IPL-reject Devon Conway helps NZ thump Australia

CHRISTCHURCH: Was there something amiss about the recent IPL auctions? Those who have watched Devon Conway bat on Monday, or, in the days before, might think so.

For, four days after going unsold in the auctions that was held thousands of kilometres away, the South African-born New Zealander blazed his way to a 59-ball unbeaten 99 and powered the Black Caps to a resounding win in the first of the five T20 International against Australia here. Conway's base price in the IPL auctions was Rs 50 lakh. India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin summed up what the lucrative league, its eight franchises and millions of fans may have missed out on.

"Devon Conway is just 4 days late, but what a knock," Ashwin tweeted, some time after New Zealand romped to a 53-run victory at the Hagley Oval.