An unbeaten 44-run stand off just 19 balls courtesy of Mitch Marsh (72* off 44) and Tim David (31* off 10) propelled Australia to an unlikely, six-wicket win over New Zealand in the opener of their three-match T20I series in Wellington.
The Australians required 16 off the final over with a pair of David boundaries off the final three balls spurring them to a famous, final-ball victory.
A David six off the final ball of the 19th over meant that the visitors required 16 from the last over with Tim Southee (0-for-52) allowing just four runs off the opening three deliveries.
David however remained undeterred smacking a six down the leg side that cannoned in the rope by the barest of margins before running for two the following ball and ending the match with a slog through midwicket that pierced the gap between a pair of boundary fielders.
Australia finished 4-for-216 – the third-highest successful T20I run chase in the side’s history – with Marsh being awarded the Player of the Match.
The hosts raced away to a hot start with Finn Allen (32 off 17) and Devon Conway (63 off 46) laying the platform with a 61-run opening stand.
Rachin Ravindra (68 off 35) finished the innings off for the Black Caps as they posted a 3-for-215 total.
The Australians had their run-rate ticking over early with several of their top-order – Travis Head (24 off 15), David Warner (32 off 20), Glenn Maxwell (25 off 11) and Josh Inglis (20 off 20) – getting off to starts but failing to convert.
Inglis’ departure in the 17th over had the Australians still requiring 44 off 19 deliveries with David and Marsh managing to drag them over the line.
The series continues on Friday with the teams travelling to Auckland for a crucial second game.
