New Zealand defeated Australia by 89 runs to register their first ever win on Australian soil since 2011 in any format. Black Caps pacer Tim Southee (3/6) gave the Aussies early jolts while defending a mammoth 200. Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner (3/31) owned the middle phase of the second innings, while fast bowler Trent Boult (2/24) dismantled Australia’s lower-order.
Earlier, Devon Conway (92 not out) and Finn Allen (42) powered New Zealand to 200/3 after being asked to bat first. The opening partnership between Allen and Conway was off 56 runs, and it came in just 25 balls. Finn got out after smashing a 16-ball 42. Conway then added a valuable 69-run stand for the second wicket with skipper Kane Williamson (23).
A late flourish from James Neesham (26* off 13) helped New Zealand to finish on a high. Conway and Neeshan put on an unbeaten partnership of 48 runs for the fourth wicket in just 24 balls. For Australia, Josh Hazlewood picked up two wickets and conceded 42 runs.
Here’s how cricket fraternity reacted on Twitter:
Win and a half for New Zealand!
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) October 22, 2022
New Zealand always arrive for World Cups .. #Fact
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 22, 2022
What a way to kick off this @T20WorldCup ! The @BLACKCAPS winning on Aussie soil after 10 years 10 months and 12 days !
Their biggest win in T20I’s!
The ‘upsets’ continue..👍💪🔥#AUSvNZ #T20worldcup22— Bhavna Balakrishnan (@Bhavna__B) October 22, 2022
A massive start to the T20 World Cup! NZ been high quality here 👏🏻
— Jonny Bairstow (@jbairstow21) October 22, 2022
Well played buddy @Devonconway_88 what a start to the world cup!! Keep it going big boy!! 💪🏾
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) October 22, 2022
In a tough group, a defeat as big as this can be difficult to overcome. #AUSvNZ #ICCT20WC
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 22, 2022
Proper performance @BLACKCAPS 🥰
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) October 22, 2022
Fantastic opening performance by 2021 runners-up against the defending champs. New Zealand have come to play,,,,,again.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 22, 2022
NZ BEAT AUSTRALIA AND DECLARE THE T20 WC.. OPEN!! #AUSvNZ #T20worldcup22 pic.twitter.com/yp684CIE2h
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) October 22, 2022
Full list of cricketers to score 90+ against Australia in a T20I on multiple occasions:
Martin Guptill
DEVON CONWAY#AUSvNZ #T20WorldCup— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) October 22, 2022
Massive drubbing for Australia. New Zealand were were on favoured by many to win this tournament but after this superb all round performance, there will be some hasty revision in the forecast!
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) October 22, 2022
Kiwi dominated the game from the first over. Solid start for their campaign 👏
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 22, 2022
Devon Conway is made from a different material…so wonderfully aware of his own strengths/weaknesses and the game situation. Consistency in 👏👏 #T20WorldCup #AusvNZ
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 22, 2022
You NEVER count the Kiwi’s out ! #T20worldcup22
This is T20 … you never know 🏆🏏#icc #AUSvNZ https://t.co/4777Kwz4JJ
— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) October 22, 2022
What a start to the tournament for Devon Conway, 92* runs from 58 balls including 7 fours & 2 sixes.
The Mr Consistent of New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/7XHx11wN0r
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 22, 2022
Devon Conway's innings earns him the Player of the Match gong #T20WorldCup https://t.co/OTwMRrAf3X
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 22, 2022
Man of the Match: Devon Conway#AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/kQhV9iV4wV
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 22, 2022
