Chasing 216, Australia won the thrilling T20I against New Zealand in the last ball of the match.
MCG’s heroics were repeated at Wellington as middle order batter Tim David smashed a blistering 31* from just 10 balls to win the game for Australia. David smashed 2 fours and 3 massive sixes during his brief knock and took his side home.
David came into bat when Australia were 172/4, still needing 44 from 19 balls. He had skipper Mitchell Marsh at the other end. When Australia needed 28 from just 8 balls, David smashed 2 consecutive sixes to bring the situation down to ’16 off 6’. The situation was reminiscent to the famous India-Pakistan match at the T20 World Cup 2022 at the MCG, when Virat Kohli won the game for India.
This time, it was Tim David’s turn to be a hero. The first three balls of the last over bowled by Tim Southee went for just 4 runs which made the equation even tougher. With 4 runs needed off the final ball, the tall Australian batter held his nerves to bisect deep midwicket and long-on for a boundary to win the game for his side.
#timdavid #Mitchellmarsh #NZvAUS #NZvsAUS #AUSvsNZ #Mitchmarsh
🎥What a finish
Only Aussie can do it👊🏻 pic.twitter.com/1hJ716Nuzo— Harsh jethwa (@Harsh_jethwa8) February 21, 2024
Earlier, New Zealand scored 215/3, riding on the half-centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway. In reply, Australia had a blistering start thanks to David Warner and Travis Head. Captain Mitchell Marsh held the innings together with a well-made 72 from 44 balls which included 7 sixes and just 2 fours.
Glenn Maxwell played a quick cameo in between but it was Tim David’s knock in the end that proved to be the difference. Australia lead the series 1-0 in the three-match T20I series.
Tim David will play for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. His finishing skills and big-hitting abilities are likely to play a big role for Mumbai Indians this season.