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Australian opening batsman Usman Khawaja is run out by new Zealand’s Grant Elliott in the World T20 game at Dharamsala.
Australia threw away what looked like being an easy win over New Zealand in their World T20 opener last night, going down by eight runs in Dharamsala.
After keeping the Black Caps to 8-142, a steady stream of wickets in their batting innings cost Steve Smith’s side as they fell short at 9-134.
The Australians needed 20 runs from the last over but when Nathan Coulter-Nile was bowled for one on the penultimate ball of the innings their hopes were lost.
Australia surprisingly left out Aaron Finch and paceman Josh Hazlewood, calling up spin duo Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar who were given only an over each.
Usman Khawaja, who opened in Finch’s stead, top-scored with 38 from 27 balls.
Australia restricted New Zealand to 8-142, with the Black Caps failing to capitalise on a blistering opening partnership.
After Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson put on 61 in the first seven overs, the Black Caps had appeared poised to put on a score close to 200 in Dharamsala.
But poor shot selection and tight bowling from the veteran Shane Watson and allrounders Glenn Maxwell and James Faulkner put the brakes on the big-hitting side who pulled off a shock victory over India in their opening match of the tournament.
The selection backfired as Agar went for three sixes. His first two balls were full tosses, gratefully dispatched over the ropes by Guptill. But Agar later made amends by catching Williamson and Corey Anderson.
Agencies