New Zealand is up 2-0 in this five-game series, holding on to the skin of their teeth. Over 430 runs scored here in Dunedin with the bowlers gone by the sword, as opposed to the first T20I where they had some help. That’s all we have here today. There is a difference of about six days before the third Q20I when the teams head to Wellington. See you later. Goodbye!
Kane Williamson | Winning captain: Flashback scenes there. Amazing partnership of Sams and Stoinis. It was quite a strong performance on our part. For these reasons, you are always in the game. We know the power they have in their lineup. It was about executing our plans. Fantastic atmosphere, the crowd was amazing and it was great to get the result. Number of contributions at all times. Exceptional hit from Martin. Not an easy thing to defend here, a lot of things to pick up and build for the next game. It is a group that is really excited to improve. We haven’t played here for a long time, it’s great to be there.
Aaron Finch | Losing the captain: We returned to a great position. That association between Sams and Stoinis was extraordinary. How dynamic he (Stoinis) was from the beginning of the innings, along with Sams. Trent shot a beautiful 18th that stopped our momentum. All in all, a good game of cricket. Obviously, it would have been nice to be on the winning side. I thought we didn’t throw that bad, but Guptill played a brilliant inning alongside Kane Williamson. Great batting display. Wonderful place to play cricket here.
Martin Guptill | Man of the match : A little cooked at the moment, but it’s good to score runs, which is more important to get the win. They played well until the end. Things have not gone my way, but it is good to pass the time and get the victory. You never know in T20 cricket. The teams are tied with a 200 chase. Hopefully everyone who came out enjoyed the game.
17:25 local time, 04:25 GMT, 09:55 IST: Ugh, what a game it became! Three Santner wickets had left Australia buried at 113/6 after the 13th. But Marcus Stoinis and Daniel Sams got together and made a storm in Dunedin to leave New Zealand and this packed crowd. His association was worth 92 out of just 37 balls, bringing the game to life out of nowhere. But just when it seemed like they were going to achieve the improbable, their time ran out. Boult was brilliant in 18, Southee a little less in 19, and then Neesham’s last over, with 15 to defend, was normal at best, but Sams and Stoinis were out of gas by then.
Neesham to J Richardson, FOUR, without as much pressure on the final ball with the game sealed, Neesham lands it in the hole and Richardson squeezes it to the limit of the third man. Australia is only four
Kane Richardson, right-hander, hits the fold
Neesham to Stoinis, out of Caught by Southee !! He went way high off the leading edge. And Southee has taken it long term. The hunt is over for Stoinis and Australia. He brought them so close, put them at contact distance. But he has failed at the last hurdle. This has not been a great ending for Neesham. This is in the groove, Stoinis crosses the line, but all you get is a thick leading edge. Stoinis c Southee b Neesham 78 (37) [4s-7 6s-5]
Neesham to Stoinis, THAT’S OUT !! Caught !!
Neesham to Stoinis, SIX, keep the game alive! Another full pitch from Neesham and this time Stoinis charges and throws it over long
Neesham to Stoinis, no run, can’t go below full pitch low and hits it long term. Does not accept the single. It has to be him if Australia wants to get home
Neesham to Stoinis, no run, section down from Neesham, but not wide. The referee acknowledges that Stoinis has moved
Jhye Richardson, right-handed bat, hits the fold
Neesham to Daniel Sams, out of Caught by Glenn Phillips !! Full pitch, it’s a full pitch and Sams has shoved this down the fielder’s throat in the middle of deep field. His time has been on fire today, but he got away right at the end and that too in a full release. Phillips remains calm as he backs off the ropes. Daniel Sams c Glenn Phillips b Neesham 41 (15) [4s-2 6s-4]
Neesham to Daniel Sams, THAT’S OUT !! Caught !!
James Neesham, half right-handed, goes into attack
Neesham has the ball for New Zealand. Southee chatting with him on the field. He hasn’t released a single installment today and now has to step forward at the most critical moment.
Southee to Daniel Sams, 1 run, Southee tops the hole by going through this in the outside hole. Squeezed by a single on offside. Until the end with 15 necessary
Southee to Stoinis, a run, oh, missed a full pitch. No time on it as he throws his hands out
Southee to Stoinis, SIXStoinis smokes jerk on the upper level! Woof! Short in length of Southee while digging the slowest in the field. But Stoinis is waiting for you in the fold. Goes 84 meters
