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Home » Live Cricket Score » Australia in New Zealand, 5 T20I Series, 2021 » commentary

New Zealand vs Australia Live Commentary, 4th T20, Australia in New Zealand, 5 T20I Series, 2021, March 5, 2021

AUS 156/6 (20)
Australia beat New Zealand by 50 runs
NZ 106/10 (18.5)
Match over
Australia Inning New Zealand Inning
0.0 : Hello and a warm welcome to the fourth T20I between New Zealand and Australia. The series has come alive with Australia winning the third T20I in convincing fashion and keeping the series alive before going into this game. They have a great chance of leveling the series and they would look to continue the momentum that they have got. New Zealand, on the other hand, were humbled in the last game but they are still ahead in the series and if they can get back to form, there is no doubt that they w
Toss - Up goes the coin and it lands in favour of Australia. They have elected to bat first. 
Aaron Finch, Australian skipper, says they will bat first. Adds that they will look to put up a good score on the board. Mentions that he is happy with the team's performance in the last match and they will keep on improving. Further says that Riley Meredith has a good future. Informs they are unchanged.
Kane Williamson, New Zealand skipper, says they would have also batted first. Adds that they will look to improve their bowling from the last game. Informs that Mitchell Santner is back and he will be playing today in place of Mark Chapman.
New Zealand (Playing XI) - Martin Guptill, Tim Seifert (WK), Kane Williamson (C), Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (IN PLACE OF MARK CHAPMAN), Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult.
Australia (Unchanged Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), Matthew Wade (WK), Josh Philippe, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Marsh, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Riley Meredith.
Riley Meredith is down for an interview. He says that he is happy that he got to play for Australia in the last match. Adds that he will look to do better and keep on improving his game. Mentions that it is difficult to play without the crowd but that is the new normal. Further says that he is happy that he was bought in the Indian T20 League auction.
Pitch Report - Craig McMillan is down with the pitch report. He says that the conditions are windy. Adds that it is not going to be easy for the bowlers to bowl in this wicket. Frances Mackay joins him and she says that there is a little bit of moisture on this wicket. Adds that it is going to be a belter. Mentions that there will be pace and bounce for the bowlers.
Ish Sodhi is up for a chat. He says that they will look to bowl well in this game. Adds that Mitchell Santner's inclusion will give them a big boost for this game. Mentions Santner can also hit big so he is useful with the bat. Further says that you need to understand these conditions as there will be some turn on this pitch.
We are all in readiness to begin the 4th T20I between New Zealand and Australia. The New Zealand players are in a huddle before they make their way out to the middle, followed by Aaron Finch and Matthew Wade. Tim Southee will start with the ball. 
0.2 : Tim Southee to Matthew Wade, Good length ball on off, Wade pushes it to the point region.
0.1 : Tim Southee to Matthew Wade, FOUR! Wade and Australia are underway in fine fashion! Full ball outside off from Southee, Wade lunges forward and drives it through the mid off region for a boundary. 
0.3 : Tim Southee to Matthew Wade, Full ball on off, Wade drives it nicely but this time finds the fielder at mid off.
0.4 : Tim Southee to Matthew Wade, SIX! What a shot that is from Wade! He is making his intentions clear! Superb hit! Good length ball on off, Wade shuffles across and then smacks it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.
0.5 : Tim Southee to Matthew Wade, Full ball on the pads, Wade flicks it to deep square leg for a single.
0.6 : Tim Southee to Aaron Finch, Full outside off, Finch pushes it to cover. 11 from the first over. 
Trent Boult will bowl from the other end. 
1.1 : Trent Boult to Matthew Wade, Boult starts with a full ball on the pads, Wade flicks it through the mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.
1.2 : Trent Boult to Matthew Wade, Short ball on middle, Wade pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
1.3 : Trent Boult to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Finds the gap to perfection! Finch got into position really quickly here! Short ball on middle, Finch pulls it in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.
1.4 : Trent Boult to Aaron Finch, Good length ball on off, Finch pushes it to cover.
1.5 : Trent Boult to Aaron Finch, EDGED BUT SAFE! Nicely bowled by Boult! Boult bowls an inswinger on off, it angles in sharply. Finch looks to drive but it takes the inside edge and it goes to short fine leg.
1.6 : Trent Boult to Aaron Finch, On a length on middle, Finch flicks it to mid-wicket for another dot. 7 from Boult's first over.
Mitchell Santner is into the attack.
2.1 : Mitchell Santner to Matthew Wade, Good start from Santner! Flatter ball outside off, Wade looks to play the reverse sweep but gets some gloves on it and it almost rolls onto the stumps. Lucky for Wade.
2.2 : Mitchell Santner to Matthew Wade, Flatter ball outside off, Wade punches it to cover. 
2.3 : Mitchell Santner to Matthew Wade, OUT! CAUGHT AT SHORT THIRD MAN! This is why Santner is rated so highly. He picks up wickets at important stages and he has done here again! Brilliant from the left-arm spinner and New Zealand will be happy with the start now. Flatter ball outside off, Wade looks to cut it but it takes the outside edge and goes towards short third man where Ish Sodhi takes a good catch. 
Josh Philippe is the next man in. 
2.4 : Mitchell Santner to Josh Philippe, On off, pushed to the off side.
