Tim Robinson’s maiden T20I century went in vain as Australia secured a dominant win in the opening match of the three-match Chappell-Hadlee T20I series. Despite Tim Robinson’s brilliant 100 off 65 balls, skipper Mitchell Marsh’s explosive 85 guided Australia to a comfortable chase of 182, winning by six wickets with 3.3 overs to spare.
After opting to bowl first, Australia struck early blows. Tim Seifert fell in the first over, before Ben Dwarshius removed Devon Conway and Mark Chapman in quick succession to leave New Zealand reeling at 6/3. Tim Robinson, however, steadied the innings alongside Daryl Mitchell, putting up a 67-run stand and reviving New Zealand’s hopes.
Tim Robinson, who began cautiously, shifted gears with a flurry of boundaries off Marcus Stoinis and Xavier Bartlett. He reached his fifty in just 31 balls and capitalized on Australia’s sloppy fielding, as he was dropped four times. Showing remarkable composure, Tim Robinson brought up his maiden T20I century with a six off the penultimate ball, helping New Zealand post 181/6.
In reply, Australia’s chase was set up by Marsh’s aggressive start, supported by Travis Head. The hosts raced to fifty inside five overs, with Marsh dominating New Zealand’s bowlers. Even after Head’s dismissal, Australia stayed ahead of the asking rate as Marsh and Matt Short added quick runs. Marsh’s half-century came with consecutive sixes, leaving New Zealand helpless.
Though New Zealand dismissed Short and Marsh in the middle overs, the damage had already been done. Australia cruised past the target in the 17th over, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
For all his heroics, Tim Robinson’s maiden T20I century turned out to be a losing cause, overshadowed by Marsh’s match-winning knock.
Read latest news and updates on supernews.pk