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New Zealand vs Australia Live Commentary, 3rd T20, Australia in New Zealand, 5 T20I Series, 2021, March 3, 2021

AUS 208/4 (20)
Australia beat New Zealand by 64 runs
NZ 144/10 (17.1)
Match over
0.0 : Time for action in the 3rd T20I between Australia and New Zealand. The hoá¹£ts are leading the 5-match series by a margin of 2-0. If the first win was a comprehensive one then the second was a close one as New Zealand prevailed with consistency in both games. If the visitors are to be talked about then they have been beaten due to their underperforming top order. Australia's skipper has failed to lead by example with the bat. The series is in line for them as they look to sort out their opening
FYI - Team update coming from the New Zealand camp is that Mitchell Santner won't be a part of today's game as he has woken up with head-cold. To add to it he has self-isolated himself as he awaits his Covid test results. For cover, New Zealand have added Adam Milne in the squad.
TOSS - It's time for the flip of the coin as the two captains in the company of Match Referee are out in the middle. Williamson being the home skipper gets to flip the coin. Up it goes as Finch calls it wrongly. NEW ZEALAND WILL BOWL FIRST! 
New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson says that they will bowl. He mentions that the surface is the reason that they want to bowl. He further mentions that the pitch would stay same for the entire game. Further says that Mitchell Santner won't be playing tonight.
New Zealand (Playing XI) - Martin Guptill, Tim Seifert (Wk), Kane Williamson (C), Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mark Chapman (IN FOR MITCHELL SANTNER), Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult. 
Australian skipper, Aaron Finch, says that he was looking to bowl first as well as the pitch seems to be hard underneath and there is moisture on top. Tells they improved from game 1 to game 2 and that is what they can expect. Informs Riley Merideth is making his debut and he replaces Daniel Sam
Australia (Playing XI) - Matthew Wade (WK), Aaron Finch (C), Josh Philippe, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Agar,Riley Meredith (DEBUT, IN FOR DANIEL SAMS), Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa. 
Marcus stoinis is down for the chat. He mentions that if feels a bit disappointed to not get over the line in the last game. He mentions that he tries to get himself him before playing his shots. He mentions that he is enjoying his batting and mentions that they are confident to win the game here and then win the last two too. Further says that there is no dramatic change expected in their approach.
Devon Conway is up for a chat. He mentions that he is really excited. He mentions that a couple of good partnerships and taking responsibility helped them. He mentions that Australia is a good team and they respect that. He further says that he just tries to bat throughout the game and tries to adapt as per the situation. Mentions that Santner is an experienced campaigner for them but hopes that Mark Chapman would do a decent job for them in the middle.
Pitch Report - Craig McMillan is down for the pitch report. He mentions that it is overcast. Rebecca Rolls joins him and says that the pitch took a little bit of turn in the last game when the New Zealand womens played against the England Womens. She further says that the short boundaries on one side helps in chasing. She mentions that the key here is to bowl full with short boundaries at one end. Further mentions that Santner is a key white ball cricketer for New Zealand but also mentions that
We are all set to begin the game. The New Zealand players after a word from their skipper spread out onto the field. The two Australian openers, skipper Aaron Finch and Matthew Wade walk their way out to the middle. Tim Southee to start the proceedings with the ball. Here we go...
0.1 : Tim Southee to Matthew Wade, WIDE! Southee starts with a fuller one but it is well wide of off, Wade makes a leave. Wide given. Australia are underway.
Tim Southee to Matthew Wade, Good length and around off, Wade tucks it to mid-wicket and shouts a loud 'Wait on'.
0.2 : Tim Southee to Matthew Wade, Fuller on off, Wade drives off the inner half and to the left of Southee who fields it in his followthrough.
0.3 : Tim Southee to Matthew Wade, Fuller on middle, Wade sweeps it to fine leg for a single. Wade is off the mark here.
Review time! An inswinger has once again troubled Aaron Finch. There is an appeal for a LBW but the umpire is unmoved. Kane Williamson has taken it upstairs. Let's see whether the replays save the Australian skipper. 
0.4 : Tim Southee to Aaron Finch, NOT OUT! UMPIRE's call saves Finch there. Length ball around middle, Finch shuffles across to whip it to the leg side but he misses it to get rapped on the pads. There is an appeal from Southee but the umpire shakes his head. New Zealand take the review as the replays roll in. Ultra Edge shows that there is no bat involved. Ball Tracker shows that it is Umipre's call on hitting the stumps. Finch survives.
0.5 : Tim Southee to Aaron Finch, Good length and around off, Finch drives it to mid off.
0.6 : Tim Southee to Aaron Finch, Another appeal and the umpire is once again unmoved. Full and around off, Finch looks to flick it away but gets it off his pads to the leg side. Southee appeals once again but the umpire shakes his head. New Zealand too don't take the review.
Boult time! Trent Boult to share the new ball with Southee.
1.1 : Trent Boult to Matthew Wade, FOUR! Crunched! First boundary of the game and it comes off Boult's first ball. Boult starts with a full ball wide outside off, Wade slams it through covers and gets a boundary. 
1.2 : Trent Boult to Matthew Wade, Excellent comeback from Boult! He hits the deck hard and makes the ball shape away and bounce. Wade is caught in two minds, whether to go forward or stay backward. He manages to sway his bat away from the line.
1.3 : Trent Boult to Matthew Wade, OUT! CAUGHT! Boult gets his first and what a ball this is. A loose delivery first up followed by some real gems! Good length ball pitching just outside off. Wade looks to drive it on the up on the off side but the ball shapes away and catches the outside edge. It goes to the right of slip. Guptill there is safe a house and he takes a good catch.
Josh Philippe walks out at number 3!.
1.4 : Trent Boult to Josh Philippe, Good length and sliding across Philippe, Josh makes a leave.