2.5 : Mitchell Santner to Josh Philippe, Philippe is underway! Flatter ball on the pads, Philippe flicks it to the deep square leg region for a single.
2.6 : Mitchell Santner to Aaron Finch, BEATEN! Beautiful from Santner! Floated ball outside off, Finch looks to flick but fails to get any bat on it. 
3.1 : Kyle Jamieson to Josh Philippe, Full delivery on off, Philippe keeps it out.
3.2 : Kyle Jamieson to Josh Philippe, Full again on middle, Philippe pushes it towards mid on for a single.
3.3 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, Back of a length on middle, Finch looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.
3.4 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, FOUR! That is hammered! Short of a length on middle, Finch pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
3.5 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Nicely played! Length ball on middle, Finch comes down the track and lofts it over mid on for a boundary.
3.6 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, Full and on middle, Finch drives it to mid on. 9 runs have come from the over.
4.1 : Mitchell Santner to Josh Philippe, Flighted ball on off, it spins away. Philippe looks to flick but gets an outside edge and it goes past the short third man fielder. Before Jamieson can collect, the batters pick up three.
4.2 : Mitchell Santner to Aaron Finch, Nicely bowled by Santner! Flatter ball outside off, Finch looks to defend off the back foot but misses it altogether.
4.3 : Mitchell Santner to Aaron Finch, Tossed up on middle, Aaron looks to flick but gets a leading edge which goes to the off side for a single.
4.4 : Mitchell Santner to Josh Philippe, Flatter ball on off, Philippe defends it to cover.
4.5 : Mitchell Santner to Josh Philippe, Shortish and outside off, Philippe punches it to deep cover for a single.
4.6 : Mitchell Santner to Aaron Finch, Floated on off, Finch prods forward and then defends it to mid off.
Tim Southee is back on. 
5.1 : Tim Southee to Josh Philippe, BEATEN! Excellent start from Southee! Good length ball outside off, Philippe looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it.
5.2 : Josh Philippe has been given out LBW! He takes the review after consulting with Finch. The Ultra Edge shows nothing while the Ball Tracker shows that it is missing the stumps.
Tim Southee to Josh Philippe, NOT OUT! Missing the stumps and Philippe survives! Southee is shaking his head. Good length ball on middle, Philippe shuffles across and then looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. New Zealand appeal and up goes the finger. Philippe comes over to Finch and discusses with him to take the review. At the last moment, Philippe takes the review. The Ultra Edge rolls in and it shows no bat. What about Ball Tracker? It shows that it is missing the stumps.
5.3 : Tim Southee to Josh Philippe, Good length on middle, Philippe tucks it to the leg side. 
5.4 : Tim Southee to Josh Philippe, FOUR! Cut away nicely! Short and outside off,Philippe cuts it through backward point for a boundary.
5.5 : Tim Southee to Josh Philippe, Full on middle, Philippe pushes it to mid on. 
5.6 : Tim Southee to Josh Philippe, Good length ball on middle, Philippe nudges it to the leg side for a single. 38 for 1 after the end of the Powerplay.
6.1 : Ish Sodhi to Josh Philippe, Tossed up delivery on middle, Philippe pushes it to mid on.
6.2 : Ish Sodhi to Josh Philippe, Loopy ball on off, Philippe lofts it over covers for a single.
6.3 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Short delivery on middle, Finch pulls it through mid-wicket for a run.
6.4 : Ish Sodhi to Josh Philippe, Short again on middle, Philippe flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
6.5 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Short of a length outside off, Finch punches it through covers for a run.
6.6 : Ish Sodhi to Josh Philippe, OUT! CAUGHT! Ish Sodhi strikes in his first over! New Zealand spinners are ruling the roost at the moment! Sodhi digs one short and on middle, Philippe swivels and looks to pull but it takes the top edge and goes over square leg. Tim Southee runs backwards and takes a very good catch. Philippe's struggle comes to an end in this game. 
Glenn Maxwell is the new batsman in. Kyle Jamieson is back on as well. 
7.1 : Kyle Jamieson to Glenn Maxwell, Length delivery on middle, Maxwell flicks it through square leg for a single.
7.2 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, Length ball on middle, Finch pushes it to mid-wicket.
7.3 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, Back of a length on off, Finch pushes it towards covers for a single.
7.4 : Kyle Jamieson to Glenn Maxwell, WIDE! Short and wide outside off, Maxwell looks to play the upper cut but misses it.
An appeal for run out taken upstairs. No one seems that confident and rightly so as Maxwell is in comfortably. 
Kyle Jamieson to Glenn Maxwell, NOT OUT! Maxwell is safe! Full on off, Maxwell drives it towards extra cover where Guptill dives and makes a half stop. The ball goes to the deep extra cover and the fielder collects, has a shy at the bowler's end and hits. The third umpire is called for and the replays show that Maxwell is safely in. 
7.5 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, Length ball on off, Finch punches it through point for a single.
7.6 : Kyle Jamieson to Glenn Maxwell, WIDE! Down the leg side, Maxwell looks to flick but misses it.
Kyle Jamieson to Glenn Maxwell, Full ball on off, Maxwell drives it to mid off.
8.1 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Tossed up delivery on off, Finch pushes it to covers.
8.2 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Flighted ball outside off, Finch lofts it over mid off for a couple. The fielder at long off does well to stop it.
