Left Arm Around

Tim David struck a four off the final ball of the innings to secure a dramatic victory for Australia in the first T20i against New Zealand at Westpac Stadium.

Captain Mitchell Marsh was the glue that held the innings together with an unbeaten 72, but it was ultimately the late-order heroics of David that clawed them over the line.

Following Josh Inglis’ dismissal for a run-a-ball 20 in the 17th over, the visitors still required 44 from 19.

That equation was reduced to 12 from only 3 balls, yet the 27-year-old was at his destructive best to take down veteran Tim Southee.

First hitting a glorious six behind square, David and Marsh then scampered two before he clubbed a four through mid-wicket to spark jubilant celebrations.

Lockie Ferguson was the pick of the Kiwi bowlers with an economical 1-23, removing the dangerous Glenn Maxwell for 25.

Earlier, New Zealand set an imposing target of 215-3.

Finn Allen continued the excellent form he showed in the Pakistan series with a blistering 32, but Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra did much of the damage with a partnership of 113 from 64 deliveries.

A score of 63 brought a return to form for the struggling Conway, meanwhile Ravindra enhanced his reputation as one of the brightest young talents across all formats.

His knock of 68 from 35 on his home ground featured 2 fours and 6 sixes; Adam Zampa having a particularly tough night at the hands of Ravindra with his 3 overs costing 42.

Ravindra, 24, only came into the T20 squad thanks to the absences of talisman Kane Williamson and all-rounder Daryl Mitchell.

Nevertheless, this impressive innings presses his claim for a spot in their upcoming T20 World Cup squad.

Glenn Philipps and Mark Chapman added the finishing touches with 19 and 18 respectively, but it wasn’t quite enough.

The two sides meet again for the second T20i at Eden Park on Friday.