Australia thrash New Zealand

A spectacular batting implosion by New Zealand against Australia's bowlers saw it crash to a massive 56-run defeat in what was the first warm-up fixture for both teams ahead of the ICC World Twenty20.

The early blows for Australia were struck by the pacemen with Brad Hogg then taking 3-23 to help bowl New Zealand out for 83. The New Zealand batsmen haven't been convincing against spinners or pacers of late, and the latest outing wouldn't have given them any reassurance.

Only Ross Taylor (22), Doug Bracewell (10) and Kane Williamson (17) reached double figures for New Zealand, who got off to a nightmare start, being reduced to 8-3 in the third over after Australia had made 139-6.

Each of Shane Watson, Clint McKay and Pat Cummins struck in the first three overs as New Zealand never recovered from its poor start.

Earlier, Australia's innings progressed in fits and starts after it was put in to bat, with David Warner providing the early fireworks. Warner hit 24 off 14 balls but after his departure the run-rate slowed with Daniel Vettori, Adam Milne and Nathan McCullum controlling the middle-overs well for New Zealand.

A late flourish by Glenn Maxwell (24), Matthew Wade (25 not out) and Daniel Christian (11 not out from three balls) saw 42 runs scored in the final four overs, which eventually proved too much for New Zealand.