Australia’s defeat by New Zealand in the T20 World Cup as the defending champions collapse in the opening match of the tournament | cricket news

Australia’s T20 World Cup title defense got off to a horrific start as coach Aaron Finch’s men fell to a fatal 89-point defeat to New Zealand in Sydney.

Australia beat New Zealand by eight wickets in last year’s final in the United Arab Emirates, but the two pre-tournament favorites were let down by the Black Cabs on Saturday as New Zealand beat their overseas opponent for the first time in any form since 2011.

New Zealand made their way to 200-3 after scoring with Finn Allen as he smashed 42 from just 16 deliveries and opening partner Devon Conway ahead with 92 from 58, before Australia collapsed to 111 at 17.1.

The tournament hosts took a hit early in the response as David Warner (5) was kicked bizarrely from the back of his bat by Tim Southey and the wicket continued to falter, with a superb jump from Glenn Phillips into deep cover. Marcus Stoines (7) represents at nine.

Australia’s Glenn Maxell scored 28 of just 20 balls, and the host side was mostly circled by Southee and left-back Mitchell Santner, who both hit three wickets.

More soon…

And yet?

Tuesday 25 October 11:30 AM

Wednesday October 26 8:30 AM

Australia’s next game will be against Sri Lanka in Perth on Tuesday (12:00 AM UK time), with New Zealand playing Afghanistan against Afghanistan in Melbourne on Wednesday (9:00 AM UK time).