New Zealand vs Australia, 1st T20I: Marsh powers Australia to a canter after Robinson’s lone hand
Mount Maunganui — Oct 1, 2025: Australia chased down 182 with ease to beat New Zealand by six wickets and take a 1–0 lead in the Chappell-Hadlee T20I series. Captain Mitchell Marsh blazed 85 in a ruthless reply that ended the contest with 21 balls still unused, overshadowing a brilliant maiden T20I hundred from Tim Robinson (106).
The game in one glance
- New Zealand: 181/6 (20) — Robinson 106, Mitchell 34; Dwarshuis 2/40
- Australia: 185/4 (16.3) — Marsh 85, Head 39; Henry 2/43
- Result: Australia won by 6 wickets (21 balls left)
How it unfolded
Kiwi top order rocked, Robinson revives
New Zealand’s innings was in disarray at 6 for 3 inside two overs as Josh Hazlewood struck early and Ben Dwarshuis swung the new ball to be on a hat-trick. From the wreckage, Tim Robinson staged a remarkable rebuild—slow to start, then switching gears with clean hitting through and over the off side. He reached a 65-ball century, kept New Zealand afloat, and was helped by several missed chances in the field. Partnerships with Daryl Mitchell and later Bevon Jacobs steadied the hosts, but a surge never truly came.
Zampa puts the brakes on
In tough, cold, windy conditions for a legspinner, Adam Zampa turned the middle overs Australia’s way. After being launched for six first ball, he conceded just 9 runs in his last two overs, cramping New Zealand’s acceleration at a crucial phase. That squeeze meant Robinson’s heroics set a target that felt par rather than imposing.
Marsh sets the tone, chase on rails
Australia’s reply was a statement. Marsh and Travis Head (39) blasted 67 in 5.3 overs, shredding the new ball and clearing the infield at will. By the end of the powerplay, Australia had already struck more boundaries than New Zealand managed all innings. Marsh reached a 23-ball fifty, hammering straight drives and lofted hits over the off side. Even after Head fell and Marsh missed a deserved hundred, there was no wobble—Matt Short (29) kept the tempo before Tim David finished the chase with time to spare.
Turning points
- NZ 6/3: Hazlewood and Dwarshuis’ new-ball burst forced Robinson into rescue mode.
- Zampa’s control: Two miserly overs (13th & 15th) stalled NZ when a late dash was needed.
- Powerplay carnage: Marsh–Head’s 67-run stand broke the back of the chase before the spinners could settle.
Standout performers
- Mitchell Marsh (AUS) — 85 off pure power; set up the win inside 10 overs.
- Tim Robinson (NZ) — 106 that transformed a collapse into a contest; deserved plaudits despite defeat.
- Adam Zampa (AUS) — Momentum-shifting middle overs in unfriendly conditions.
- Ben Dwarshuis (AUS) — New-ball strikes (2/40) that framed the match.
What it means
Australia grab the early series lead and look ominous with their top order firing. New Zealand unearthed a bright star in Robinson, but will want sharper catching and a clearer death-overs plan ahead of the next game.
