NEW DELHI:
Australia
dominated the second Twenty20 international in Auckland on Friday, securing a convincing 72-run victory against
New Zealand
to clinch the three-match series.
Leg-spinner
Adam Zampa
played a pivotal role, taking 4-34 and dismantling the middle order as the hosts were bowled out for 102 in 17 overs at Eden Park.
New Zealand faced early setbacks in their run chase and struggled to mount a significant challenge against the Australian bowlers.
Glenn Phillips fought valiantly with a score of 42, but his dismissal in the 14th over, caught at long-on off Zampa, dealt a severe blow to New Zealand's hopes.
Devon Conway's thumb injury, sustained while wicket-keeping, added to New Zealand's woes and ruled him out of batting. The extent of his injury raises doubts about his availability for the third match in Auckland and the upcoming two-Test series in Wellington.
In response to Australia's total of 174, New Zealand's batting faltered, with captain Mitchell Santner's experiment to promote himself up the order proving unsuccessful as he departed for five.
The team experienced a collective failure with eight batsmen failing to reach double figures, succumbing to a series of loose shots.
Opener Travis Head provided a strong start for Australia, scoring a brisk 45 off 22 balls. However, Lockie Ferguson's brilliant bowling performance halted Australia's momentum in the middle overs, claiming 4-12 in 3.5 overs.
Despite stumbling in the middle stages, Australia managed to post a competitive total, with notable contributions from captain
Mitchell Marsh
(26) and
Pat Cummins
(28).
Bowlers Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, and Ben Sears each took two wickets for New Zealand, but it wasn't enough to prevent Australia from securing a series victory.
The two teams will meet again for the third and final match in Auckland on Sunday, with Australia holding an unassailable lead.
(With AFP inputs)
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