Mount Maunganui, Oct. 1 -- Tim Robinson's scintillating century for New Zealand had almost turned the first T20 International at Bay Oval into a memorable home victory, but Australia's superior batting depth and composure ensured a six-wicket win, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The match was a thrilling contest of individual brilliance versus collective performance, with Robinson's unbeaten 106 standing out amidst a flurry of boundaries, sixes, dramatic run outs, and clinical finishing by the Australians.
Electing to bowl first after winning the toss, Australia struck early with Josh Hazlewood removing Tim Seifert for 4 in the second over. Ben Dwarshuis followed up with a key delivery that bowled Devon Conway fo...