1.5 : Trent Boult to Josh Philippe, In the air... Just past the diving cover. Length and around off, Josh drives it uppishly towards covers. The ball just evades the diving cover fielder. A single taken as Philippe gets off the mark.
1.6 : Trent Boult to Aaron Finch,  Good length and around off, Finch pushes it to cover-point. A good over from Boult there.
2.1 : Tim Southee to Josh Philippe, BEATEN! Beautiful seam presentation. Length and around off, Josh looks to block it off the back foot but is beaten by the away movement on the ball.
2.2 : Tim Southee to Josh Philippe, Nearly chops it on! Fuller and around off, Philippe looks to cut it but underedges it past the stumps and towards short third man.
2.3 : Tim Southee to Josh Philippe, Good length and around off, Josh pushes it to covers for a single.
2.4 : Tim Southee to Aaron Finch, FOUR! That is a safe shot! Length ball around off, Finch skips down the track, gets under the ball and then chips it over mid off and into the fence at long off for a boundary.
2.5 : Tim Southee to Aaron Finch, Length and around off, Finch this time gets his bat and pad close as he pushes it to mid off for a single.
2.6 : Tim Southee to Josh Philippe, Good length and around off, Philippe tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.
3.1 : Trent Boult to Josh Philippe, Length and on middle, Josh clips it to mid-wicket. A couple taken as the fielder mop it up in the deep.
3.2 : Trent Boult to Josh Philippe, SIX! helped on! Full and around leg, Phillipe clips it to deep square leg for a maximum.
3.3 : Trent Boult to Josh Philippe, Good length and around leg, Josh looks to tuck it to the leg side but is beaten to take the blow on the pads.
3.4 : Trent Boult to Josh Philippe, Full on off, Josh lofts it over mid on this time for a couple of runs. Lack of timing means that the ball does not go for a boundary.
3.5 : Trent Boult to Josh Philippe, FOUR! Clipped away! Full and around middle, Philippe clips it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
3.6 : Trent Boult to Josh Philippe, Length ball on off, Philippe tucks it to mid on.
Change in bowling. First one ad it sees James Neesham replaces Tim Southee!
4.1 : James Neesham to Aaron Finch, SIX! This should ease the nerves for Finch! Length and around off, Finch lofts it up and over mid off as he fetches a maximum.
4.2 : James Neesham to Aaron Finch, Good length and around off, Finch comes down the wicket and looks to clip it ut he misses it to get rapped on the thigh pad.
4.3 : James Neesham to Aaron Finch, FOUR! A mishit but it fetches runs. Full and around off, Finch goes for a lofted hit but mistimes it. Still it has enough power to beat mid on and races to the fence for a boundary.
4.4 : James Neesham to Aaron Finch, Good length and around off, Finch comes down the track as he looks to whip it around the corner but once again he misses it to get rapped on the pads.
4.5 : James Neesham to Aaron Finch, Length and around off, Finch cuts it to point.
4.6 : James Neesham to Aaron Finch, On a length and around off, Finch takes it to covers. A dot is what they get.
Change from both ends. Kyle Jamieson to bowl the final over of the Powerplay!
5.1 : Kyle Jamieson to Josh Philippe, Nice shot but does not have the legs! Jamieson starts with a fuller delivery outside off. Philippe drives it through extra cover. The ball does not have the legs to reach the fence. The batters take three. 
5.2 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Good shot and Finch is starting to get into his groove now! Full on middle and off, Finch smokes it over mid on for a boundary.
5.3 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, A huge cry of wait on from the Australian skipper. Good length ball around off, Finch punches it to cover.
5.4 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, Good running! Length ball on off, Finch taps it to cover and takes a quick run. Glenn Phillips has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. Even if he had hit, Josh Philippe is too quick and would have made his ground.
5.5 : Kyle Jamieson to Josh Philippe, In the air but in no man's land. Length ball around off, Josh Philippe swings across the line. He gets a top edge. Luckily for Philippe, it falls between the keeper, who is running behind, and third man who is coming running in. Single taken.
5.6 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, Swing and a miss! Short ball outside off, Finch looks to pull but misses. 9 off Jamieson's first! End of the Powerplay. Australia are 47/1 at the end of the first phase.
6.1 : James Neesham to Josh Philippe, Short of good length and outside off, Josh cuts it to deep point but only for a single this time.
6.2 : James Neesham to Aaron Finch, Fuller in length and around off, Finch stays back and pushes it back to the bowler.
6.3 : James Neesham to Aaron Finch, Another back of a length ball outside off, Finch frees his arms as he cuts it to deep cover. A single taken. Hang on. Neesham has overstepped and it is a No Ball. Free Hit coming up.
James Neesham to Josh Philippe, Slower and shorter around off, Josh pulls it to deep square leg. Just a couple off the Free Hit.
6.4 : James Neesham to Josh Philippe, FOUR! That went like a rocket! Short and width on offer as Philippe latches onto it and then cuts it to deep point for a boundary. 50-run stand is up between these two.
6.5 : James Neesham to Josh Philippe, FOUR! Hammered away! Full and around off, Philippe throws his arms at it as he lofts it over extra cover for another boundary.
6.6 : James Neesham to Josh Philippe, Lucky escape! Slower and fuller around off, Josh looks to drive it through the off side but ends up inside edging it past the stumps towards fine leg. A couple taken.
Spin time! Ish Sodhi is introduced into the attack for the first time this evening.
7.1 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Fuller on off, driven to long on for a single.
7.2 : Ish Sodhi to Josh Philippe. Flatter around off, Philippe looks to cut it but inside edges it to square leg for single.
7.3 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Another flatter one from Sodhi as Finch slaps it to covers for a single.
7.4 : Ish Sodhi to Josh Philippe, Sodhi continues to be short and wide as Josh cuts it to deep covers for a single.
7.5 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Floated around off, Finch drives it to covers for a couple.
7.6 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Fuller one around off, Aaron pushes it to covers and takes a single. 7 from Sodhi's first over.
