(Reuters) – Martin Guptill hit 71 runs as New Zealand cruised to a seven-wicket win over Australia at Wellington Stadium yesterday to win the country’s fifth Twenty20 international and secure a 3-2 series victory.
Guptill hit seven fours and four sixes to accrue 71 runs off 46 balls as New Zealand bounced back from two straight losses to clinch the series.
Having set a target of 143 to win, New Zealand made a strong start to its pubs, with openers Devon Conway and Guptill giving 106 runs before Conway fell to Riley Meredith, with Ashton Agar taking the hold.
Kane Williamson was out scoreless shortly thereafter but Guptill continued to push the Black Caps towards the Australian total until he was caught by Mitchell Marsh off Jhye Richardson bowling.
With fans allowed to enter the stadium following the lifting of New Zealand’s coronary restrictions, Guptill left for a standing promotion before Glenn Phillips hit a massive six to achieve the victory.
Australia, who named an unchanged line-up following their victory in Friday’s fourth meeting of the series, lost eight wickets at 142 in their pubs.
Matthew Wade scored best with 44 off just 29 balls while captain Aaron Finch followed his impressive performances in the previous two games with 36 runs of 32 balls.
Australian batsmen struggled to find their tempo on a difficult surface with New Zealand bowlers keeping an eye on the visitors throughout the final 10 overs to establish a successful run.