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New Zealand has started its World Cup campaign on a winning note. Kane Williamson and his men clinched an 89-run victory over the hosts’ nation Australia at the SCG on Saturday. Kiwi batter Devon Conway top-scored with an unbeaten 92 and bagged the player of the match award. New Zealand bowlers Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, and Tim Southee led the destruction as the Aussies shot out 111 runs. This sedate performance was in response to New Zealand’s 200/3 in 20 overs.
New Zealand win their first men's international game on Australian soil since 2011 🔥#T20WorldCup | #AUSvNZ | 📝 Scorecard: https://t.co/ouB6f5vSvG pic.twitter.com/gcCoihn9UD
— ICC (@ICC) October 22, 2022
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It was a revenge of sorts for the Kiwi team. The Blackcaps were thrashed by the Aussies in the 2015 World Cup final. Later, in 2021, the Men in Yellow outclassed the Kiwis in the T20 World Cup final. Even though this victory does not be named an act of revenge, the Kiwis will feel happy that they have started the World Cup journey with a bang.
Devon Conway comes with a bang
The Kiwi openers Devon Conway and Fin Allen started the run flow. The famed Aussie bowlers leaked runs, and the duo cruised ahead without trouble. All their batters added some valuable runs. Meanwhile, Conway stayed at one end and attacked the bowlers. He missed a deserving century, even though he would be glad that the Kiwis started with a win.
From start to finish 🙌
Devon Conway stunning innings of 92* fetches him the @aramco Player of the Match đź‘Ź#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/1wjlMNAuAV
— ICC (@ICC) October 22, 2022
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Speaking after the match, the left-handed opener said the Kiwi batters said his team had put out a special performance. Skipper Kane Williamson also repeated the same emotion and added it was great to start with an outstanding effort. Kiwis came into the game as underdogs, but have now put the Aussies in trouble. The host nation needs to win the remaining four matches with a high run rate to move into the next phase.
Why Australia lost and New Zealand won
New Zealand rode on the momentum gained after a substantial opening partnership. It set the stage for the remaining batters to express themselves. Australia lost the key wickets in the power play overs. They never came back into the match.
Superhuman Phillips!
We can reveal that this catch from Glenn Phillips is one of the moments that could be featured in your @0xFanCraze Crictos of the Game packs from Australia v New Zealand.
Grab your pack from https://t.co/8TpUHbQQaa to own iconic moments from every game. pic.twitter.com/VCDkdqmW3m
— ICC (@ICC) October 22, 2022
New Zealand will hope to continue its run in the next game against Afghanistan on October 26. Australia must win their next game against Sri Lanka on October 25, to revive their campaign.
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