races away to the fence towards deep mid-wicket. He has been so precise with his pull shot today. Another 10-run over for the Kiwis.

Angles it way into the batter from middle on a length, Devon Conway glances it to deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Around the wicket to Conway and guns a toe-crushing yorker, but down leg. It brushes off Conway's boot and carries to the keeper.

On a length on the middle, Rachin Ravindra slaps it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short and on the middle from over the wicket, Rachin Ravindra splices it over the short cover fielder towards deep extra cover for a brace. Didn't go exactly where he intended to hit. Good running.

Hazlewood bowls it from around the wicket angling in from off, Devon Conway swings to clear the deep mid-wicket fence but inside edges to the off side and hurries for a quick single.

Josh Hazlewood (2-0-20-0) is back on.

Up in the air...but safe. Short and angling into the southpaw from outside off, Devon Conway mihits the pull which falls ahead of the deep mid-wicket fielder for a single to end the over. Another over that went for double-digits. 10 runs from it.

Across off on a length, Rachin Ravindra pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Ravindra wants the second but gets a send back from Conway in time.

WIDE! Length ball and too wide of off. Wide given.

SIX! Oh, my goodness! Impeccable timing there. Short and pace on from Marsh on off, Rachin Ravindra stays on the crease and pulls it over deep square leg for a huge half a dozen. He is striking the ball pretty well now.

Over the wicket and slants this off-cutter across off on a nagging length, Rachin Ravindra looks to clear the on side but misses.

Around the wicket and slower again on the hips, Devon Conway pulls it with the inner half of the blade to deep square leg for a single.

Marsh bowls a pace-off around off on a length, Devon Conway swings hard to pull but misses as he gets deceived with the slow pace.

Mitchell Marsh comes back into the attack now. He conceded seven runs in his first over.

Bangs in short and outside off, Devon Conway rides on top of it and drags his pull towards widish long on for a single to end the over. 11 runs from this Starc's over.

Didn't time this one at all. On a fuller length around off, Rachin Ravindra lofts it with no timing on it towards the front of long off for a single.

FIFTY up for Conway! He was hunting runs desperately and he did the job pretty well this time. Much needed for him. Short and on the body, pulled away by Devon Conway to deep square leg for a single.

On the back of a length and outside off, Rachin Ravindra slashes it to deep point for a single.

SIX! Rachin Ravindra gets into the act now! What a brutal hit! Just full and on the middle, Rachin Ravindra swings his bat before lofting it over long on for a huge six. He hold the pose after smashing a biggie.

Starc comes into the attack from over the wicket and pitches it on top of off on a hard length, Devon Conway tucks it with soft hands to the cover-point region for a single. Also, this brings up the 50 runs stand among these two.

Down leg and fuller length, Devon Conway sweeps it to deep backward square leg and collects another single to end the over. 13 runs from it.

Full and wide of off, Rachin Ravindra throws his hands towards deep point for a single.

SIX! Oh, my word! This is launched! Tad short from Zampa on the middle, inviting Rachin to attack. He rocks back and pulls it over the deep mid-wicket boundary before depositing it into the stands. Outstanding shot.

Looped up ball on the pads, this is tucked by Devon Conway to square leg for one.

Excellent comeback from Zampa there. Brings in the slower leg-spinner on the top of middle, Devon Conway looks to sweep again but misses as he is too early on his shot.

FOUR! Conway now decides to break the shackles! Zampa drops it on the leg stump line on a fuller length, Devon Conway sits on his knee and sweeps it through deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Time for a Drinks, the first of the game! New Zealand started off flying high with Finn Allen the aggressor taking on the Aussie bowlers mercilessly. But since his departure falling prey to Mitchell Starc, the scoring rate has slightly come down but still, they are hovering over 10 runs per over. Devon Conway is unbeaten on 42 along with Rachin Ravindra. The Aussie bowlers will aim to break this brewing partnership as soon as possible. Let's see how the next half of the play pans out...

Darts this one full and outside off, Devon Conway reaches for it and drills it towards deep point for one.

Quicker, full and on leg, skids through, Rachin Ravindra backs away to swipe it away but gets another inside edge towards short fine leg. They cross.

Short again and on middle, Rachin Ravindra quickly moves back and heaves it towards wide of deep mid-wicket for brace.

Short and around off, Devon Conway bunts it through covers for a run.

SIX! Up, up and away! This is tossed up, full, and on middle, Devon Conway goes down on one knee and nails his slog-sweep over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. A boundary after a long time for the Kiwis!

Flatter, full and around off, Rachin Ravindra tries to stab it away but gets an inside edge past the leg pole and towards short fine leg. A single is taken.