Change in bowling. Change of ends for Kyle Jamieson!
8.1 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Boundary off the first ball of the over is always good. Full and around off, Finch lofts it off the inner half of the bat towards long on as the ball beats the man there for a boundary.
8.2 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Great shot! Full and in the slot for Finch to go over the off side as he lofts it over covers for a boundary.
8.3 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, Another inside edge and another batsmen is safe. Fuller and around off, Finch looks to drive it through the off side but gets an inside edge towards fine leg for a brace.
8.4 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, Short of good length and on middle, Finch tucks it to the leg side for a single.
8.5 : Kyle Jamieson to Josh Philippe, In the air... Safe. Kyle bangs one short and around middle, Philippe goes for the pull but gets it off the higher part of the bat towards mid-wicket. It falls short of the converging fielders there. A couple taken.
8.6 : Kyle Jamieson to Josh Philippe, Another lofted mishit and Josh is safe once again. He lofts this fuller one towards deep mid-wicket but it falls short of the fielder. Another couple results.
9.1 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Good length and around off, cut through point for a single.
9.2 : Ish Sodhi to Josh Philippe, Fuller on off, driven down to long off for a single.
9.3 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Floated around middle, Finch slogs it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
9.4 : Ish Sodhi to Josh Philippe, Flatter outside off, Josh looks to cut it but is beaten on the outside edge this time,
9.5 : Ish Sodhi to Josh Philippe, Another lofted hit and Philippe is safe. Tossed up around off, Philippe goes for a hit over extra cover but ends up hitting it in the 'V'. The ball drops in between Long on and long off. A brace taken once again.
9.6 : Ish Sodhi to Josh Philippe, OUT! CAUGHT! Another mishit and this time Guptill succeeds in taking it. Sodhi strikes at a crucial point as this partnership was getting on. He tosses one up and wide outside off, Josh Philippe had to reach to the ball as he gets it off the lower part of the bat. The ball goes to wide long off where Guptill runs across, slides and takes it inches above the ground.
Who will walk out to bat at number 4? Big Show, Glenn Maxwell walks out to the tunes of Crank It Up. 
10.1 : Kyle Jamieson to Glenn Maxwell, Glenn Maxwell is off the mark! Good length ball around off, Maxwell dabs it to third man and gets a run.
10.2 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, Length ball around off, Finch cuts it to deep point for a single.
10.3 : Kyle Jamieson to Glenn Maxwell,  Fullish ball on off and middle, Maxwell stays leg side of the ball and pushes it to cover.
10.4 : Kyle Jamieson to Glenn Maxwell, Short around off, Maxwell punches it behind point for a run.
10.5 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, In the air but falls short. Misfield as well. Full around off, Finch looks to clear mid on but it comes off the lower part of his bat. It falls short of Boult at mid on. The odd bounce sees the ball go behind Boult. He recovers well to save it before the ropes. Two taken.
10.6 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, On the pads, Finch flicks it through square leg and takes a run. He will keep the strike. 
11.1 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Floated around off, Finch punches it off the back foot for single.
11.2 : Ish Sodhi to Glenn Maxwell, When its Maxwell it has to be innovation. A leg-break outside off, Maxwell goes for the reverse hit but ends up hitting it past  the keeper and towards short third man. A single taken. Byes called.
11.3 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Flaoted around off, slapped to covers for a single.
11.4 : Ish Sodhi to Glenn Maxwell, NO BALL! A high full toss from Sodhi, Maxwell hits it over mid on for a single. Free Hit coming up.
Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, SIX! Reverse hit and Finch is back in form. Floated on leg, Finch goes for the reverse hit as he nails it over covers for half a dozen. He knows that the task is half done and he needs to continue.
11.5 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Flatter outside off, Finch cuts it to dee point for a brace.
11.6 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Fuller on off, driven down to long off for a single.
Change in bowling! James Neesham returns! 25 off his 2 overs so far.
12.1 : James Neesham to Aaron Finch, Full on off, driven down to long off for a single.
12.2 : James Neesham to Glenn Maxwell, Mishit but safe! Length and around off, Maxwell lofts it over mid on. There is not timing on it as it drops in the long on area. Two runs taken.
12.3 : James Neesham to Glenn Maxwell, Play and a miss! Length ball outside off, Maxwell looks to go downtown but is beaten all ends up there.
12.4 : James Neesham to Glenn Maxwell, Another swing and a miss! Good length around middle, Maxwell makes room and looks to hit it over the bowler but is beaten again as the ball bounces over the stumps this time.
12.5 : James Neesham to Glenn Maxwell, And another dot! Short and around off, Maxwell hangs on the back foot as he looks to power it over the leg side but bails out at the last instance this time.
12.6 : James Neesham to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! All the good work from Neesham goes down the drain. Fuller and around leg, Maxwell glances it fine down to fine leg as the ball races to the fence for a boundary.
Boult is back! 1/19 from his 2 overs so far.
13.1 : Trent Boult to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Rammed away! Short and wide to start from Boult as Finch cuts it through point. The ball races to the fence for a boundary.
13.2 : Trent Boult to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Now Aaron gets it on the other side of the wicket. Short and around middle, Finch pulls it flat and towards deep square leg for a boundary.
13.3 : Trent Boult to Aaron Finch, Fuller around off, Finch drives it back to the bowler.
13.4 : Trent Boult to Aaron Finch, Length ball around off, Finch drives it to covers for a single.
13.5 : Trent Boult to Glenn Maxwell, Length and around middle, Maxwell tucks it to backward square leg for a single.
13.6 : Trent Boult to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Third hit from Finch in the over. Short of good length and outside off, Finch rocks on the back foot and then punches it through point for a boundary.
Southee is back! 0/9 from his 2 overs. 
14.1 : Tim Southee to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! That is brutal! Short of good length from Southee, Maxwell waits for it to come before powering it over short third man. The ball runs to the fence there for a boundary.
14.2 : Tim Southee to Glenn Maxwell, Length and outside off, Maxwell tries to lay bat on ball but is beaten cmpletely.
14.3 : Tim Southee to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! Maxwell is getting funky here! Short of good length around middle, Maxwell reverse hits it up and over short third man for a one bounce into the fence there.
14.4 : Tim Southee to Glenn Maxwell, Another short one around off, Maxwell tries to do the same thing as he did on the previous ball but this time he misses it.
14.5 : Tim Southee to Glenn Maxwell, WIDE! Full and down leg, Maxwell lets it be. Wide called.
Tim Southee to Glenn Maxwell, Short and around off, Maxwell now tries to take it on but the ball goes over him and into the mitts of the keeper.
14.6 : Tim Southee to Glenn Maxwell, SIX! This time the Big Show connects! Short again from Southee, Maxwell waits for the ball to come before pulling it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. Maxwell is turning it on here.
15.1 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Fuller outside off, Finch drives it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
0.0 : Sodhi to bowl out. 1/25 from his 3 so far. Can he finish off well? 
15.2 : Ish Sodhi to Glenn Maxwell, Loopy ball outside off, Maxwell lines up for a big hit but gets beaten there.
15.3 : Ish Sodhi to Glenn Maxwell, SIX! Maxwell in the groove here! Switch hits on display! Tossed up around leg, Maxwell switches his stance and then pulls it over third man for a maximum.
15.4 : Ish Sodhi to Glenn Maxwell, Fuller outside off, Maxwell goes for the revese hit again but does not get the connection right as the ball goes off the pads towards short third man. A leg bye sneaked.
15.5 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, OUT! CAUGHT! Finch tries to showcase that he too can hit the Maxwell way but departs! Floated around middle, Finch goes for the reverse hit this time. He ends up hitting it in the air towards short third man where Kyle Jamieson does not move an inch as he pouches it. A body blow for Australia as Finch was looking in great touch.
Marcus Stoinis joins Glenn Maxwell out in the middle.
15.6 : Ish Sodhi to Marcus Stoinis, Flatter outside off, Stoinis slaps it to cover-point.
16.1 : James Neesham to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! Powered away! Short of good length and outside off, Maxwell throws his bat at it and sends it to deep point for a boundary.
16.2 : James Neesham to Glenn Maxwell, SIX! Crunched! Slower short ball around off, Maxwell waits on the back foot before pulling it over deep mid-wicket for half a dozen.
16.3 : James Neesham to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! 14 from the 3 balls! Length and around off, Maxwell lofts it over mid on and gets a boundary as the fielder there cannot cut it off.
16.4 : James Neesham to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! Maxwell is on the charge there! Length and around off, Maxwell lofts it over the bowler's head for another boundary.
16.5 : James Neesham to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! That brings up his fifty! Just 25 balls for him! Fuller and around off, Maxwell drives it uppishly towards point. The ball goes for a boundary this time.
16.6 : James Neesham to Glenn Maxwell, SIX! 28 runs off it! A strong over and this also means Australia on acceleration mode! Short of good length and around off, Maxwell pulls it handsomely up and over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.
17.1 : Tim Southee to Marcus Stoinis, Back of a length delivery around off, Stoinis runs it down to third man and gets off the mark with a single.
17.2 : Tim Southee to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! The Maxwell carnage continues! Slower delivery bowled into the surface. It is short and wide, Maxwell hangs on his back foot and slams it over point for a boundary. 
17.3 : Tim Southee to Glenn Maxwell, Nicely bowled but Maxwell still gets two. Yorker on leg, Maxwell squirts it through square leg and gets a couple as the fielder cleans it up. 
17.5 : Tim Southee to Glenn Maxwell,  Yorker on leg, Maxwell looks to jam it out but gets hit on the ankle. 
17.4 : Tim Southee to Glenn Maxwell, SIX! KAWABANGA! This is smoked again! Full on middle and off, Maxwell gets on his back foot and deposits it into the empty stands over mid-wicket for a biggie. 
17.6 : Tim Southee to Glenn Maxwell, OUT! CAUGHT! Southee has the last laugh as the Big Show is over. End of a fantastic knock from Maxwell. An absolute carnage of an innings. An anticlimatic end to it but that is what you get from Maxwell. Full around leg, Maxwell looks to play the reverse hit ver third man. The ball though hits his pad, then lobs off his bat behind the stumps. Tim Seifert comes running in and dives with the gloves on to take a good catch.
Who comes out to bat now? It will be Mitchell Marsh with the bat as Australia look for a final finishing touch to their innings.
18.1 : Trent Boult to Marcus Stoinis, On off, Stoinis taps it towards cover and takes a single as Mark Chapman is quick to get to the ball and release a good throw. 
18.2 : Trent Boult to Mitchell Marsh, Dot ball and that is worth golddust! On off and very full. Marsh cannot get it away. 
18.3 : Trent Boult to Mitchell Marsh, Slower delivery outside off. Marsh looks to smack it on the off side but gets an edge which does not carry to the keeper. 
18.4 : Trent Boult to Mitchell Marsh, On the pads, Marsh flicks it through the leg side and gets three as Ish Sodhi does well to clean it up before the ropes. 
18.5 : Trent Boult to Marcus Stoinis, Good length ball around off, Stoinis dabs it to third man and rotates.
18.6 : Trent Boult to Mitchell Marsh, Slapped but the fielder at long off does well. Full around off, Marsh hits it hard but the fielder at long off runs to his right and keeps it down to one.
19.1 : Kyle Jamieson to Mitchell Marsh, On off, Marsh can just play it to long off for a run.
19.2 : Kyle Jamieson to Marcus Stoinis,  Swing and a miss! Outside off and fuller. Stoinis swings but cannot get anything on it.