8.3 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Short ball outside off, Finch cuts it through point for a single.
8.4 : Ish Sodhi to Glenn Maxwell, Floated on off, Maxwell pushes it to covers.
8.5 : Ish Sodhi to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! Nicely played! Loopy delivery on off, Maxwell punches it over covers for a boundary.
8.6 : Trent Boult is back. 
9.1 : Trent Boult to Aaron Finch, Length delivery on off, Finch punches it through point for a single.
8.6 : Ish Sodhi to Glenn Maxwell, SIX! Nice improvisation! On middle, Maxwell plays a switch hit over covers for a biggie.
9.2 : Trent Boult to Glenn Maxwell, Short ball on middle, Maxwell pulls it towards fine leg for a couple.
9.3 : Trent Boult to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! Terrific shot! Full on off, Maxwell looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes past the keeper towards third man for a boundary.
9.4 : Trent Boult to Glenn Maxwell, OUT! CAUGHT AT COVER! Maxwell goes and Boult has the last laugh! Good length ball outside off, Maxwell goes for the big drive but does so uppishly. It goes towards extra cover where Guptill takes a simple catch. No fireworks from Maxwell this time around.
Marcus Stoinis is the next batsman in.
9.5 : Trent Boult to Marcus Stoinis, Good length ball on off, Stoinis defends it to cover-point. 
9.6 : Trent Boult to Marcus Stoinis, On a length outside off, Stoinis drives it to deep cover and takes a couple.
10.1 : Mitchell Santner to Aaron Finch, Tossed up delivery on middle, Finch sweeps it through square leg for a single.
10.2 : Mitchell Santner to Marcus Stoinis, FOUR! Cracking shot! Short delivery on off, Stoinis makes room and cuts it past short third man for a boundary.
10.3 : Mitchell Santner to Marcus Stoinis, Loopy delivery on off, Stoinis pushes it to point.
10.4 : Mitchell Santner to Marcus Stoinis, Short ball on off, Stoinis punches it through point for a single.
10.5 : Mitchell Santner to Aaron Finch, Floated ball down the leg side, Finch looks to sweep but misses it.
10.6 : Mitchell Santner to Aaron Finch, On off, Finch pushes it towards point for a single.
11.1 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, Full toss on middle, Finch pushes it towards mid on for a run.
11.2 : Kyle Jamieson to Marcus Stoinis, Good length delivery on off, Stoinis punches it to point.
11.3 : Kyle Jamieson to Marcus Stoinis, Length ball on off, Stoinis blocks it off the back foot.
11.4 : Kyle Jamieson to Marcus Stoinis, SIX! That is massive! Short delivery on middle, Stoinis pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum.
11.5 : Kyle Jamieson to Marcus Stoinis, Length delivery on off, Stoinis taps it towards covers for a run.
11.6 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, Full on off, Finch drives it to covers.
Ish Sodhi is on now!
12.1 : Ish Sodhi to Marcus Stoinis, Loopy ball on off, Stoinis drives it to long off for a single.
12.2 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Short ball on middle, Finch pulls it to the deep mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.
12.3 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Flatter and outside off, Finch punches it to the deep cover region for a single.
12.4 : Ish Sodhi to Marcus Stoinis, Outside off, punched to cover.
12.5 : Ish Sodhi to Marcus Stoinis, FOUR! Picked his spot perfectly! Flatter ball outside off, Stoinis hammers it over extra cover for a boundary.
12.6 : Ashton Agar is the next man in. 
Ish Sodhi to Marcus Stoinis, OUT! CAUGHT AT COVER! Simply outstanding catch from Williamson! Brilliant stuff and Stoinis has to go. Big wicket. Stoinis was looking good. Flatter ball outside off, Stoinis punches it hard but does not get the elevation right. It goes towards cover where Williamson dives and takes a very good catch. Terrific stuff.
13.1 : Trent Boult to Aaron Finch, Length delivery on off, Finch guides it towards third man. The batsmen get two runs.
13.2 : Trent Boult to Aaron Finch, Back of a length on off, Finch guides it to point.
13.3 : Trent Boult to Aaron Finch, Full on off, Finch drives it through mid off for a single.
13.4 : Trent Boult to Ashton Agar, Short delivery down the leg side, Agar lets it go.
13.5 : Trent Boult to Ashton Agar, WIDE! Full and down the leg side, Agar offers no shot to this one.
Trent Boult to Ashton Agar, Bouncer on middle, Agar does well to duck under it.
13.6 : Trent Boult to Ashton Agar, OUT! BOWLED! Boult does the tick! No fireworks from Agar with the bat and Australia sink deeper into trouble. This has been an excellent performance from the hosts so far. Slower ball on off, Agar looks to dig it out but misses and the ball goes onto rattle the timber behind. New Zealand are taking wickets at regular intervals. 
Mitchell Marsh is the new man in.
14.1 : Mitchell Santner to Aaron Finch, Length delivery on middle, Finch flicks it through square leg for a single.
14.2 : Mitchell Santner to Mitchell Marsh, Full delivery on leg, Marsh flicks it towards short fine leg for a run.
14.3 : Mitchell Santner to Aaron Finch, Tossed up ball on off, Finch looks to flick but gets a leading edge. It lands safely towards covers.
