Australia won the rain-affected third T20 match against New Zealand by 27 runs. cricket news

Australia made a clean sweep of the series by defeating New Zealand by 27 runs in the rain-interrupted third Twenty20 match in Auckland on Sunday. In reply to Australia’s 118-4 in 10.4 overs, New Zealand scored 98-3 and fell short of the target of 126 runs in 10 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. The required run rate increased rapidly after the home team lost two early wickets, before Glenn Phillips posted his top score for the second consecutive game, making 40 not out from 24 balls. Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson impressed in his first appearance of the series, taking 1-10 from his two overs.

Australia’s innings was halted due to rain three times after being asked to bat first at Eden Park.

Opener Travis Head scored 33 runs in 30 balls, but the best batting came from Player of the Match Matthew Short’s 27 runs in 11 balls and Glenn Maxwell’s 20 runs in nine balls.

Australia dominated the series, winning the opening match in Wellington on Wednesday by six wickets, followed by a 72-run victory in the second game in Auckland on Friday.

Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, who was promoted as Australian captain after Mitch Marsh was rested for the final game, said the series was ideal preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup in June.

“We wanted to see depth on our team and we were fortunate to do that today with Spencer and Matty Short,” Wade said.

“Our bowlers were incredible today, the way they came in and performed. It was as clinical a bowling effort as I’ve seen from an Australian team.”

“Matthew Short coming out and the way he batted is really exciting for the future.”

New Zealand were not helped by injuries, with key batsmen Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway ruled out at various stages of the series, while veteran Kane Williamson was absent due to the birth of his child.

Captain Mitchell Santner would not use this as an excuse, saying Australia were very good.

“They’re obviously a quality team,” Sentner said.

“The first game was close but we were clearly outmatched in the last two.”

The first Test of the two-match series between the teams starts in Wellington from Thursday.

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