19.3 : Kyle Jamieson to Marcus Stoinis, IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! Conway does well to get to the ball but cannot hold onto it.  Outside off, Stoinis swings but gets it off the outer half of his bat. The ball flies towards cover. Conway at sweeper cover picks it up late as he is slow to come off his line. He runs in and puts a dive. Hre gets his hands to it but cannot hold onto it. Single taken.
19.4 : Kyle Jamieson to Mitchell Marsh, Length ball on off, Marsh can just push it to cover for a single. 
19.5 : Kyle Jamieson to Marcus Stoinis, EDGED AND FOUR! Does not matter how it comes. Length ball outside off, Stoinis swings but gets an outside edge. Luckily it goes away from short third man and to the fence. 
19.6 : Kyle Jamieson to Marcus Stoinis, Yorker to finish the innings. It is on off, Stoinis jams it out to the off side and gets a single. A very good final over. Just 8 off the final over. AUSTRALIA FINISH WITH 208/4!
Having put into bat, Australia lost Wade early. But then an 83-run stand between Finch and Philippe steadied the ship as well as laid a platform for them before Philippe departed. Finch though continued to play his shots as he brough his fifty. He along with Maxwell stitched a 64-run stand as Maxwell just took 25 balls to bring up his fifty. Both departed in quick succession but not before putting Australia in command there. In the end Marsh and Stoinis finished the innings for them.
New Zealand's bowlers were good with the ball as Southee and Boult began on the right note. Jamieson and Sodhi too were good but the disappointing thing for them was James Neesham who was clobbered for 60 runs in his 4 overs. He was carted for 28 runs in one over by Maxwell. In the end, a couple of wickets for Sodhi and a wicket each for Boult and Southee summed up the bowling for New Zealand. 
Glenn Maxwell is down for a quick chat. He says that it was ugly at the start but the plan was to clear the ropes later on. Tells the pitch was a bit slow and inconsistent. Tells Sodhi made it a little harder. Adds the more a batter stays out in the middle it gets easier. Maxwell says that Finch has been hitting the ball well and it was good. Tells he is an important player and the skipper. Maxwell feels if they hit the top of the stumps they can do it.
Right then! The target for New Zealand is a massive 209 runs. They have the batting who can chase it down. Cna they do it tonight? Australia on the other hand would be happy with their effort with the bat and now would look to their bowlers to get them a win here. All action for the chase coming up on the other side of the break.
... THE CHASE BEGINS ...
Briliant finish from Australia sees them end really strongly. A sheer batting carnage from them. First it was Finch who brought up his fifty to get back to form. Then it was the Big Show who lit up the empty stadium with his batting. 
We are back for the chase as the Australian players make their way out. The are followed by the two New Zealand openers, Martin Guptill and Tim Seifert make their way out to the middle.
0.1 : Jhye Richardson to Martin Guptill, Richardson starts with a full ball outside off, Guptill taps it to point and looks for a single but is sent back in time.
0.2 : Jhye Richardson to Martin Guptill, Short of good length and outside off, Guptill punches it off the back foot past point for a brace. NEW ZEALAND AND GUPTILL ARE UNDERWAY!
0.3 : Jhye Richardson to Martin Guptill, Length and around off, Guptill slaps it to covers this time.
0.4 : Jhye Richardson to Martin Guptill, Another back of a length ball around off, Guptill taps it to backward point now.
0.5 : Jhye Richardson to Martin Guptill, Good length and angled on off, Guptill stands tall and punches it to covers.
0.6 : Jhye Richardson to Martin Guptill, SIX! First six in the first over. What a start! Short and around off, Guptill gets under the ball there as he lofts it over mid-wicket for a biggie.
Debutant Riley Meredith is into the action!
1.1 : Riley Meredith to Tim Seifert, Length and around off from the debutant, Seifert taps it to covers.
1.2 : Riley Meredith to Tim Seifert, Some inward movement. Going down though. Length ball coming in with the angle, Seifert looks to flick it away to the leg side but he misses it. The ball rolls to the off side off his pads. There is an appeal but the umpire is unmoved. A leg bye taken.
1.3 : Riley Meredith to Martin Guptill, SIX! Bang! Length and around off, Guptill gets under the ball once again and then lofts it up and over long off for a maximum.
1.4 : Riley Meredith to Martin Guptill, Good length and around middle, pushed to mid on for a single.
1.5 : Riley Meredith to Tim Seifert, FOUR! Pulled away! Short and around middle, Seifert pulls it over mid-wicket. The ball goes on the bounce to the fence for a boundary.
1.6 : Riley Meredith to Tim Seifert, OUT! CAUGHT! Great comeback from the debutant! He has his maiden T20I wicket in his very first over. Bangs one short and gets it to rear up on Seifert who looks to flick it over the deep mid-wicket fence. He though cannot get it off the middle as the ball lobs towards covers. Stoinis there keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a tubling catch.
Skipper, Kane Williamson walks out at number 3! Also, spin is into the attack as Aaron Finch has decided to call in Adam Zampa!
2.1 : Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Tossed up on off, pushed to the off side for a single.
2.2 : Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Floated on middle, pushed down to the leg side for a single.
2.3 : Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, SIX! Clean strike! Floated around middle, Kane uses his feet as he gets to the pitch of the ball and then lofts it flat over wide long on for a biggie.
2.4 : Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson,  On middle, turned towards the leg side for a single.
2.5 : Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Beaten! Flatter and outside off, Guptill looks to cut it off the back foot but is beaten on the outside edge.
2.6 : Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, FOUR! Drilled! Full and around off, Guptill lofts it over and past the bowler. The ball goes to long on for a boundary.
3.1 : Jhye Richardson to Kane Williamson, Length and around off, tapped towards third man for a single.
3.2 : Jhye Richardson to Martin Guptill, SIX! Up and over all the way! Short and outside off, ,Guptill wafts it up and over deep point for half a dozen this time.
3.3 : Jhye Richardson to Martin Guptill, Full and on the pads, worked away round the corner for a couple.
