Australia annihilated by New Zealand in T20 World Cup as defending champions crumbled in tournament opener | Cricket News

Australia’s T20 World Cup title defence got off to a dreadful start with Aaron Finch’s men tumbling to an abject 89-run defeat against a clinical New Zealand in Sydney.

Australia had trounced New Zealand by eight wickets in last year’s final in the UAE but the pre-tournament favourites were blown away by the Black Caps on Saturday as the Kiwis beat their opponents away from home for the first time in any format since 2011.

New Zealand blazed their way to 200-3 after being inserted with Finn Allen crunching 42 from just 16 deliveries and opening partner Devon Conway top-scoring with 92 from 58 balls, before Australia crumpled to 111 all out in 17.1 overs.

The tournament hosts suffered a huge blow early in the reply as David Warner (5) was bowled in freakish style off the back of his bat by Tim Southee and the wickets continued to tumble, with a stunning, leaping catch from Glenn Phillips at deep cover accounting for Marcus Stoinis (7) in the ninth over.

Glenn Maxell top-scored for Australia with just 28 off 20 balls, with the home side razed principally by Southee and left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, both of whom picked up three wickets.

More to follow…

What’s next?

Tuesday 25th October 11:30am

Wednesday 26th October 8:30am

Australia’s next match is against Sri Lanka in Perth on Tuesday (12pm UK time), with New Zealand in action against Afghanistan in Melbourne on Wednesday (9am UK time).