Australia secured a comfortable six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening T20 match at Bay Oval. Despite a stunning maiden century from New Zealand's Tim Robinson, Australia's captain Mitchell Marsh led the charge with a blistering 85 off just 43 balls, propelling his team to 185 for four in just 16.3 overs, chasing down the home side's 181 for six.
Marsh's powerful innings included nine fours and five sixes, delivered in challenging cold and windy conditions at Mount Maunganui. He was eventually caught in the deep, missing out on what would have been his first T20 international century in 74 matches. Travis Head, the other opener, contributed a quickfire 31, forming an electrifying 67-run partnership in just 5.3 overs, setting the stage for Australia's dominant win and giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
"We've got a great relationship off the field and I'm hoping that translates into good partnerships," Marsh said. "Tonight was a lot of fun."
Earlier in the day, Tim Robinson's incredible 106 not out off 66 balls rescued New Zealand after a disastrous start. The hosts crumbled to 6-3 early on, with Ben Dwarshuis taking two wickets in two balls, dismissing Devon Conway and Mark Chapman. Robinson, along with Daryl Mitchell (34), launched a counter-attack, forging a 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket from just 55 deliveries.
Robinson's century made him the second-youngest New Zealander to achieve this feat in T20s. "I got streaky through the middle there and got away with a few chances but that's cricket," Robinson acknowledged. "Those Aussies bowled really well at the top and Daryl and I spoke about getting through that really tough period when the ball was nipping around."
Both teams faced setbacks before the match, with key players ruled out due to injuries sustained in training. New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra suffered facial cuts after colliding with a boundary fence.
Australia's victory highlights their strong batting lineup and ability to chase down totals under pressure. The second T20 match promises to be another exciting contest.