14.4 : Mitchell Santner to Aaron Finch, On middle, Finch keeps it out.
14.6 : Mitchell Santner to Mitchell Marsh, On off, Marsh blocks it off the front foot.
15.1 : Tim Southee to Aaron Finch, Short ball on off, Finch guides it through point for a single.
14.5 : Mitchell Santner to Mitchell Marsh, NOT OUT! Loopy delivery on off, Finch guides it towards short third man and goes for the single. The fielder throws it at the keeper's end where Seifert takes the bails off. It is referred upstairs. Replays show that Marsh was well inside the crease.
15.2 : Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, Back of a length on middle, Marsh looks to flick but gets hit on the body.
15.3 : Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! Nicely played! Short ball on leg, Marsh pulls it towards fine leg for a boundary. Australia need much more of these.
15.4 : Tim Southee to Mitchell Marsh, Full on middle, Marsh flicks it through square leg for a run.
15.5 : Tim Southee to Aaron Finch, Full again on off, Finch drills it through mid on for a couple.
15.6 : Tim Southee to Aaron Finch, Length delivery on off, Finch guides it towards third man for a single.
16.1 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Good shot! Tossed up delivery on off, Finch lofts it over covers for a boundary.
16.2 : Ish Sodhi to Aaron Finch, Full on middle, Finch drives it towards long for a single.
16.3 : Jhye Richardson comes out to bat. 
Jhye Richardson is the next batsman in.
Ish Sodhi to Mitchell Marsh, OUT! CAUGHT! Marsh departs now and Australia are crumbling! Flighted ball on middle, Marsh looks to sweep but it takes the top edge and it goes towards short fine leg where Tim Southee takes a simple catch. Jhye Richardson is the next man in. 
16.4 : Ish Sodhi to Jhye Richardson, BEATEN! Googly outside off, Richardson looks to defend but misses it due to the turn on this one.
16.5 : Ish Sodhi to Jhye Richardson, On off, Richardson looks to flick but gets a leading edge. It lands safely towards mid off.
16.6 : Ish Sodhi to Jhye Richardson, Short ball on off, Richardson punches it through mid on for a couple.
17.1 : Trent Boult to Aaron Finch, Back of a length on off, Finch guides it towards third man for a single.
17.2 : Trent Boult to Jhye Richardson, BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Richardson looks to cut but misses it.
17.3 : Trent Boult to Jhye Richardson, Full on off, Jhye drives it through covers for a single.
17.4 : Trent Boult to Aaron Finch, FOUR! That is caressed! Full again on middle, Finch flicks it over square leg for a boundary.
17.5 : Trent Boult to Aaron Finch, Full on middle, Finch drives it through mid on for a single.
17.6 : Trent Boult to Jhye Richardson, BEATEN! Back of a length outside off, Richardson looks to push at it but misses it.
18.1 : Tim Southee to Aaron Finch, Full on middle, Finch flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
18.2 : Tim Southee to Jhye Richardson, Length delivery on middle, Richardson flicks it towards fine leg for a run.
18.3 : Tim Southee to Aaron Finch, Full on off, Finch drives it back towards the bowler where Southee does well to stop it.
18.4 : Tim Southee to Aaron Finch, 50 for Aaron Finch! It has been a terrific innings from him under pressure! Full on middle, Finch lofts it over mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs. He has held the innings together and now will look to finish the innings on a high.
18.5 : Tim Southee to Aaron Finch, Full again on middle, Finch lofts it over mid on. The batsmen get two runs.
18.6 : Tim Southee to Aaron Finch, Low full toss on off, Finch drives it through mid off for a single.
Kyle Jamieson will bowl the final over.
19.1 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, Full on off, Finch slices it over point for a couple.
19.2 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, SIX! That is huge! Full again on off, Finch lofts it over covers for a maximum.
19.3 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, SIX! This is even better! Full and on off, Finch lofts it over covers again for a biggie.
19.4 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, SIX! That is clobbered! Full on middle, Finch lofts it over long on for a maximum.
19.5 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, PLAY AND A MISS! Yorker outside off, Finch looks to slog at it but misses it.
19.6 : Kyle Jamieson to Aaron Finch, SIX! Finch ends the innings in style! Full on middle, Finch lofts it over mid-wicket for a maximum. 26 runs have come from this over. AUSTRALIA END WITH 156/6 IN THEIR 20 OVERS!
Australia did not start off too well as they lost Wade early and they kept on losing wickets at regular intervals. But Aaron Finch held one end up and played cautiously. Nobody apart from him got going and they were troubled by the New Zealand bowlers. Aaron Finch though had other plans as he went bang, bang in the final over to give Australia some sort of total to defend. It was a captain's knock and they will hope that they can defend this. 
The bowling from New Zealand was good barring the final over from Jamieson. They kept things tight and troubled the Aussie batters throughout. Have to say, the stars of the show were Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner as they made use of the track which is a little slow and got the ball to talk. Boult was good as well but Jamieson had another disappointing outing. They have a good batting line-up and they will hope that they can chase this down. 
Mitchell Santner is down for an interview. He says that he is happy with his bowling today. Adds that he tried to change the seam for the first few balls and then he bowled his normal length. Mentions that the surface is going to be the key and their batsmen will need to bat well to chase this down.