3.4 : Jhye Richardson to Martin Guptill, Inside edge but safe! Slower length ball outside off, Guptill goes for the cut but he ends up getting an inside edge towards the keeper where Matthew Wade collects it on the bounce.
3.5 : Jhye Richardson to Martin Guptill, FOUR! Slapped away! Full toss outside off, Guptill slaps it through covers to fetch another boundary.
3.6 : Jhye Richardson to Martin Guptill, Yorker on middle, Guptill digs it out to mid-wicket for a single.
4.1 : Riley Meredith to Martin Guptill, Length and around off, Martin looks to tuck it to the leg side but is beaten get hit on the thigh pad.
4.2 : Riley Meredith to Martin Guptill, Fuller and around middle, turned away towards square leg for a single.
4.3 : Riley Meredith to Kane Williamson, Length and around off, Kane tucks it to mid-wicket.
4.4 : Riley Meredith to Kane Williamson. OUT! LBW! Williamson departs and Meredith is on fire! He gets his second. Full and sliding on off, Kane looks to flick it to the leg side but is beaten get rapped low on the pads. There is an appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Kane discusses with Guptill then walks back to the hut.
Devon Conway is the new man in.
4.5 : Riley Meredith to Devon Conway, BEATEN! Length and around off, Conway looks to defends it off the back foot but is beaten on the outside edge.
4.6 : Riley Meredith to Devon Conway, FOUR! Length ball outside off, a hint of width and Conway lofts it over covers to get going with a boundary.
Kane Richardson is into the attack.
5.1 : Kane Richardson to Martin Guptill, WIDE! Length ball down leg, Guptill misses his flick. Wide called.
Kane Richardson to Martin Guptill, Short of good length on middle, pulled away towards mid-wicket for a single.
5.2 : Kane Richardson to Devon Conway, Short of good length outside off, Devon chops it to point for a single.
5.3 : Kane Richardson to Martin Guptill, Fuller on off, Guptill pushes it to mid-wicket and takes a quick single.
5.4 : Kane Richardson to Devon Conway, Short of good length outside off, Conway cuts it to point and takes a single on offer.
5.5 : Kane Richardson to Martin Guptill, Full and on off, Guptill plays it straight down the ground as mid on cuts it off. Just a single taken.
5.6 : Kane Richardson to Devon Conway, On off, Conway taps it to cover-point for a single. NEW ZEALAND ARE 59/2 AT THE END OF THE POWERPLAY!
Ashton Agar to bowl the first over post the Powerplay!.
6.1 : Ashton Agar to Devon Conway, Tossed up on off, driven straight to mid off.
6.2 : Ashton Agar to Devon Conway, FOUR! Great shot! Full and wide outside off, Conway leans into the drive and then drives it through covers for a boundary.
6.3 : Ashton Agar to Devon Conway, On middle, pushed back to the bowler.
6.4 : Ashton Agar to Devon Conway, Beaten! Sliding away from Conway as he looks to sweep it. He misses it as Wade collects the ball and whips the bails off. Conway though was going nowhere.
6.5 : Ashton Agar to Devon Conway, FOUR! Conway is on the charge! He won't hold back with the kind of form he is in. Full and around off, Devon drives it through cover-point as he gets a boundary.
6.6 : Ashton Agar to Devon Conway, FOUR! Conway takes Agar apart! Another fuller and outside off, Devon lofts it over extra cover for a one bounce into the cover fence for a boundary.
Marcus Stoinis is into the attack now.
7.1 : Marcus Stoinis to Martin Guptill, Off cutter from Stoinis to start as Guptill misses his pull to get hit on the thigh pad. The ball rolls to the off side there.
7.2 : Marcus Stoinis to Martin Guptill, Fuller one around off, Guptill pushes it to point now.
7.3 : Marcus Stoinis to Martin Guptill, In the air...just short of Maxwell! Full toss around middle, Guptill looks to go downtown but mishits it to mid on. Maxwell there runs behind but cannot get to the ball as it drops short of him. A brace taken.
7.4 : Marcus Stoinis to Martin Guptill,  On a length and on middle, Guptill turns it away to the leg side for a couple again.
7.5 : Marcus Stoinis to Martin Guptill, Short of good length around middle. Guptill plays the short arm jab towards mid-wicket for a single.
7.6 : Marcus Stoinis to Devon Conway, Good length and around off, Conway pushes it to mid on for a quick single.
8.1 : Adam Zampa to Devon Conway, Tossed up on leg, a bit quicker too as Conway turns it to the leg side for a single.
8.2 : Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, Flighted around off, Guptill goes on his one knee and then slogs it to wide long on for a single.
8.3 : Adam Zampa to Devon Conway, Shorter and outside off from Zampa, Conway goes for the pull but ends up dragging it to long on for a single.
8.4 : Adam Zampa to Martin Guptill, OUT! CAUGHT! Zampa gets his man. Gets the valuable wicket of Guptill. Tossed up ball outside off, it was bowled a bit wider as Guptill looks to hit it over the fence on the off side . He though cannot get it off the middle as the ball goes straight to long off where Aston Agar holds onto the catch.
8.5 : Adam Zampa to Devon Conway, Floated around off, Devon drives it to covers for a single.
8.6 : Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, Flatter outside off, Glenn looks to cut it through the off side but gets it off the outside edge to point. There is a slight hesitation for the single. In the end, they makes it comfortably.
8.4 : Glenn Phillips walks out to bat now. 
9.1 : Glenn Maxwell to Devon Conway, SIX! Maxwell gets dispatched! First ball and Conway takes him on. Floated around off, Conway slogs it up and over mid-wicket for a maximum.
9.2 : Glenn Maxwell to Devon Conway, Fuller on middle, stroked to long on for a single.
9.3 : Glenn Maxwell to Glenn Phillips, Fuller and outside off, Glenn Phillips cuts it to point.
9.4 : Glenn Maxwell to Glenn Phillips, SIX! Clobbered! Fractionally short from Maxwell and Glenn Phillips rocks on the back foot and then dispatches it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.
