Super 12 stage of the 2022 T20 World Cup started on Saturday at the Sydney Cricket ground. The game was between defending champions Australia and last year’s runners up New Zealand. Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first as there was threat of rain hovering around the Sydney suburbs.
The story as it happened –
Australia decided to field after winning the toss as New Zealand sprung a surprise by not playing Martin Guptill. The Kiwis were looking for revenge after Australia had dashed their hopes of adding their 2nd ICC title in 2021. The final of the T20 World Cup 2021 saw the same two teams play the final as Australia went on to win the title for the 1st time.
Glenn Phillips with a stunner –
Marcus Stoinis was trying to dig Australia out of a hole after the fall off 3 early wickets chasing 201. Santner bowled one loopy ball outside off stump to see Stoinis go for a shot outside off stump. The ball got good airtime as Glenn Phillips made a dash for it and dove full length to catch it two handed. Phillips was mobbed by his teammates as Stoinis was dismissed for 7.
What a superman catch holy rice crispies Glenn Phillips!!! pic.twitter.com/LbfotMPLyB
— adi✨|| haris rauf cheerleader (@adidoescricket) October 22, 2022
New Zealand given a flying start by Finn Allen –
Finn Allen and Devon Conway opened the batting for the Kiwis and added 56 for the 1st wicket in just 4 overs. Allen made his intention clear early as he went after the Australian pace bowling to score 42 off 16 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes.
Conway and Williamson consolidate –
Skipper Kane Williamson, jojned Conway as the pair added 69 for the 2nd wicket. The skipper was circumspect, while Conway kept the score board ticking. The breakthrough came when Zampa trapped the Kiwi skipper LBW for 23 off 23 balls with a four and six. Phillips scored 12 off 10 with 2 fours before falling LBW to Hazlewood.
Neesham and Conway give Kiwis a strong finish to score 200 –
With the score reading 152/3, it was Neesham who came out to bat and swung his arm to score 26 off 12 balls with 2 sixes. The last ball six helped New Zealand score 200 on the board. Conway continued his good form with the bat as he scored 92 off 58 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes.