NZ vs AUS scorecard, 1st T20I highlights 2024: Mitchell Marsh anchors Australia's brilliant run chase against New Zealand

Australia were able to achieve a six-wicket win over New Zealand in the first T20I of the three-match T20I series. Australian captain Mitchell Marsh, turned out to be the game-changer for the Aussies and played an innings of 72* runs from 44 balls and anchored the 216-run chance. The Aussies went 1-0 up in the three-match wherein the second match of the series will be played on February 23 at Eden Park in Auckland.

Batting first at the Sky Stadium, New Zealand were able to put up a score of 215/3. The Kiwis were off to a decent start wherein openers Devon Conway and Finn Allen added 61 runs for the first wicket. Allen smashed runs at a strike rate of 188.24 and hit a total of 2 fours and 3 sixes during his stay at the crease. Allen played an innings of 32 runs from 17 balls and was dismissed by Mitchell Starc.

Australia start off the three-match series against New Zealand with a win

After the dismissal of Finn Allen, Devon Conway took charge and added 113 runs from 64 balls for the 2nd wicket along with Rachin Ravindra. Conway played an innings of 63 runs from 46 balls, whereas, Ravindra also supported him and ended up being the highest run scorer of the Kiwi innings. Ravindra played an innings of 68 runs from 35 balls with 2 fours and 6 sixes.

Devon Conway was dismissed by Mitchell Marsh whereas Rachin Ravindra got out against Pat Cummins. Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman gave the much-needed finish the the Kiwi team and played unbeaten cameos of 19 and 18 runs respectively.

Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh, and Pat Cummins picked up 1 wicket each for Australia with the ball.

While it would have been tough for Australia to chase down 216 runs, Australia were off to a decent start as openers David Warner and Travis Head added 29 runs from 22 balls for the first wicket. Head was dismissed for 24 runs from 15 balls and fell against Adam Milne. David Warner was the next batsman to depart and walked back after scoring 32 runs from 20 balls with 1 four and 3 sixes. Before getting out, Warner had added 40 runs from 20 balls for the 2nd wicket.

Mitchell Marsh started to take on the Kiwi bowlers from the other end. Marsh was given decent assistance by Glenn Maxwell (25), Josh Inglis, and Tim David. Marsh added 42 runs for the 3rd wicket along with Maxwell whereas he put up a stand of 61 runs from 38 balls for the 4th wicket along with Josh Inglis (20).

In the end, Tim David played an unbeaten innings of 31 runs from 10 balls and helped the team get over the line. Mitchell Marsh was also unbeaten on the other end and was awarded the Player of the Match.

Mitchell Santner was the most successful bowler for New Zealand with the ball and picked up 2 wickets. On the other hand, Adam Milne and Lockie Ferguson picked up 1 wicket each.

New Zealand would want to make a comeback in the series by winning the second match of the series to be played on February 23.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand: 215/3 (Rachin Ravindra: 68, Mitchell Marsh: 1/21)

Australia: 216/4 (Mitchell Marsh: 72*, Mitchell Santner: 2/42)