In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, Australia registered a convincing series victory over New Zealand in the second T20I, claiming the three-match series with a resounding 72 run win in Auckland. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa emerged as the architect of Australia’s triumph, dismantling New Zealand’s middle order with a brilliant bowling performance. Zampa’s figures of 4/34 left the home side reeling, eventually skittling them for a mere 102 runs in 17 overs in reply of 174 at Eden Park.

Batting collapse and injury woes for New Zealand

New Zealand’s batting woes were evident from the start, losing early wickets and failing to mount a substantial challenge against the Australian bowlers. Despite Glenn Phillips’ resistance with a score of 42, New Zealand’s hopes were shattered when he was caught at long-on off Zampa in the 14th over. The situation worsened with a thumb injury to Devon Conway, sustained while wicket-keeping, which prevented him from batting.

Captain Mitchell Santner‘s attempt to boost New Zealand’s batting order by promoting himself proved futile, culminating in his dismissal for a mere five runs. Unfortunately, Santner was one of eight New Zealand batters who struggled to reach double digits, succumbing to a sequence of ill-judged and loose shots. This experiment in the batting lineup faced setbacks, contributing to the overall challenges faced by New Zealand in the match

Ferguson’s four-fer and Australia’s strong start

Earlier in the match, opener Travis Head provided a fiery start for Australia, scoring 45 runs off 22 balls. However, the middle stages witnessed a brilliant comeback from New Zealand’s paceman Lockie Ferguson, who finished with 4/12 from 3.5 overs. Head’s dismissal triggered the loss of five quick wickets for Australia after they had reached 84/1 in the seventh over.

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Australia’s skipper Mitchell Marsh contributed with 26 runs, while Pat Cummins added a late flourish with 28 runs. Despite stumbling in the middle overs, Australia managed to post a total of 174 before being dismissed in the final over. Lockie Ferguson’s exceptional bowling performance was complemented by Santner, Adam Milne and Ben Sears, each taking two wickets for the hosts.

Australia’s comprehensive win in the second T20I not only secured the series but showcased their dominance in all facets of the game, leaving New Zealand with much to ponder ahead of the final match.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

I have a theory Adam Zampa, as good as he is, is much more effective when he has combinations of Pat Cummins/Josh Hazlewood/Mitchell Starc in the side with him. Would be interested to see if the stats support this. #NZvsAUS

— Andrew Wu (@wutube) February 23, 2024

Adam Zampa back doing what he does best after a couple of expensive outings#NZvAUS

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) February 23, 2024

This is gutsy bowling from Zampa to bowl like this to a small target on a postage stamp is impressive, need some ticket and he has delivered #nzvaus

— Chris Stevens (@TheLadfromAus) February 23, 2024

20 wickets fell & 276 runs in 36.5 overs. fair to say we weren’t anticipating that with some 50-odd metre boundaries. #NZvAUS

— Corbin Middlemas (@CorbinMiddlemas) February 23, 2024

What a performance by the Aussies. Their total looked well under par, but they bowled and fielded out of their skin to down NZ by 72 runs and wrap up the T20i series with one game left to play. Cummins is man of the match. #NZvAUS

— Rory Burnside (@RoryBurnside) February 23, 2024

Another series win for the Aussie lads.

Bit disappointed in the Kiwis to be honest.#NZvAUS

— Matt Back (@MattNotFront) February 23, 2024

Adam Zampa just ripped through the Kiwi batting.
In the second T20I, the Black Caps failed to chase down a target of 175.
The Australians win the series with the final match to be played.#NZvAUS

— Loshan – ARVLOSHAN (@ARVLoshan) February 23, 2024

“The small bloke in the glasses? He does have a suspiciously good record, but WE are the country to take him down!”

– every country the first time they see Adam Zampa#NZvAUS

— D🦙 (@dodgyllama) February 23, 2024

Zampa has been huge here #nzvaus

— thetipsman (@thetipsguru) February 23, 2024

Can’t even be mad bcos Adam Zampa bowling too good

— Lily Franklin (@lilyffranklin13) February 23, 2024

Zampa channelling his inner Warne.

— Sir M.B.Anshaw § (@djebel) February 23, 2024

A 72 run win for Australia in Auckland. The visitors win the KFC T20I Series and retain the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy 🏏 Catch up on the scores at https://t.co/3YsfR1YBHU or the NZC App. #NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/6fFKlZqysw

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 23, 2024

A strangling bowling performance from the Aussies! #NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/tWpJnzUqjf

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 23, 2024

Also READ: NZ vs AUS 2024, T20I Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Australia, New Zealand, USA & other countries

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