New Zealand v Australia T20 series: Kiwis claim last-ball win

Australia lost, won, then lost again in the final over of the second T20 clash with New Zealand as the Kiwis secured victory after a stunning last six balls in Napier.

The result rollercoaster actually tilted both team’s way at stages in the final 20 balls before a french cut for four, off the final ball of the final over, delivered the home team a series-levelling win.

The Kiwis were cruising at 2-81 in the 11th over, chasing a below-par Aussie total of 4-129, before a batting collapse put the visitors on top.

Aussie seamer Megan Schutt took two wickets in two balls and New Zealand went from 2-81 and flying to 6-101 and battling.

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The Kiwis needed 29 runs off the final three overs, with two brand new batters at the crease.

But Maddy Green and Hannah Rowe smashed five fours between them, and took 12 off the penultimate over form Schutt, to put victory within their grasp.

Nicola Carey was preferred to Ellyse Perry to bowl the final six balls, and was hit for four straight away, leaving a target of five runs from four balls for victory.

But Carey held her nerve, bowling two dots, and giving up just three singles, meaning the Kiwis needed three runs from the final ball to level the series.

French cut for the win – NZ win off the final ball to level the series 1-1 #NZvAUSpic.twitter.com/8mzNYD8L3Z

Carey bowled it full, Green got an edge and it ran between the keeper and short fine leg, all the way to the boundary for a special victory.

“I’d back our bowlers to defend 21 off 12 … but when you need three off the last four balls it can go either way,” Aussie opener Beth Mooney said.

The agony and ecstasy of New Zealand’s last-ball win.Source:Supplied

Mooney was the only Aussie batter to get going, notching 61 not out from 54 balls.

Teenage fast bowler Darcie Brown made her international debut as the Aussies bowled, and collected her maiden wicket for Australia.

Brown, who only turned 18 this month, was presented her cap by fellow South Australian in Schutt.

She was preferred to fellow fats bowler Tayla Vlaeminck, who coach Matthew Mott said would only play three or four matches during the three T20I and three ODI tour.

But Perry, who didn’t bowl in the opening game, was again limited to just one over as the Kiwis took the attack to the Aussies, getting on top early before needing the spectacular late hitting to get home.

The series will now go to Eden Park in Auckland for the deciding game on Friday.

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Congratulations to Australian T20I Cap #54, Darcie Brown.

South Australian legend, Lauren Ebsary, says Darcie has the potential to be a 'tearaway.' Read more: https://t.co/sfQ7dJ6zTl.#NZvAUSpic.twitter.com/xdgdF2skZF

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