26 in the final over means that Australia end the innings on a high! Superb hitting from Aaron Finch and they will be pleased with how they have ended the innings. Australia looked like they will end up with a score of around 140 but Finch hit 4 sixes in the last over from Jamieson and took the total above 150. New Zealand were decent with the ball but they will be disappointed with the final over.
Right then! Australia will need to put up a good bowling performance if they want to defend this score. New Zealand will back themselves to chase this down and win the series with one game to spare. An exciting run chase coming up. Join us in a while.
0.1 : Ashton Agar to Martin Guptill, Agar starts with a full ball on middle, Guptill drives it to mid on.
0.2 : Ashton Agar to Martin Guptill, Flighted ball on off, Guptill drives it to mid off.
0.3 : Ashton Agar to Martin Guptill, Loopy ball on middle, Martin tucks it to mid on.
0.4 : Ashton Agar to Martin Guptill, Guptill and New Zealand are underway! Very full on middle, Guptill digs it out to the leg side for a single.
0.5 : Ashton Agar to Tim Seifert, An appeal for LBW turned down! Flighted ball on the pads, Seifert looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. There is an appeal for LBW but nothing from the umpire. 
0.6 : Ashton Agar to Tim Seifert, Tossed up on off, Seifert pushes it to cover.
Riley Meredith will bowl from the other end.
1.1 : Riley Meredith to Martin Guptill, Meredith starts with a good length ball on the pads, Guptill looks to flick but it takes the inside edge, hits the pads and lobs towards the leg side for a single.
1.2 : Riley Meredith to Tim Seifert, Back of a length ball on off, Seifert defends it to point. 
1.3 : Riley Meredith to Tim Seifert, WIDE! Good length ball down the leg side, Seifert looks to flick but misses. Wided.
Riley Meredith to Tim Seifert, On a length on the pads, Seifert looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad. 
1.4 : Riley Meredith to Tim Seifert, EDGY! On a length on off, Seifert looks to drive but gets an inside edge which goes towards deep square leg for a single.
1.5 : Riley Meredith to Martin Guptill, Full ball on the pads, Guptill flicks it but finds the fielder at mid-wicket.
1.6 : Riley Meredith to Martin Guptill, FOUR! One bounce and four! Beautiful shot from Guptill! Short ball outside off, Guptill uses the pace and then upper cuts it over the short third man fielder for a boundary.
2.1 : Ashton Agar to Tim Seifert, FOUR! Swept and swept away nicely! Floated ball outside off, Seifert goes on his knees and then sweeps it to the deep square leg region for a boundary.
2.2 : Ashton Agar to Tim Seifert, EDGY! Loopy ball on middle, Seifert looks to flick but gets a leading edge which rolls towards cover. 
2.3 : Ashton Agar to Tim Seifert, Flighted ball outside off, Seifert pushes it to cover. 
2.4 : Ashton Agar to Tim Seifert, Very full delivery outside off, Seifert looks to play the sweep but fails to get any bat on it.
2.5 : Ashton Agar to Tim Seifert, Full and outside off, driven to cover.
2.6 : Ashton Agar to Tim Seifert, Flatter and outside off, punched to cover.
Jhye Richardson is on now. 
3.1 : Jhye Richardson to Martin Guptill, Full ball outside off, Guptill drives it to deep cover for a single.
3.2 : Jhye Richardson to Tim Seifert, Back of a length ball outside off, Seifert pushes it to cover-point.
3.3 : Jhye Richardson to Tim Seifert, SWING AND A MISS! Good length ball outside off, Seifert dances down the track and then looks to heave it away but misses. 
3.4 : Jhye Richardson to Tim Seifert, FOUR! Well bowled by Jhye Richardson but well played in the end. Very full ball on off, Seifert gets his bat down in time. It takes the outside edge and goes to third man for a boundary.
3.5 : Jhye Richardson to Tim Seifert, FOUR! Seifert won't mind as long as they come! Good length ball outside off, Richardson looks to cut but gets an outside edge which flies over short third man for a boundary.
3.6 : Jhye Richardson to Tim Seifert, Good length ball on middle, Seifert works it to the leg side. 9 runs from the over. 
4.1 : Ashton Agar to Martin Guptill, Flighted ball on the pads, Guptill looks to sweep but gets hit on the pads. There is an appeal for LBW but the umpire is not interested. 
4.2 : Kane Williamson is the next man in. 
Ashton Agar to Martin Guptill, OUT! CAUGHT! Excellent work from Glenn Maxwell and Agar is in the wickets again. Guptill does not do much damage in this game and he walks back disappointed. Agar flights this one up around off, Guptill looks to go over wide long off but does not get the distance. Maxwell runs across from long off, catches but then sees himself go over the ropes. He throws the ball up in the air and then comes back out and takes it.
4.3 : Ashton Agar to Tim Seifert, On middle, pushed back to the bowler.
4.4 : Ashton Agar to Tim Seifert, Flighted ball outside off, Seifert drives it to deep cover for a single.
4.5 : Ashton Agar to Kane Williamson, Tossed up on off, Williamson plays it uppishly towards long off for a single.
4.6 : Ashton Agar to Tim Seifert, On off, defended out. 
5.1 : Riley Meredith is on now. 
Riley Meredith to Kane Williamson, Fullish ball on off, Williamson pushes it to cover.
