Aussies secure Chappell-Hadlee trophy after bowling masterclass

February 24, 2024 8:39 am.by Jackson Swan

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Australia have reclaimed the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy after a dominant 72-run victory over the Black Caps at Eden Park on Friday Night.

After scoring an underwhelming 174 in the first innings, the Aussies rallied behind four wickets from leg-spinner Adam Zampa to crush the home side as they were bowled out for just 102.

Playing a T20 International at Eden Park for the first time in six years, the Aussies got off to a flying start after being sent into bat as they piled on 32 runs in the first two overs, making the most of the small outfield.

Back into the team, Steve Smith (11 off 7 balls) was unable to make the most of his opportunity at the top of the order as he fell in the third over. But fellow opener Travis Head starred, top-scoring with 45 off just 22 balls, including five sixes.

At 2-104 in the ninth over, the Aussies looked set for a huge total, before a mid-innings collapse saw them lose 5-34, killing all momentum.

A career-high 28 off 22 balls from Pat Cummins salvaged the Aussie innings, but their total of 174 was disappointing considering their start.

Black Caps fast bowler Lachie Ferguson was a standout, taking 4-12 off 3.5 overs, while Adam Milne, Ben Sears, and Mitchell Santner all took two wickets each. Veteran Trent Boult was particularly expensive, going for 49 runs off his four overs.

The second innings couldn’t have started much worse for New Zealand, as their top order crumbled. Missing Devon Conway due to an injury he sustained in wicketkeeping, the Blackcaps were left 4-29 in the seventh over and were never able to recover.

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Glenn Phillips anchored the innings, top-scoring with 42 off 35, but regular wickets meant the Black Caps were never a chance as they were bowled out in just 17 overs.

Zampa led the way with figures of 4-34 from his four overs, while Nathan Ellis (2-16 off three overs) made the most of his recall to the side.

Man of the Match honours went to Pat Cummins, who added figures of 1-19 off three overs to his excellent batting effort.

Speaking after the match, Aussie captain Mitch Marsh was pleased with the performance.

“It was a great win for Australia,” he said.

“Our backs were against the wall, and we thought we were probably 50 runs short.

“But the way our bowlers came out and performed was outstanding. All of our teams over the last 12 months have been backed into a lot of corners, and we’ve managed to find a way to get out of them. Tonight was another example of that.”

He was also full of praise for Zampa’s excellent bowling efforts.

“He’s done that so many times for us,” Marsh said.

“I’ve said it many times before; he’s probably the most important member of this team.

“I’m really proud of him.”

The two sides return to Eden Park this Sunday for the third and final T20I, with top cricket bookmakers favouring the Aussies at -227.27 , while New Zealand are paying +175 to win.

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