In the opening T20 World Cup 2022 super 12 stage match, on October 22, New Zealand scored 200/3 against Australia. It is New Zealand’s highest total in the history of the T20 World Cup. Notably, the Kiwis’ previous highest score in a T20 World Cup was 198/5 against Ireland on June 11, 2009.

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New Zealand defeated Australia, the reigning champion, by 89 runs in Sydney. Devon Conway, a wicketkeeper-batter, batted through all 20 overs to make 92 and pose a question to Australia. Are you capable of scoring the highest total ever made in this nation to win a T20I? The response was, well… 

It was in December 2011 that New Zealand last defeated Australia in Australia. After 15 matches, they’ve finally followed it up with a performance that may make it all worthwhile. The 31-year-old left-handed opener, Conway, played some sublime shots in a 58-ball knock that included seven fours and two sixes and took New Zealand to an imposing 200 for three.

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Further, a sensational 16-ball 42 from rising T20 star Finn Allen provided Kiwis an explosive start. Moreover, Kiwi pacer Tim Southee (2.1-0-6-3) set the tone early on before left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner (4-0-31-3) snagged the Aussies with a clever variation to turn the game around. Australia was beaten for 111 runs in 17.1 overs, their second-heaviest T20I defeat in terms of runs. This was also Australia’s first defeat in any format against New Zealand in Australia since 2011. After Tim David (11) became Santner’s third victim, the Aussies lost half of their side in 10.2 overs.

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Southee dismissed David Warner in the second over after his pull shot bounced off his leg, arm, and bat before unsettling the stumps. Despite the significant setback, the defending champions were quick to regroup, with Mitchell Marsh hitting some stunning shots, including a spectacular six over covers against Santner.

Glenn Phillips’ Superman-like catch triggered a collapse just as the hosts appeared to be getting into a rhythm with the experienced duo of Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell in the middle. Australia looked out of place without their star batter, Steve Smith.