Spin from both ends. Glenn Maxwell (1-0-20-0) replaces Pat Cummins.

Another single to end the over as this short delivery is flicked to deep square leg by Ravindra. Six single in the over then!

A bit short and around leg, Devon Conway stays back and clips it towards short fine leg for one more.

Darts this one in the blockhole, on off, Rachin Ravindra backs away and squeezes it towards deep point for one.

Flighted, full and around middle, Devon Conway goes down and sweeps it through square leg for another run.

Tossed up, full and on leg, Rachin Ravindra eases it towards long on for a run.

Adam Zampa begins with a floated delivery. full and on middle, Devon Conway uses his feet and drills it towards long on for a single.

Time for some spin now. Adam Zampa replaces Mitchell Marsh.

Just short! Fuller delivery this time, on off, Rachin Ravindra once again tries to slog it over mid-wicket but this time gets an inside edge that falls just short of Josh Inglis behind the stumps.

Pat Cummins continues to take pace off here, this is on a good length, on middle, Devon Conway gets deceived and swipes it off the inside half of the bat towards short fine leg for a one.

Short of a length and on off again, no pace at all, Devon Conway chops it down straight to point.

Change of pace again from Cummins, back of a length and on off, Rachin Ravindra dabs it towards point for a run.

Pat Cummins goes for the bouncer now but serves this a bit too high, Rachin Ravindra tries to pull it away but misses. Wided.

Swing and a miss! Pat Cummins goes a bit fuller this time, on the sixth stump line, angling away, Rachin Ravindra has wild swing across the line but fails to connect.

Slower one, on a length and around off, Devon Conway runs it down to third man for a single.

Pat Cummins (1-0-15-0) is back into the attack and he replaces Mitchell Starc.

Another full delivery to end the over, on middle, Rachin Ravindra drives it nicely with a straight bat wide of long off and collects two more runs.

This is pitched up but way, way outside of, Rachin Ravindra leaves it alone. Wided.

Oh...close! Mitchell Marsh bowls this on a good length and on off, Devon Conway tries to guide it away but gets an inside edge just past the stumps and to the right of the keeper. The batters get across for one.

In the air...safe again! Mitchell Marsh lands this back of a length and around off, slower too, Rachin Ravindra goes through his pull shot early and gets a top edge, but the ball lands well in front of the incoming deep mid-wicket fielder. They cross.

Fuller once more, on off, Rachin Ravindra pushes it straight to short covers.

Full again and outside off this time, Devon Conway carves it towards deep point for a run.

Mitchell Marsh starts with a full delivery, on middle, Rachin Ravindra drills it towards mid off for a single.

The skipper, Mitchell Marsh brings himself into the attack now and will bowl the first over after the mandatory Powerplay. He replaces Josh Hazlewood.

Another full delivery, on off, Rachin Ravindra bunts it down to mid on for one more. New Zealand are 68/1 at the end of the Powerplay. This is their highest against Australia in T20Is.

Overpitched and around off, Devon Conway drives it through covers for one.

Mitchell Starc errs in his line again and pitches this way down the leg side, Devon Conway fails to work it away, Josh Inglis dives to his right but only manages to parry it towards the third man region. It is called a wide and two byes are taken.

Risky single! This is the slower again, on a length and on ff, Rachin Ravindra pushes it on the up wide of covers and sets off for the run, the fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. It would have been really close if it was direct hit.

Back of a length and around off, Rachin Ravindra stabs it towards cover-point.

Goes fuller but down the leg side, Rachin Ravindra misses his flick. Wided.

Rachin Ravindra is in at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! Mitchell Starc draws first blood! Finn Allen tries the same shot once again but holes out this time. This one is on a good length and around middle, angling in, Finn Allen tries to heave it across the line again, but the ball lobs up off the splice of the bat towards mid-wicket where David Warner takes a dolly. Allen goes after a fiery cameo.

In the air...safe! Mitchell Starc rolls his fingers and takes pace off, full and on off, Finn Allen is early into his slog across the line, and gets it from the toe-end of the bat, the ball flies in the air and lands safely over the mid-wicket fielder. Two runs taken.

Mitchell Starc comes back into the attack now.

New Zealand are up and running, firing on all cylinders with Devon Conway finding his nick in time and also Finn Allen who looks aggressive. Will they end up the Powerplay on a high?

Goes full and outside off just near the tramline, Finn Allen gets low and squeezes it towards gully and point but finds the fielder. They do cross for a single.

Tad short in length on the middle and leg channel, Devon Conway is early on the shot and miscues his pull to square leg for a single.