5.2 : Riley Meredith to Kane Williamson, Good length ball on off, Williamson blocks it out to the off side. 
5.3 : Riley Meredith to Kane Williamson, Back of a length ball on off, Williamson taps it to point. 
5.4 : Riley Meredith to Kane Williamson, On off, guided to third man for a single.
5.5 : Riley Meredith to Tim Seifert, Good length ball on the pads, Seifert flicks it to the leg side. 
5.6 : Riley Meredith to Tim Seifert, Full on middle Seifert drives it to mid on.
6.1 : Adam Zampa to Tim Seifert, Tossed up delivery on off, Seifert pushes it to mid off.
6.2 : Adam Zampa to Tim Seifert, Flighted ball on off, Seifert punches it through covers for a run.
6.3 : Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Loopy ball on middle, Williamson pushes it through mid on for a single.
6.4 : Adam Zampa to Tim Seifert, Short delivery on off, Seifert punches it through point for a run.
6.5 : Adam Zampa to Kane Williamson, Floated delivery on middle, Williamson pushes it through mid on for a single.
6.6 : Adam Zampa to Tim Seifert, Short of a length on middle, Seifert pushes it through mid on for a run.
Kane Richardson is into the attack.
7.1 : Kane Richardson to Tim Seifert, Short delivery on middle, Seifert pulls it to mid-wicket.
7.2 : Kane Richardson to Tim Seifert, Short again on off, Seifert pulls it through mid-wicket for a run.
7.3 : Kane Richardson to Kane Williamson, TOP EDGE BUT SAFE! Short delivery on middle, Williamson looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes over the keeper's head towards fine leg. The batsmen get two runs.
7.4 : Kane Richardson to Kane Williamson, Back of a length on off, Williamson guides it towards third man for a single.
7.5 : Devon Conway is the new batsman in.
Kane Richardson to Tim Seifert, OUT! DRAGGED ON! Kane Richardson strikes in his first over! Seifert departs with much of an impact. He was struggling at the crease. Good length ball around off, Seifert looks to guide it down to third man but gets an inside edge back onto the stumps. 123 needed in 73 balls. 
7.6 : Kane Richardson to Devon Conway, Good length ball outside off, Conway lets it go to the keeper.
Glenn Maxwell is into the attack. 
8.1 : Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, Short delivery on off, Williamson punches it to point.
8.2 : Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, Full on middle, Williamson pushes it through mid on for a single.
8.3 : Glenn Maxwell to Devon Conway, Floated ball on off, Conway drives it through mid off for a single.
8.4 : Glenn Maxwell to Kane Williamson, OUT! CAUGHT! That's a huge wicket as Kane Williamson departs. The wheels are falling off for the Kiwis in this run chase! Loopy ball from Maxwell on off, Williamson looks to sweep but it takes the top edge and goes towards point. Mitchell Marsh runs ahead and takes a good catch. 
Glenn Phillips is the new batsman in.
8.5 : Glenn Maxwell to Glenn Phillips, Full on off, Phillips drives it to long off for a single.
8.6 : Adam Zampa is into the attack. 
Glenn Maxwell to Devon Conway, Flatter on off, Conway works it to the leg side for a single.
9.1 : Adam Zampa to Devon Conway, Tossed up delivery on off, Conway pushes it to covers.
9.2 : Adam Zampa to Devon Conway, Googly on middle, Conway looks to sweep but gets hit on the body.
9.3 : Adam Zampa to Devon Conway, Full delivery on middle, Conway drives it through mid on. The batsmen get two runs.
9.4 : Adam Zampa to Devon Conway, Short ball on middle, Conway pulls it through square leg for a single.
9.5 : Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, BEATEN! Turn and bounce on this one! Googly outside off, Phillips looks to cut but misses it.
9.6 : James Neesham is the next batsman in.
Adam Zampa to Glenn Phillips, OUT! RUN OUT! Absolute mayhem out there and Glenn Phillips has lost his wicket. This is the last thing that New Zealand wanted. Flatter ball on off, Phillips defends it to point and takes off for a single. Conway responds but then turns his back. Josh Phillipe collects and throws it to the keeper. Wade whips the bails off. Now then, both the batters are at the opposite end. The umpires want to check who made it inside the crease first. The replays show that it
10.1 : Glenn Maxwell to Devon Conway, Tossed up ball on middle, Conway flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
10.2 : Glenn Maxwell to James Neesham, WIDE! Down the leg side, Neesham leaves it alone.
Glenn Maxwell to James Neesham, Flighted delivery on off, Neesham pushes it to covers.
10.3 : Glenn Maxwell to James Neesham, On middle, Neesham flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
10.4 : The physio is coming out to have a look at Devon Conway for concussion as he was hit on the helmet.
Glenn Maxwell to Devon Conway, Tossed up delivery on off, Conway looks to play the reverse sweep but gets hit on the helmet.
10.5 : Glenn Maxwell to Devon Conway, On middle, Conway flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
10.6 : Glenn Maxwell to James Neesham, Tossed up ball on middle, Neesham flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
11.1 : Adam Zampa to James Neesham, Flighted ball around off, Neesham looks to swing it away but gets an inside edge onto the pads. A single taken as the ball goes to the off side.
11.2 : Adam Zampa to Devon Conway, Flighted ball on off, Conway drives it to long off for a single.
