With being down by 2-0 in the 5 match T20I series, Australia bounced back in the 3rd match which mattered the most as they secured a 64 run victory over the kiwis.
Captain Aaron Finch was back among the runs as he ended a 27 inning drought of not scoring a 50 . But he would be thanking his luck as he was struck on the pads on a Tim Southee delivery in the very first ball of the match after New Zealand had put Australia in. But he was given not out on the field and was later saved by umpire’s call when the kiwis referred it . After that Finch never looked back as he made a firing 69(44) and laid the foundation for the Aussie innings when he sneaked up a 83 run partnership with Josh Phillipe who also made a useful contribution of 43. Later on Big Show Glenn Maxwell provided the fire power to the innings by scoring a magnificent 70(31) as he slaughtered the kiwis bowlers all across the park . His innings included 8 fours and 5 massive sixes . New Zealand managed to pull back a bit as they conceded 105 runs in the last 8 overs and restricted Australia for a comprehensive score of 208/4.

In reply , despite losing early wickets, New Zealand was able to keep up with the required rate as Martin Guptill and Conway snitched a crucial partnership to keep the hosts alive in the run chase. Adam Zampa provided the much needed breakthrough by dismissing Guptill for 43. Soon after Guptill”s dismissal, Conway perished for 43 to Agar . Agar went through the dangerous kiwi middle order which broke the momentum of the run chase . Agar finished with outstanding figures of 6/30 making him the first Australian player to secure a 6 wicket haul in Men’s T20I. This is a milestone as Agar’s 6/30 is the best figure by an Aussie bowler in Men’s T20I. He was adjudicate as the Man of the Match .
Another bright aspect for Australia was Riley Meredith who made an impressive debut as he bagged terrific figures of 2/24 . Meredith who became the most expensive uncapped overseas player when he was picked by the Punjab Kings in the recently concluded IPL auction 2021, continued his good form the BBL as he picked crucial wickets in the middle . He impressed everyone with his pace and accuracy and never allowed New Zealand to come back in the match .

With the series evenly poised at 2-1 , high pack action will unfold on the 5th of March when both the teams will take on each other in the 4th T20I. It’s a must win game for Australia if they are to still keep the series alive with New Zealand leading the series and who will be looking to make a comeback and seal the series
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