Tim David and Mitchell Marsh starred in Australia’s nail-biting six-wicket victory over New Zealand within the first T20I in Wellington on Wednesday. Chasing a goal of 216, Australia wanted 12 runs off the ultimate three balls. David smashed New Zealand pacer Tim Southee for a six to high quality leg. On the following supply, the right-handed batter managed to steal a pair. Australia wanted 4 runs to win off the ultimate ball and David took them house by whipping the ball between the deep mid-wicket and long-on fielders for a boundary.

Watch the thrilling end from 15:23 –

Having been set 216 to win, Australia skipper Marsh hammered 72 off 44 balls earlier than batting accomplice David (31 not out off 10) sealed an exhilarating last-gasp victory.

The three-match sequence is the final for each groups earlier than the T20 World Cup within the United States and West Indies in June.

Rachin Ravindra had earlier put New Zealand within the driving seat by hitting 68 runs off 35 balls to assert his first half-century within the format because the hosts completed on 215 for 3.

Marsh completed with finest bowling figures of 1 for 21 earlier than main the cost with the bat, hitting seven sixes and two fours in his unbeaten knock.

The captain steadied his aspect after they misplaced openers Travis Head and David Warner early on.

Marsh constructed a partnership of 42 for the third wicket with Glenn Maxwell, who was clean-bowled by Lockie Ferguson on 25 to depart Australia 111-3 after 10 overs.

New Zealand’s fielding allow them to down within the twelfth over as Southee missed a catch off Josh Inglis, then Phillips dropped Marsh subsequent ball on the boundary.

Inglis was dismissed with three overs left and Australia on 172-4 when he skied his shot to Ravindra at deep backward sq. leg. Inglis made 20.

The recreation went to the wire after New Zealand seamer Adam Milne was smashed for 19 runs within the penultimate over.

Australia wanted 15 from the final six balls, however David held his nerve by smashing a six earlier than sending the ultimate ball of the evening to the boundary previous a diving Phillips.

(With AFP Inputs)