Sydney (Web Desk): New Zealand thrashed hosts and defending champions Australia by 89 runs on Saturday to start the Twenty20 World Cup Super 12 in style and avenge defeat in last year’s final.
It was New Zealand’s first win against Australia in Australia in any format since 2011.
Devon Conway carried his bat with a majestic unbeaten 92 to help New Zealand blast 200-3 before Australia were skittled for 111 in Sydney to make a nightmare start to their title defence.
Conway’s knock came from just 58 balls with seven fours and two sixes, joining a select group to make 90 or more at a World Cup. Mitchell Santner and Tim Southee both took three wickets each.
Aaron Finch’s men now have their work cut out to match the feat in a tough Group 1 with Afghanistan, England and qualifiers Ireland and Sri Lanka awaiting them. Only the top two make the semi-finals.
New Zealand got off to a sensational start after Finch sent them in to bat, with Finn Allen cracking two fours and a six off Mitchell Starc’s opening over.
Adam Zampa dropped Allen in the next over as Pat Cummins was similarly punished, taken for 17.
But the young right-hander’s luck ran out when Hazlewood returned and the wily pace spearhead bowled him for 42 -- off just 16 balls -- as he charged down the crease.
The introduction of Marcus Stoinis and Zampa helped stem the run flow, but Conway brought up his 50 with a six off the spinner Zampa, who trapped Kane Williamson (23) lbw in the same over.
Hazlewood removed Glenn Phillips for 12 before Jimmy Neesham hit a six off the final ball to reach 200.
