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On February 16, 2018, Australia chased down 244 against New Zealand at Eden Park, winning with seven balls to spare in a record T20I run chase.
On This Day In 2018: Australia produced a scintillating performance to successfully chase 244. (Image: ICC/X, formerly Twitter)
Australia pulled off a world-record T20I run chase against New Zealand on this day (February 16) in 2018. At Eden Park in Auckland, the Aussies produced a scintillating batting performance to chase a target of 244.
Australia ended their innings at 245 for five, winning the game with seven balls to spare. At the time, this was the highest run-chase T20s. The two sides scored a massive 488 runs in that match, the third-highest ever in T20Is.
As fans recall the memorable T20I fixture played on this day between New Zealand and Australia, we take a look back at the historic game.
Winning the toss, New Zealand elected to bat first. The Kiwis started on a promising note with their openers – Martin Guptill and Colin Munro – stitching a partnership of 132. Munro was the first to be dismissed on 76 runs off 33 balls. His explosive innings had six boundaries and as many sixes.
While Colin Munro missed out on his century, Martin Guptill returned to the dressing room after scoring 105 runs off 54 balls. During his power-packed stint, Guptill clobbered six boundaries and nine maximums. New Zealand finished at 243 for 6 in 20 overs. Kane Richardson and Andrew Tye bagged two wickets each for Australia.
D’Arcy Short and David Warner started Australia’s run chase on a solid note, both scoring half-centuries. Warner and Short produced a 121-run partnership before the left-hander was dismissed for 59.
D’Arcy Short also returned to the dressing room shortly after Warner’s dismissal. Short added a quickfire 76 off 44 deliveries. Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Finch showcased solid batting to guide Australia to a memorable win. While Maxwell was dismissed for 31, Finch managed to remain unbeaten on 36 off 14 balls. The Aussies finished the match with seven balls to spare to clinch a remarkable victory.