9.5 : Glenn Maxwell to Glenn Phillips, Fuller on off, driven to covers for a run.
9.6 : Glenn Maxwell to Devon Conway, On middle, turned to the leg side by Devon for a single.15 from Maxwell's first over.
Finch bringing back the heat! Riley Meredith is back on! 2/16 in his 2 overs so far for the speedster on his first game. 
10.1 : Riley Meredith to Devon Conway, Short and outside off, Conway cuts but hits it to point this time.
10.2 : Riley Meredith to Devon Conway, Conway put down! Stoinis the man there. Fuller on off, Conway races down the track before chipping it in the air towards covers. Stoinis gets a hand to it but fails to hold onto it. A single taken.
10.3 : Riley Meredith to Glenn Phillips, Short of good length around off, Glenn Phillips looks to punch it to the off side but inside edges it to square leg for a single.
10.4 : Riley Meredith to Devon Conway, A bumper from Riley Meredith, Devon Conway looks to take him on but the ball sails well over his head.
10.5 : Riley Meredith to Devon Conway, On a length and around off, Conway dabs it to short third man for a single.
10.6 : Riley Meredith to Glenn Phillips, NOT OUT! Wickets missing! The Australians looked excited as the reviewed it but in the end they lose it. Length ball around middle, Glenn looks to clip it to the leg side but is beaten to get hit high on the pads. There is an appeal from Riley Meredith but the umpire does not look interested. Aaron Finch takes the review as the replays roll in. The Ultra Edge comes on and shows that there is not bat involved. Ball Tracker now comes on and it shows that the
10.5 : Review time! Australian think they have Glenn Phillips trapped in front but the umpire is not convinced. They have taken it upstairs. Let's see what the replays have to say.
10.6 : Kane Richardson returns!
11.1 : Kane Richardson to Devon Conway, Outside off, Conway cuts it but finds point. 
11.2 : Kane Richardson to Devon Conway, FOUR! Deft touch! Good length delivery around off, Conway runs it down fine towards third man and gets a boundary.
11.3 : Kane Richardson to Devon Conway, On the pads, Conmway turns it to the on side and gets a single now. 
11.4 : Kane Richardson to Glenn Phillips, Another one on the pads, Phillips this time flicks it away from deep mid-wicket and gets a brace.
11.5 : Kane Richardson to Glenn Phillips, Full around off, Phillips drives it to the right of long off and gets another brace.
11.6 : Kane Richardson to Glenn Phillips, Full on off and middle, Philips strokes it to long on and keeps the strike. New Zealand need 100 more off 48 balls. 
12.1 : Ashton Agar to Glenn Phillips, OUT! CAUGHT! Agar strikes first ball and Glenn Phillips cannot resist. The mounting run rate pressure consumes him. Tossed up around off, Glenn Phillips gets it from outside off and goes for the slog over mid-wicket. He though cannot get it off the meat of the bat as the ball lobs to long on where Kane Richardson takes a dolly.
0.0 : James Neesham replaces Glenn Phillips out in the middle. 
12.2 : Ashton Agar to Devon Conway, BEATEN! Flatter outside off, Conway goes for the cut but is beaten on the outside edge.
12.3 : Ashton Agar to Devon Conway, OUT! CAUGHT! Agar gets the danger man Devon Conway. He strikes twice in three balls. Tossed up around off, Conway goes for the slog sweep but hits it flat and straight to the lone fielder out there in the deep. Marcus Stoinis out there takes the catch near the ropes.
Mark Chapman walks out to bat now. 
12.4 : Ashton Agar to Mark Chapman, On middle, tucked towards mid-wicket for a single.
12.5 : Ashton Agar to James Neesham, OUT! CAUGHT! Waht an over from Ashton Agar. Three wickets in the over for him. Sharp work from Matthew Wade there. Tossed up ball outside off, Neesham looks to drive it away from the body and through the off side. The ball though spins away a hint to catch the outside edge. Matthew Wade behind the wickets takes a sharp catch.
Who will walk out to bat now? It is going to be Tim Southee!
12.6 : Ashton Agar to Tim Southee, On middle, tucked to mid-wicket for a single. A brilliant over from Agar has turned the game on its head. 2 runs and three wickets in the over for him.
13.1 : Riley Meredith to Tim Southee, Short of good length around off, Southee hops and keeps it out off the back foot.
13.2 : Riley Meredith to Tim Southee, Pacer takes on another pacer. Southee takes on Meredith. Length ball around off, Southee pulls it off the back foot and gets it towards deep mid-wicket where it drops short of he fielder. A couple taken.
13.3 : Riley Meredith to Tim Southee, Length ball around midlde, turned around the corner for a single.
13.4 : Riley Meredith to Mark Chapman, Good length delivery around off, Chapman punches it to mid off this time.
13.5 : Riley Meredith to Mark Chapman, Short of good length outside off, Chapman cuts it uppishly off the outside edge towards third man where the fielder fields it by coming across to his right. A single taken.
13.6 : Riley Meredith to Tim Southee, Short of good length around middle, Southee pulls it flat to mid-wicket for a single.
14.1 : Ashton Agar to Tim Southee, OUT! CAUGHT! Agar has his 4th wicket! He is on a roll here. Tossed up outside off, Southee looks to go downtown but is no where near the pitch of the ball as he lofts it to long off. Glenn Maxwell there takes a good catch.
0.0 : Kyle Jamieson walks out to bat now. He is capable of tonking them big but is the task in hand too much? 
14.2 : Ashton Agar to Mark Chapman, In the air... Dropped! Oh Riley Meredith what have you done? Nicely tossed up ball around off, Chapman goes for the slog sweep but ends up getting a top-edge on it. The ball lobs to deep square leg. Riley Meredith runs across from there, he puts in a dive but the ball just about manages to evade him. A couple taken in the end. Riley Meredith was a bit late to judge the ball and take off there, else he would have taken the catch there.
