AUSTRALIA has retained the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy after thumping New Zealand to the tune of 72 runs at Eden Park last night. The tourists posted what looked like a below-par 174, one ball shy of the full 20 overs, before rolling the Kiwis for 102 in a strangling bowling performance.

Adam Zampa ripped the heart out of New Zealand’s chase with 4-34 after his first over went for 13 runs. He removed Josh Clarkson and Adam Milne with consecutive deliveries to see the hosts fall to 6-74, adding the wicket of dangerman Glenn Phillips (42 off 35) to his tally an over later.

Phillips was New Zealand’s sole top five batter to crack double-digits among a lineup lacking in vital experience and class. Captain Mitchell Santner was elevated to first drop for a return of seven runs, and gloveman Devon Conway did not bat after sustaining a thumb injury while fielding.

Despite Zampa’s exploits, Pat Cummins earned Player of the Match honours for his all-round impact. He claimed 1-19 (3) up front to put a lid on the Kiwis alongside Josh Hazlewood (1-12 off 4), while also adding 28 much-needed late runs batting at number eight.

Cummins was Australia’s second-top run scorer behind Travis Head (45 off 22), who had his side humming at 1-74 after the powerplay. Things quickly swung in a middle order collapse of 5-34, leaving Cummins to boost the total up to something defendable.

For the second match running, Lockie Ferguson proved the Kiwis’ standout bowler with figures of 4-12 (3.5). It was a well rounded bowling effort from the hosts as three others – Santner, Ben Sears, and Adam Milne – also collected two wickets apiece.

Though, New Zealand’s response never really got going in the face of Australia’s relentless bowling. Captain Mitch Marsh (1-18) and paceman Nathan Ellis (2-16) chimed in nicely to ensure all five of the visitors’ bowlers nabbed wickets.

The result sees Australia take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series, thus retaining the Chappell-Hadlee trophy. Auckland once again plays host to the two sides on Sunday, before they convene in Wellington for the first of two Test matches on February 29.

SCORECARD

RESULT: Australia def. New Zealand by 72 runs.
POTM: Pat Cummins (Australia)

New Zealand won the toss & elected to bowl.

AUSTRALIA 10-174 (19.5)
Travis Head 45 (22), Pat Cummins 28 (22), Mitch Marsh 26 (21)
Lockie Ferguson 4-12 (3.5), Ben Sears 2-29 (4), Mitchell Santner 2-35 (4)

NEW ZEALAND 10-102 (17.0)
Glenn Phillips 42 (35), Trent Boult 16 (11), Josh Clarkson 10 (13)
Adam Zampa 4-34 (4), Nathan Ellis 2-16 (3), Josh Hazlewood 1-12 (4)

Australia leads the three-match series 2-0.