On the back of a length angling across off, Finn Allen rides on the bounce off the back foot and cuts it to deep point for one.

FOUR! Classic textbook straight drive! Hazlewood pitches it fuller and on off, Finn Allen presents the full face of the bat before driving it crisply past the left of mid on for a boundary.

Aims the pads on a tad fuller length, it hits the abdomen area of the southpaw and he runs a leg bye to the leg side.

Cuts the batter on off on a length, Devon Conway looks to slash it but it passes below his inside edge and then to the keeper.

Change of ends for Josh Hazlewood.

A brave pace-off from Cummins on a length on top of off, Devon Conway waits and cuts it to gully for a single to end the over. Another expensive over. 15 runs from it.

FOUR! The ball is just racing away to the fence. 50 up for the hosts in no time. Cummins intentionally bowls it short and angles into the batter, Devon Conway pulls it from the crease through the gap between deep square leg and mid-wicket for a boundary.

FOUR! That has been mercilessly struck by Conway! On a nagging length outside off, Devon Conway drags the pull over mid on for a boundary towards long on.

On the back of a length angling into the middle and leg channel, Devon Conway tucks it to short mid-wicket off the back foot.

SIX! EDGED AND ALL THE WAY INTO THE STANDS! On a hard length around off, Devon Conway swivels hard to pull but takes the leading edge that clears the deep third man fence for a biggie.

Around the wicket on a fuller length, which angles in from off, Devon Conway pushes it to mid off getting on his front foot.

Change from both ends as Pat Cummins comes into the attack now.

Fractionally short in length on off, Devon Conway knocks it to mid off and sneaks a quick single to end the over. Expensive from Maxwell.

Slows the pace and keeps it outside off on a length, Devon Conway swings and misses. Josh Inglis collects it and quickly flashes off the sticks in a blink. The TV  Umpire checks and confirms that Conway's foot is way inside the crease when Inglis disrupts the sticks. Not Out then.

FOUR! Class from Conway! Drags his length on outside off, Devon Conway rocks back and cuts it through cover-point for a boundary.

Full, on the stumps, Allen flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

SIX! Poor and rightly punished! Offers too much of width outside off on a shortish length, Finn Allen flat-bats it over the long off fence for a six.

SIX! Allen has his intentions pretty clear! Touch short and outside off, Finn Allen waits and thumps it over the sightscreen over the bowler's head for another maximum. Uh oh, Maxwell has overstepped here and it's a No Ball. Free Hit to follow now.

Maxi starts from around the wicket on a fuller length around off, Devon Conway covers the off stump and leans ahead before driving it with the spin, and through the covers for a single.

First bowling change and we will see some spin now as Glenn Maxwell replaces Mitchell Starc.

Sneaks back into the batter from off on a length, Finn Allen charges down the track to whip it over cow corner but misses out on connecting it. End of the over. 13 runs from it.

On the back of a length angling into the batter on the middle and off-channel, Finn Allen blocks it off the back foot.

FOUR! On the charge now Finn Allen! On fuller length offering a lot of width outside off, Finn Allen lofts it over covers with a still head position towards deep extra cover for a boundary on a couple of bounces.

SIX! Monstrous and the first biggie of the innings! Full and on the stumps, Finn Allen advances a couple of steps ahead and lifts it over the deep mid-wicket for a huge six. What a shot!

Finds the gap but a fantastic effort in the deep by Starc. This is on a fullish length just around off, Devon Conway slices it through the cover-point gap. Mitchell Starc sprints from the deep third-man region and slides to his left. Keeps it to two.

Over the wicket on a fuller length, Devon Conway inside edges to the leg side.

Josh Hazlewood to share the attack.

Oh, that would have been trouble for Allen! Starc guns it on the middle and leg channel with an inward movement, Finn Allen flicks it to short mid-wicket and is already halfway down the track for sneaking a single but Devon Conway sends him back on a sharp call. The fielder there fumbles a bit which saves Allen as he gets back safely to the striker's end. Not a bad over from Starc at all.

This is a vicious short-pitched delivery on the bodyline of Allen, Finn Allen swivels across to pull but misses as the ball further shoots up after pitching. He is getting a good carry.

On a nagging length around off, Devon Conway gets off the mark by dabbing it late to deep third man for a single.

First runs with the bat and Finn Allen is off the mark! On a fullish length around off, Finn Allen whips across the angle to short mid-wicket where Matthew Short misfields and the ball trickles to the deep. They cross for a single.

Cannons it on a length on the middle, Finn Allen swings hard but meets only thin air on that one wearing on his body.

