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Nathan Lyon‘s masterful bowling performance propelled Australia to a convincing 172-run victory over New Zealand in the opening Test of the series at the Basin Reserve, concluding the match on the morning of Day 4. This dominant performance extends Australia’s winning streak against New Zealand in Test matches, with the Blackcaps having only one victory against their trans-Tasman rivals since 1993.
Nathan Lyon scripts history
Lyon, the veteran off-spinner, claimed a 10-wicket match haul, becoming the first spinner to achieve this feat in New Zealand since 2006. Lyon’s 10-wicket haul, including figures of 6/49 in the second innings, solidified his position as one of the world’s leading spin bowlers. His experience and control proved instrumental in dismantling the New Zealand batting line-up and securing a vital victory for Australia.
New Zealand’s fight and Lyon’s masterclass:
New Zealand exhibited commendable resilience on Day 3, hinting at a potential comeback. However, the turning and bouncing wicket at the Basin Reserve favoured Lyon, allowing him to stamp his authority on the match.
Chasing a target of 258, the home side started cautiously. The overnight Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell navigated the initial period comfortably. However, a tactical switch by Australia, bringing Lyon onto the attack, proved decisive.
Lyon dismissed Ravindra within three balls of coming into the bowl, triggering a quick collapse. In his next over, he took two more wickets, leaving New Zealand reeling. While Mitchell and Scott Kuggeleijn offered some resistance, Cameron Green‘s dismissal of Kuggeleijn opened the floodgates.
Josh Hazlewood then chipped in with two wickets, and Lyon dismissed the New Zealand captain Tim Southee.
Mitchell was the last man to depart for 38 on the bowling off Hazlewood.
Also READ: NZ vs AUS – Here’s why dove sticker was taken off Usman Khawaja’s bat on Day 3 of the Wellington Test
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Nathan Lyon took 6-65 as Australia won the first Test by 172 runs
If Williamson doesn't score, NZ don't score#NZvAUS
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) March 3, 2024
In a low-scoring game, Cameron Green’s 174 not out stands out like a sore thumb. Player of the match decisions don’t come much simpler. Suspect it will be a coming of age performance for him. What a player he is going to be. #NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/PXpZhupXit
— Andrew Wu (@wutube) March 3, 2024
Nathan Lyon has been the backbone of this test bowling line up,the actual reason for the dominance of Starc Hoff Cummins,tbh
Lyon glued them together always and always.The brilliance of Nathan Lyon is beyond words
Never retire Garry 🐐@NathLyon421
#NZvAUS #AUSvsNZ #cricket pic.twitter.com/3nf1eTahhX
— paRaY_YasiR ✍️ (@ParayYasir2) March 3, 2024
Domination of Australia 🇦🇺 continues against New Zealand 🇳🇿#AUSvsNZ #NZvAUS #AUSvNZ#INDvENG #GautamGambhirpic.twitter.com/JLApnZpXT7
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) March 3, 2024
Nathan Lyon’s last 20 Tests
Wickets: 100
Average: 22.6
Strike rate: 46.6
5WI: 5
10WM: 2
BBI: 8-64
BBM: 11-99👏 🏏 #NZLvAUS
— Glenn Mitchell (@MitchellGlenn) March 3, 2024
Most 5-Wicket hauls in WTC history:
Nathan Lyon – 10*.
Ravi Ashwin – 9
– Two Magicians, Two GOATs…!!!! 🐐 pic.twitter.com/kNp5KKtlRN
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) March 2, 2024
Nathan Lyon has his 24th 5 wicket haul with the dismissal of Glenn Phillips @BLACKCAPS v Australia: 1st Test | LIVE now on DUKE and TVNZ+ pic.twitter.com/7bu9SOPxSb
— TVNZ+ (@TVNZ) March 2, 2024
Iconic performance 🫡@NathLyon421 👌
#NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/CDg6DYkod3— Aussies Army🏏🦘 (@AussiesArmy) March 3, 2024
A comprehensive victory for the Aussies in Wellington!
Nathan Lyon finishes with match figures of 10-108 #NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/0obsbQ46l9
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 3, 2024
Man of the Match: Cameron Green #cricket #NZvAUS #Tests #CameronGreen #CricketTimes #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/XOfmVOXBYM
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 3, 2024