14.3 : Ashton Agar to Mark Chapman, Tossed up on middle, turned to mid-wicket for a single.
14.4 : Ashton Agar to Kyle Jamieson,  On middle, pushed to mid on now.
14.5 : Ashton Agar to Kyle Jamieson. Floated around off, Kyle Jamieson pushes it to covers.
14.6 : Ashton Agar to Kyle Jamieson, On middle, pushed down to long off for a single.
15.1 : Jhye Richardson to Kyle Jamieson, DROPPED AND FOUR! Poor from Finch! He did all the hard work but scuffed the easy part. Full on off, Jamieson goes downtown. He does not time it well. Finch runs to his left, covers all the ground. He gets his hands onto it but it pops out of his hand and goes to the fence. 
15.2 : Jhye Richardson to Kyle Jamieson, Excellent! Yorker on off, Jamieson jams it out.
15.3 : Jhye Richardson to Kyle Jamieson, Full on middle, Jamieson plays it to long on and gets a single. 
15.4 : Jhye Richardson to Mark Chapman, FOUR! Loevly shot! Length ball on off and middle, Chapman gets on top of the bounce and drives it over mid on for a boundary.
15.5 : Jhye Richardson to Mark Chapman, Slower ball on middle, Mark Chapman comes down the track and hits it over the bowler's head for a couple. 
15.6 : Jhye Richardson to Mark Chapman, On the pads, Chapman flicks it to deep mid-wicket and keeps the strike. 77 needed off the remaining 4 overs.
16.1 : Ashton Agar to Mark Chapman, SIX! Hammered away! It is a lovely swing of the bat! Tossed up around off, Chapman goes for the slog and nails it over deep mid-wicket for a single.
16.2 : Ashton Agar to Mark Chapman, OUT! CAUGHT! Agar takes a 5-fer. His second in T20Is. Tossed up around off, Chapman goes for the slog once again but this time drags it to mid on where Zampa almost makes a meal of it before diving forward to take the catch.
Ish Sodhi is the new man in.
16.3 : Ashton Agar to Kyle Jamieson, Floated on off, pushed to long on for a single.
16.4 : Ashton Agar to Ish Sodhi, Flatter around off, Sodhi pushes it to the off side for a single.
16.5 : Ashton Agar to Kyle Jamieson, FOUR! Full and outside off, Kyle Jamieson backs way to power it over extra cover for a boundary.
Review time! Kyle Jamieson has been adjudged out not sure for LBW or caught but he has decided to review it. 
16.6 : Ashton Agar to Kyle Jamieson, OUT! LBW! Drama, drama and more drama. The umpire raised his finger late there. Length and around middle, Jamieson walks across as he looks to play the scoop. He though misses it as the ball goes off his pads. to fine leg.  There goes an appeal and the umpire after thinking for a while raises the finger. Kyle takes the review.  The Ultra Edge confirms that there is no bat involved. Ball Tracker shows Three Reds. Jamieson has to take the long walk back.
17.1 : Kane Richardson to Ish Sodhi,  OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Australia finish a comprehensive win here. Length ball around off, Sodhi looks to go over the fence but can only end up hitting it high into the night sky. Kane Richardson calls for the catch and takes the skier with ease. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 64 RUNS!
Excellent all-around performance from Australia. First with the bat and then with the ball and this overall showing has ensured the series is well and truly alive. A must-win game and the tourists finally delivered. New Zealand will be disappointed with their effort and their wait for 5th series win of the summer will have to wait.
Chasing 209, New Zealand needed a strong start but that did not happen. Though Guptill got off to a good start, Tim Seifert and skipper, Kane Williamson departed inside the Powerplay. That made the task in hand even more tougher and once Guptill departed it was going to take a herculean effort. That did not happen as barring Guptill only Conway was looking threatening as the rest of the batting could not deliver on the night.
A fantastic bowling display from Australia. They looked at it from ball one and the debutant got them off to a fiery start with the ball. His pace and early wickets put the tourists in the driver's seat. He set the tone but the star of the evening with the ball was Ashton Agar as he finished with 6/30, his best figures in T20Is. Jhye Richardson had an off day but the rest of the bowlers did a fair job and ensured the hosts never got ahead of the asking rate. 
After being put into bat, Australian skipper Aaron Finch finally got back in his groove. His 69 along with a vital 43 from Josh Philippe set the platform for the tourists. But it was the arrival of the Big Show, Glenn Maxwell which tilted the game completely in the Aussies favor. His 70 off just 31 balls ensured Australia post a huge total in excess of 200. Though the tourists missed out in the final two overs, this time it did not cost them as 208 proved to be a winning total. 
For his fantastic bowling display, Ashton Agar is named the Player of the Match. Ashton Agar says that it is always nice to get wickets. He further says that with 200 runs on the board it helped them. He mentions that the coach asked them to toss the ball up and he did exactly the same. Praises the innings from Maxwell and also is happy to see his skipper among runs.
Australian skipper, Aaron Finch says that it is always nice to get among runs and contribute in the win. Praises Maxwell's innings. He mentions that they had a good innings and with the run rate mounting New Zealand took a few risks which helped them. He further says that they are improving with each game and ends by saying that the younger boys are doing great for them.
New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson says that for the large part they were playing the defensive game. He mentions that it was a very good surface but they did not get the start they wanted and they also did not take a few extra risks needed and thus they end on the losing side. He mentions that they are taking it as one of those games in T20 cricket where it did not go their way and he hopes to make a comeback quickly for the rest of the games.
That is it from this game! Australia with this win have kept the series alive for at least another game. It will be interesting to see how New Zealand respond to this loss. Australia will look to carry the momentum of this win in the next game and level the series. The crucial 4th game of this 5-game T20I series will be played on Friday, 5th March. That game begins at 1900 local (0600 GMT). Make sure you join us for that one. Till then, goodbye and take care!