'Australia were dominant' – Williamson

Given the run-fest that ensued when Australia and New Zealand met at Eden Park in Auckland during the league phase of the Trans-Tasman T20 Tri-Series last week – both teams plundered a combined 488 runs in just 38.5 overs – more of the same was expected when the sides met at the same venue for the final on Wednesday (21 February).

However, things were markedly different this time around. An excellent bowling display by the Australians, led by Ashton Agar’s 3/27, restricted the home side to 150/9 after they had opted to bat. D’Arcy Short then led the chase with a swashbuckling 30-ball 50 to help his side to 121/3 in 14.4 overs before play was called off due to rain. Australia, well ahead on the DLS method, secured a 19-run victory to clinch the trophy.

It also propelled Australia, who started the series seventh on the MRF Tyres ICC T20I Team Rankings, to second on the rankings chart, behind Pakistan by just 0.19 decimal points.

Martin Guptill and Colin Munro, the New Zealand openers, had got the home side off to a terrific start, racking up 48 runs in just 4.2 overs. However, once they were dismissed in quick succession, New Zealand imploded. That they reached 150-run mark was largely thanks to Ross Taylor’s unbeaten 38-ball 43.

Kane Williamson, the New Zealand captain, admitted his side faltered in assessing the conditions. “Through the middle overs, we did not assess [conditions] as well as we could have,” he said. “The wicket was quite different from the game before. In hindsight, if we had 20 more, it would have been competitive. But, all that said, congratulations to Davey [David Warner] and Australia – they have been outstanding throughout the campaign and thoroughly deserved to win this.”

Williamson went on to hail Australia's approach throughout their campaign. “Australia, the way that they pulled it back with the ball, they have been able to do that throughout the series,” said Williamson. “With the bat as well, they were dominant and ultra-positive from the start and that keeps you under pressure for the whole 20 overs.

“We were looking to take the early wickets, which we were not able to do. [But] you have to always look at your performance and address that, rather than get carried away with the result. We have come up with the performances recently. It was nice to reach the finals, but at the same time, we came up against a strong Australian side, who consistently played very, very good cricket throughout.”

Australia’s approach was refreshing. Despite missing big names from their line-up, they were comprehensive winners in all their five games, with Warner’s brand of attacking captaincy making for exciting cricket.

Warner, standing in as captain in place of the rested Steve Smith, was understandably excited. “Right from the get-go, we played superb cricket," he said. “I just asked the guys to be clinical and to try and execute everything with the bat and ball, and [play] with energy on the field. The last 18-24 months, people were talking about us not taking the format too seriously as a nation.

“To put in the kind of performances that we have, I couldn't be any happier and prouder of the guys. It just proves the great depth we have in Australian cricket.”

Glenn Maxwell was adjudged Player of the Series after he finished as the second-highest scorer behind Guptill with 233 runs at an average of 116.50, including an unbeaten 103 against England. He also picked up three wickets.

Maxwell was most pleased about the consistency with which he performed. “We have played really well right throughout the series. Good, consistent T20 cricket, which is what we were searching to do," said Maxwell. "I have been consistent this series, which is handy for a guy coming in the middle-order. Sometimes, it’s not the easiest place to be consistent. Very pleased with the performance.”