11.3 : Mitchell Santner is the next man in. 
Adam Zampa to James Neesham, OUT! CAUGHT! Neesham could not resist and he perishes! Zampa gets the wicket and Australia continue to motor along. Australia have been absolutely brilliant with the ball. Flighted ball outside off, Neesham looks to go over extra cover but does not time it well. It goes straight into the hands of Aaron Finch at extra cover. 
11.4 : Adam Zampa to Mitchell Santner, Loopy ball on off, Santner drives it back to the bowler. Zampa fumbles and a single is taken.
11.5 : Adam Zampa to Devon Conway, Flatter ball outside off, Conway punches it to deep cover for a single.
11.6 : Adam Zampa to Mitchell Santner, Flighted ball outside off, Santner drives it to deep cover for a single.
12.1 : Glenn Maxwell to Mitchell Santner, Flatter ball on off, Santner punches it down to long off for a single.
12.2 : Glenn Maxwell to Devon Conway, Floated ball on the pads, Conway uses his feet and then looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.
12.3 : Glenn Maxwell to Devon Conway, FOUR! Maxwell is not happy with the fielding effort! Short ball on middle, Conway pulls it to the deep mid-wicket region. The deep mid-wicket fielder and the long off fielder run across and nobody calls and the ball goes into the fence.
12.4 : Review time! Australia have taken a review for LBW! It looks close. There is no bat on it while the Ball Tracker shows that it is umpire's call on hitting the stumps. 
Glenn Maxwell to Devon Conway, NOT OUT! Umpire's call it is! Flatter on the pads, Conway looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. Maxwell appeals but the umpire is not interested. Australia take the review. The Ultra Edge shows nothing while the Ball Tracker shows that it is umpire's call. 
12.5 : Glenn Maxwell to Mitchell Santner, On middle, punched back to the bowler.
12.6 : Glenn Maxwell to Mitchell Santner, OUT! DRAGGED ON! 6th wicket down now and Maxwell is happy! Maxwell digs one short on off, Santner looks to pull but it takes the inside edge and goes onto hit the stumps. New Zealand have been really poor with the bat so far. 
Tim Southee comes out to bat. 
13.1 : Kane Richardson to Devon Conway, Good length ball outside off, Conway looks to drive but gets an inside edge which goes past the off stump and towards fine leg for a single.
13.2 : Kane Richardson to Tim Southee, Very full ball down the leg side, Southee shuffles across and then looks to flick but fails to get any bat on it.
13.3 : Kane Richardson to Tim Southee, Short ball around off, Southee sways away from it.
13.4 : Kane Richardson to Tim Southee, SIX! There's the big swing from Tim Southee! Good length ball on off, Southee whacks it over deep mid-wicket for maximum.
13.5 : Kane Richardson to Tim Southee, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Six and out for Tim Southee! New Zealand 7 down already! Poor batting performance from the hosts! Kane Richardson bowls a short one around middle, Southee clears his front leg and looks to pull but it takes the top edge and it goes way up in the air. Wade runs backwards and takes a good catch. 
Kyle Jamieson is the new man out in the middle.
13.6 : Kane Richardson to Devon Conway, Back of a length ball outside off, Conway plays it to deep cover for a single.
14.1 : Riley Meredith to Devon Conway, Good length ball on off, Conway defends it to cover for a single.
14.2 : Riley Meredith to Kyle Jamieson, Good length ball around middle, Jamieson looks to heave it away but gets a top edge and it flies to third man where the fielder collects it on the bounce. A single taken. 
14.3 : Riley Meredith to Devon Conway, Short ball around middle, Conway uses his feet and then pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
14.4 : Riley Meredith to Kyle Jamieson, FOUR! Does not get hold of it but has enough. Good length ball on middle, Jamieson heaves it over long on for a boundary. 
14.5 : Riley Meredith to Kyle Jamieson, TOP EDGE AND FOUR! Short ball around off, Jamieson looks to pull but it takes the top edge and it flies over the keeper's head for a boundary.
14.6 : Riley Meredith to Kyle Jamieson, BYE! Short ball around middle, Jamieson looks to pull but misses. Wade fails to collect and the batters collect a bye. 
Ashton Agar is back on. 
15.2 : Ashton Agar to Kyle Jamieson, Loopy ball on off, Jamieson drives it wide of the long off fielder for a couple of runs.
15.1 : Ashton Agar to Kyle Jamieson, Flatter ball outside off, Jamieson punches it to cover.
15.3 : Ashton Agar to Kyle Jamieson, On off, driven to long off for a single.
15.4 : Ashton Agar to Devon Conway, OUT! CAUGHT! Agar gets another and another one bites the dust! The end is nigh for New Zealand. Flighted ball on off, Conway looks to go big over long off but does not get the timing on it. It goes towards long off where Stoinis takes a comfortable catch. 
Ish Sodhi comes out to bat now. 
15.5 : Ashton Agar to Kyle Jamieson, Flatter ball outside off, Jamieson punches it to deep cover for a single.
15.6 : Ashton Agar to Ish Sodhi, Quicker ball on middle, Sodhi looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. 
16.1 : Adam Zampa to Kyle Jamieson, Flighted ball on off, Jamieson drives it to long off for a single.
