David stars for Aussies in nail-biter

– Tim David hit a four off the last ball to give Australia a nail-biting six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first Twenty20 international in Wellington yesterday.

Having been set 216 to win, Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh hammered 72 off 44 balls before batting partner David (31 not out) sealed a thrilling last-gasp victory.

“I thought we were done, to be honest,” admitted the relieved Marsh.

“Timmy David is extremely calm and had a lot of confidence in his ability towards the end. We are very lucky to have him. It was a great game of cricket.”

The three-match series is the last for both teams before the T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies in June.

Rachin Ravindra had earlier put New Zealand in the driving seat by hitting 68 runs off 35 balls to claim his first half-century in the format as the hosts finished on 215/3.

Marsh finished with best bowling figures of 1/21 before leading the charge with the bat, hitting seven sixes and two fours in his unbeaten knock.

The captain steadied his side after they lost openers Travis Head and David Warner early on.

Having criticised New Zealand fans in the build-up, Warner blew kisses at the crowd as he was booed off the pitch. Marsh built a partnership of 42 for the third wicket with Glenn Maxwell (25) leaving Australia on 111/3 after 10 overs.

Inglis was dismissed for 20 with three overs left and Australia on 172/4.

The game went to the wire after New Zealand seamer Adam Milne was smashed for 19 runs in the penultimate over.

Australia needed 15 from the last six balls, but David held his nerve by smashing a six before sending the final ball to the boundary.

“I thought we didn’t bowl too bad, but the power they possess all the way down is the reason why they are good,” said Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner.