New Zealand’s young opener Tim Robinson announced himself on the international stage with a scintillating maiden T20I century against Australia, guiding his team to a competitive total of 181/6 in 20 overs in the first of the three-match series. The right-hander remained unbeaten on 106 off 66 balls, striking six fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 160.61. His commanding innings was the backbone of New Zealand’s batting effort, ensuring they recovered from a shaky start to post a fighting score.
Australia’s bowlers struggle to contain Tim Robinson after New Zealand’s early collapse
The hosts endured a disastrous start, losing three wickets inside the first two overs. Tim Seifert (4), Devon Conway (1) and Mark Chapman (0) all departed cheaply, leaving New Zealand tottering at 6/3. However, Robinson held his nerve and stitched together a crucial stand with Daryl Mitchell, who chipped in with a brisk 34 off 23 balls.
After Mitchell’s dismissal at 98/4, Bevon Jacobs (20 off 21) and skipper Michael Bracewell (7 off 4) provided useful cameos, keeping momentum alive in the middle and death overs. Despite two late run-outs, Robinson’s composure ensured New Zealand crossed the 180-run mark.
Australia’s attack produced mixed results. Josh Hazlewood was the standout with 1/23 from four overs at a miserly economy of 5.80. Adam Zampa also bowled tightly, conceding just 27 runs in his quota. However, Ben Dwarshuis (2/40) and Matthew Short (1/32) proved expensive, while Marcus Stoinis and Xavier Bartlett both leaked runs at over 10 per over.
With a target of 182 on a balanced pitch, Australia will rely on their power-packed batting order to chase down the score. New Zealand, meanwhile, will look to their bowlers – led by Kyle Jamieson and Michael Bracewell – to defend Robinson’s memorable knock and push for a series-defining win.
Also WATCH: Ben Dwarshuis cleans up Devon Conway with a beauty in NZ vs AUS 1st T20I
Here’s how fans reacted to Robinson’s T20I century:
Tim Robinson’s on fire – awesome century!
— 𝗭𝘂𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗮 (@Baharul22853744) October 1, 2025
Tim Robinson they reckon …#NZvAUS
— Nellberg cricket 🏏 (@nellbergcricket) October 1, 2025
A maiden T20I century from Tim Robinson boosts New Zealand’s total to 181. 🏏👏💥 #DarylMitchell #timrobinson #T20Series #NZvsAUS #T20 pic.twitter.com/sMGSjkSgQ3
— Jitendra Kumar (@jitenda60203698) October 1, 2025
At one point, New Zealand were 3 wickets down in 2 overs when the 23-year-old Tim Robinson came and smashed a brilliant unbeaten knock of 106*(65) including 6 fours and 5 sixes against Australia. 💪🔥#TimRobinson #NZvAUS #NZvsAUS #AUSvNZ #AUSvsNZ pic.twitter.com/E8HTXhPsXQ
— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) October 1, 2025
Tim Robinson’s last three T20Is:
75* v SA
10 v ZIM
106* v AUS#NZvAUS— Vincent Jones (@JonesVincentt) October 1, 2025
Tim Robinson, you beauty! A maiden international century 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vNY5PWwM9l
— Zaid ᴷᴷᴿ (@zaidyyy96) October 1, 2025
16(15)* to 106(66)* – Tim Robinson went absolute beast mode against Australia.
One of the most iconic knocks in T20I history 🔥👏 pic.twitter.com/TsRdZ6ME5y
— Sweet (@Lommy0Tatham) October 1, 2025
Maiden hundred for 23 year old Tim Robinson..!!
NZ lost three wickets in just 6 Runs & he comes for bat & smashed maiden hundred in T20. pic.twitter.com/ebov9lBVqo
— VIKAS (@Vikas662005) October 1, 2025
Tim Robinson.. He will get big money in next ipl auction. #AUSvNZ
— Pukhraj Itara (@Pukhraj15092759) October 1, 2025
Terrific innings from Tim Robinson 🔥#Cricket #timrobinson #NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/poIwuHWReW
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 1, 2025
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.
