New Zealand claimed a sensational victory over Australia in a high-scoring Twenty20 International in Christchurch after the tied game was decided in a remarkable one-over playoff.
New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum smashed an unbeaten 116 of 56 balls with 12 fours and eight sixes as the Black Caps scored 214-6 from their 20 overs.
It was the equal-sixth highest team score in T20 Internationals and the highest conceded by Australia.
McCullum’s century is only the second century in Twenty20 International history, and one run short of West Indies skipper Chris Gayle’s 117 against South Africa in 2007.
In reply, Australia kept their cool as they stared at the biggest run chase in Twenty20 history, and came up one run short to also finish on 214-4, leaving the match tied.
Australia's opening batsman David Warner (27) and Brad Haddin (47) played aggressively and David Hussey (10) fell cheaply in pursuit of the massive target.
Needing 12 to win from the final over by Tim Southee, Australia scored 11 with skipper Michael Clarke run out off the final ball chasing a third run, The Age reports.
Cameron White was unbeaten on 64 from 26 balls, hitting five fours and five sixes in Australia's 4-214.
The tie forced the “super over” format with both teams facing one extra over before 26,148 fans.
Southee stepped up for New Zealand, and restricted the Australians to six runs for the loss of one wicket off his over, which was chased down by the Black Caps with three balls to spare.
McCullum came back out to bat and along with Martin Guptill, and scored nine runs off Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait’s over which included two wides.
Both teams now head to Napier to play the first game of the five-match ODI series, to be played on Wednesday.
