NZ vs AUS Scorecard, 3rd T20I Highlights 2024: Matthew Short guides Australia to a 27-run victory; Australia completes the wehitewash

Australia completed a clean sweep of New Zealand with a comfortable victory in the third and final T20I match of the series in Auckland. The Mitchell Marsh-led Australia team secured a 27-run victory in a rain-affected third game at Eden Park on Sunday, February 25.

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to field in the dead rubber match. The hosts made two changes to their lineup, bringing Tim Seifert and Ish Sodhi into the playing XI. Australia rested Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins.

Matthew Short’s Cameo Innings Boosts Australia In Third T20I

Australia started with 67 runs for the loss of two wickets in the powerplay in the last game. Steve Smith was dismissed for just four runs in the second over. Matthew Short played a quickfire cameo, scoring 27 runs off 11 balls with the help of one boundary and three sixes.

Matthew Short’s innings came to an end when he mistimed a shot off Ben Sears, resulting in a catch by Tim Seifert. Following Short’s dismissal, Glenn Maxwell came to the crease and scored 20 runs off just 9 balls. Maxwell smashed three boundaries and a six in his knock.

Australia’s innings was interrupted by showers multiple times in the match. The visiting team scored 118 runs for the loss of four wickets in 10.4 overs. Josh Inglis scored an unbeaten 14 runs off 8 deliveries, while Tim David contributed 8 runs off 3 balls before the rain break.

New Zealand Fails To Secure Victory Despite Glenn Phillips’ Efforts

Persistent drizzle concluded Australia’s innings, setting New Zealand a target of 126 runs from 10 overs. The hosts started their chase strongly, scoring 26 runs in the first two overs. However, they lost the wicket of opener Will Young in the second over of the run chase.

Spencer Johnson conceded only seven runs while claiming the wicket of Tim Seifert in the third over. Australia seized control of the match by restricting the opposition to 51/3 in 5.1 overs. They conceded just 20 runs in overs five, six, and seven in the crucial phase.

Glenn Phillips, who scored 40 off 24 balls, carried New Zealand’s batting order but lacked support from the rest of the home team. The Black Caps failed to cross the finish line in the match. They managed to score 98 runs for the loss of three wickets in 10 overs.

I Was Nervous With The Ball – Matthew Short

Matthew Short was awarded Player of the Match for his all-round contribution. He acknowledged the strength of the squad and expressed gratitude for playing alongside talented teammates. Short admitted feeling nervous while bowling towards the end of the match.

“I am most comfortable while playing shots. Was a strange game with rain around. Played plenty of shots though. It’s such a strong squad, really grateful to play with these guys. Enjoyed batting, but I was nervous with the ball towards the end,” Short said.

Brief scores:

Australia 118/4 in 10.4 overs (Matthew Short 27; Mitchell Santner 1-16)

New Zealand 98/3 in 10 overs (Glenn Phillips 40*; Spencer Johnson 1-10)

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