Conway blasts Kiwis to victory
T20 SERIES: EX SOUTH AFRICAN PUTS OZ TO THE SWORD
ADevon Conway batting masterclass inspired New Zealand to a 53-run win over Australia in the opening Twenty20 international in Christchurch yesterday.
Conway smashed an unbeaten 99 off 59 balls as the Black Caps overcame a shaky start to finish on 184/5 after losing the toss and being put in to bat.
In reply, the tourists were all out for 131 after 17.3 overs, with Black Caps spinner Ish Sodhi taking 4/28 to give the hosts an early edge in the five-match series.
Australia captain Aaron Finch refused to blame the loss on his team's two-week Covid-19 quarantine upon arrival in New Zealand.
“It feels like a long time since we played but we were treated brilliantly (in quarantine),” he said.
“They just ran harder and we didn't get it right.”
Jhye Richardson, fresh from signing a multi-million dollar Indian Premier League contract, was the pick of the Australian bowlers, taking 2/31.
But the tourists could not dislodge Conway, whose 59-ball knock included 10 fours and three sixes, helping the Black Caps bounce back from 19/3.
Conway said he was "pretty chuffed" with his career-best effort, even though he was stranded just short of a century after failing to take two runs off the final ball.
The South African-born batsman came to the crease with New Zealand teetering at 11/2 and was still settling in when captain Kane Williamson departed for 12.
“The key was to try to stay positive, that's when I'm at my best,” Conway said.
“I was trying not to think too far ahead and just build good partnerships.”
The frustrated Australians then suffered a horror show early in their innings, as seamers Tim Southee and Trent Boult tore through the top order.
Luckless debutant Josh Philippe departed for two after sending a top-edge skyward. But old campaigners such as skipper Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell also failed to deal with the swinging ball and the tourists were soon 19/4.
Mitch Marsh top-scored with 45 and Ashton Agar contributed 23 but a string of batting failures gave New Zealand what turned ou to be a comfortable win.