WIDE! A bit of inward movement which slides the ball down leg. Wide given.

Starts off with a peach of a delivery right on! Good seam and good carry! Starc steams in from over the wicket and slants it across off on a hard length, Finn Allen looks to poke but misses.

Done with the pre-match formalities! We can see the Australian players spread out and take their fielding positions. Finn Allen and Devon Conway are the two openers for New Zealand. Mitchell Starc has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

We are moments away from the start of the game, but before that, the players from both sides make their way out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Australia's first followed by the national anthem of New Zealand.

Australia (Playing XI) - Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh (C), Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (WK), Tim David, Matthew Short, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Finn Allen, Devon Conway (WK), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson (On Debut), Mitchell Santner (C), Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson.

Toss Update: New Zealand won the toss and elected to BAT first.

Meanwhile, led by Mitchell Marsh, Australia enters the contest on the back of a triumphant streak against the Windies in both ODIs and T20Is. The team flaunts a formidable batting unit spearheaded by the dynamic openers David Warner and Travis Head. The middle order is fortified by the likes of Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Josh Inglis, Tim David, and the in-form Glenn Maxwell. The seam bowling attack comprises Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and the very impressive Spencer Johnson, while the spin duo of Adam Zampa and Matthew Short adds depth to the bowling arsenal, with Short also providing aggressive batting prowess when needed. The squad remains largely unchanged from their recent encounter against the Windies and would want to continue their dominance over their neighbors now. Who will take the first match? Will the Kiwis assert their dominance over 'Straya'? Or will the tourists upset the hosts? We shall find out as we bring you the Toss and Team Updates shortly. Stay tuned.

New Zealand, playing on home turf, has enjoyed a stellar home season thus far, triumphing over Bangladesh initially and recently dominating South Africa in a thrilling two-match Test series. Under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, the Kiwis boast a formidable batting lineup characterized by a blend of aggression and finesse. The opening pair of Finn Allen, who has been in a sublime touch lately in the shortest format, and Devon Conway, with the latter aiming to break free from a recent batting slump, will set the tone for the Kiwi innings. Joining the ranks are Will Young and the promising batting sensation Rachin Ravindra. The middle order comprises Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, and the skipper Mitchell Santner himself. The bowling department features the pace trio of Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, and Adam Milne, supported by Josh Clarkson and Ben Sears, with Ish Sodhi and Santner providing the spin options. While Trent Boult will join the squad in the second and third T20Is.

Hello, and a very warm welcome to our coverage of the First T20I of the 3-match T20I in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, as New Zealand are all in readiness to host their big daddy Tasman neighbors Australia, at the Sky Stadium in Wellington. This match ignites the flames of the renowned Trans-Tasman rivalry. The first game will be played in Wellington and the rest two are scheduled to be played in Auckland.

...MATCH DAY...

A new chapter is about to be written in the Trans-Tasmanian rivalry as the men from Down Under have set foot on New Zealand shores for a multi-format series. The two Trans-Tasman rivals, Australia and New Zealand will first lock horns in a three-match T20I series for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy before the attention turns to the two-match Test series. The T20I series kicks off at the Sky Stadium in Wellington before the caravan shifts to Auckland for the next two games. Both sides will have one eye on the T20 World Cup as they look to fine-tune their preparations for that mega event in the Caribbean and the USA. New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, enter the series with confidence after a convincing 4-1 victory over Pakistan. In the batting department, the onus will fall on Devon Conway to hold the innings, with the likes of Finn Allen and Will Young expected to perform the aggressor role. As for Rachin Ravindra, he will be keen to stake a claim for a spot in the T20 World Cup squad. Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips will be relied upon for quick runs, with the latter more than handy with his off-breaks. Ish Sodhi and skipper Mitchell Santner will shoulder much of the burden in the spin department for the hosts. New Zealand's squad announcement was headlined with the return of Trent Boult to the T20I setup after 15 months. However, he will be available only for the last two T20Is. Tim Southee, Adam Milne, and Lockie Ferguson are the pace bowling options Santner will have at his disposal in the series opener. On the other hand, Australia arrive at near full strength, fresh from a series win over the West Indies. Mitchell Marsh will continue to lead the side and will play a key role, more importantly with the bat. Other than him, David Warner and Travis Head are the other usual suspects at the top of the order. There will be no shortage of firepower in the middle order with the presence of Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Tim David, and Matthew Wade. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc form the crux of the pace department. Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson are the other seam options, whereas leggie Adam Zampa will spearhead the spin attack. As the Trans-Tasman rivals renew their age-old rivalry, the stage is set for a cracker of a series. Who will land the first punch? We shall find out.