NZ vs AUS: Top Five Performers

After a comprehensive 53 run-win victory in the series opener, New Zealand managed to clinch a nerve-sapping 4-run victory in a high scoring second encounter of the series. Australia were struggling to find their feet and there was a turnaround in the last two encounters. Winning both by massive margins of 64 and 50 runs, respectively to take the series into a decider. Despite the comeback, the visitors were not able to avoid a series- defeat as New Zealand clinched the last T20 by 7 wickets to win the series 3-2. Let us look at the top five performers of the NZ vs AUS series.

1. Ish Sodhi – A local Covid-Case of unkown origin led to a shift in the venue from Auckland to Wellington. The regular use of surface meant that it become slower and more conducive for spinners, and Ish Sodhi grabbed that advantage with both hands. Having bagged a four-for in the first T20, Sodhi managed to scalp in each clash of the series. He was the leading wicket-taker of the NZ vs AUS series. His 7 wickets came in the Wellington’s Westpac Stadium.

2. Martin Guptill – Guptill, who entered into the series with a rout of his own, started the series on an ominous note, as he perished for a duck. Although, he came back into his elements in the second game of the NZ vs AUS series. It was his dominant half-century that assisted New Zealand to avoid a series-defeat in the decider. He ended up scoring 217 Runs in 5 innings including 2 half centuries making him the highest run-getter of the series.

• 3. Aaron Finch – There were plenty of concerns related to Aaron Finch’s form after a forgettable Big Bash League 2021, where he managed to score only 179 runs at an average of 13.77. His slump continued in the series with low scores in the first two matches. He cameback strongly through his two powerful and aggressive knocks, finishing the series with 197 runs at a strike rate over 140 with 2 half centuries. He is a true-match winner for Australia.

• 4. Trent Boult – Trent Boult was the destroyer in-chief at the Hagley Oval, where he bagged four wickets , giving away merely 28 runs from his four overs. Though he was able to account for only a solitary wicket in the second T20 of the NZ vs AUS series. Boult took two wickets in each of the game that followed, taking his overall tally to 11 just behind his teammate Ish Sodhi.

• 5. Devon Conway– He was at his best in the first T20, where his sensational knock of 99 played an instrumental role in New Zealand gaining a upper hand in the NZ vs AUS series. Though, he made an unfortunate distinction of finishing unbeaten at 99 in the shortest format , he earned himself Player of the Match for his match-winning knock. His 28 ball 36 turned out crucial in the series decider . Conway finished the series with 192 runs, averaging over 50. he has just started his career and if Conway performs like this, then he would be a great star for New Zealand like Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill. A young-talented batsman.

It was an epic series for both the teams. NZ vs AUS series was exceptional for Conway as a youngster. He managed to be in the limelight for his team. Kane Williamson captained really well and now he would play India in ICC Test Championship final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket ground. Australia have to look forward and have to change there team because this team is not performing well in T20s. Just support the players and the team would do wonders in the upcoming matches.