16.2 : Adam Zampa to Ish Sodhi, OUT! CAUGHT AT COVER! Zampa picks up another and Sodhi has to go! Australia just one wicket away from a massive victory! Loopy ball on off, Sodhi comes down the track and looks to swing it across the line. It takes the top edge and goes towards cover where Finch takes a good catch. 
Trent Boult is the last man in. 
16.3 : Adam Zampa to Kyle Jamieson, FOUR! Hammered! Loopy ball on off, Jamieson thrashes it over the bowler's head for a boundary. 
16.4 : Adam Zampa to Kyle Jamieson, Short ball on middle, Jamieson pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
16.5 : Adam Zampa to Trent Boult, Flighted ball outside off, Boult looks to swing it away but misses. 
16.6 : Jhye Richardson comes back on.
Adam Zampa to Trent Boult, WIDE! Way outside off, Boult leaves it alone. Wided.
Adam Zampa to Trent Boult, FOUR! That's well-timed by Boult! Loopy ball on middle, Boult heaves it over the bowler's head for a boundary.
17.1 : Jhye Richardson to Kyle Jamieson, FOUR! Length ball outside off, Jamieson looks to go big but gets an outside edge. It goes past short third man for a boundary.
17.4 : Jhye Richardson to Kyle Jamieson, Length delivery on off, Jamieson punches it through mid off for a single.
17.3 : Jhye Richardson to Trent Boult, Full on off, Boult looks to cut but gets a bottom edge on this one. It goes towards the off side. The batsmen take a single.
17.2 : Jhye Richardson to Kyle Jamieson, Full on off, Jamieson drives it through mid off for a single.
17.5 : Jhye Richardson to Trent Boult, Full on off, Boult drives it to mid off.
17.6 : Jhye Richardson to Trent Boult, BEATEN! Short ball outside off, Boult looks to cut but misses it.
18.1 : Kane Richardson to Kyle Jamieson, Length delivery on middle, Jamieson smashes it past the bowler where Richardson tries to stop the ball but it touches his fingers and misses the stumps at his end.
18.2 : Kane Richardson to Kyle Jamieson, WIDE! Down the leg side, Jamieson leaves it alone.
Kane Richardson to Kyle Jamieson, FOUR! That is put away! Short of a length on middle, Jamieson pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
18.3 : Kane Richardson to Kyle Jamieson, Length delivery on middle, Jamieson pushes it through mid on for a single.
18.4 : Kane Richardson to Trent Boult, Back of a length on middle, Boult looks to go big but gets a top edge. It lands safely towards long on. The batsmen cross ends.
18.5 : Kane Richardson to Kyle Jamieson, OUT! CAUGHT! Kane Richardson gets his third wicket! Short of a length on middle, Jamieson pulls it over mid-wicket but does not get the timing on it. It goes towards the fielder where Maxwell takes a comfortable catch. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 50 RUNS!
What to say about New Zealand? They would have backed themselves to chase this down but have faltered quite easily. Nobody got going and they just kept on losing wickets at regular intervals. They never looked like they will be able to chase this score down. They needed someone to bat big but it was not to be. Kyle Jamieson did hit some lusty blows towards the end but it was too late by then and eventually, they have ended up losing by 50 runs. 
Earlier in the day, Aaron Finch was superb with the bat as he held the Australian innings together. He scored 79 in just 55 balls to help Australia recover from a precarious position to end up scoring 156. The bowling from New Zealand was good but the last over proved to be too costly. In the end, the target was too big for New Zealand to chase. Stay tuned for the presentation ceremony!
A comprehensive win for Australia as they level the series with one to play. The target looked a little low when they came out to bowl but they have bowled superbly and bundled out New Zealand for just 106 and they have managed to win by 50 runs. New Zealand will be disappointed with how things panned out and they go into the next game with all to play for.
Aaron Finch, Australia skipper, is named the Man of the Match. He says that he is happy with the team's performance. Adds that the bowlers did well to defend this total and they were superb on this day. Adds that he was lucky to get momentum towards the end of his innings and he was trying to hit it too hard at the start. 
Kane Williamson, New Zealand skipper, says that their batting was very poor in this game. Credits Australia for playing well. Mentions that it is frustrating but says they have to win the final match of the series to seal the series 3-2. Further says they will look to improve their performance from this match. Williamson also says that 156 was a very good total on this pitch. He adds that they needed some big overs to chase this total down.
Aaron Finch, Australia skipper, says that they had to bat cautiously as the pitch was a little slow and they had thought of going for the big shots towards the end and he feels nice that it came off. Tells that they were brilliant with the ball and they looked at how New Zealand bowled. Adds that he felt that taking the pace off the ball was the way to go. Praises Agar's performance and tells that he was brilliant in the Powerplay. 
That's all from this game! The series is level at 2-2 and there is everything to play for in the final T20I which will be played on Sunday, 7th March 2021 at the same ground. That match will begin at 1200 local (2300 GMT, THE PREVIOUS DAY). Join us for that. Until then, cheers and take care. 
Australia were brilliant with the ball. They needed a good start and they got that. They kept things tight and managed to send Guptill early. They did not let anyone off the hook and they kept on taking wickets at regular intervals. Once again, it was the spinners who did the damage with Agar, Zampa and Maxwell doing a wonderful job. The seam bowlers were excellent as well. Overall, it was a superb bowling performance and they deserve the victory.