Auckland, Feb 21 (TNS): Australia claimed the trans-Tasman Twenty20 tri-series after Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Finch helped secure a 19-run win against New Zealand under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in the rain-affected final on Friday.
JUST IN: The latest on Chris Lynn’s shoulder injury #NZvAUS https://t.co/NyF8Aeio8h pic.twitter.com/Ca10kDpdzE
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) February 21, 2018
Maxwell scored 20 while Finch was 18 not out as they combined for 37 runs after Australia had lost three quick wickets in the middle of their innings to give the hosts and their fans at Eden Park slim hopes of an upset victory. The Australians, who won all five of their matches in the series that also included England, were 121 for three when they were forced off for rain for the second time during their innings. They had restricted New Zealand to 150 for nine. Right from the get go we played superb cricket,” Australia captain David Warner said. I just asked the guys to execute with energy in everything we did and they have. People talk about us not taking T20 seriously, but this bunch have come. with superb form and I couldn´t be prouder of the guys.
Both sides had scored more than 240 runs each on the same pitch last Friday, but Australia ensured that would not happen again as they bowled a fuller length, cleverly changed their pace and set up the victory. The hosts had actually got off to flying start with Martin Guptill (21) and Colin Munro (29) smashing 48 from 4.3 overs before their dismissals in the space of five balls robbed the innings of momentum. New Zealand were unable to establish any partnerships until they had been reduced to 110 for eight with 6.2 overs remaining.
