Australia Makes Unwanted T20I History, Concedes 200+ Runs in Four Consecutive Matches
Australia has made an unprecedented mark in T20 International (T20I) cricket by becoming the first team ever to concede 200+ runs in four consecutive matches. This dubious achievement was realized during their encounter against New Zealand in the first T20I of the 3-match series.
In the match held at Wellington, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 215-3 within the stipulated 20 overs. Opener Devon Conway contributed 63 runs (5 fours, 2 sixes), while Rachin Ravindra, batting at one-down, accumulated 68 runs (2 fours, 6 sixes).
Pat Cummins, Australia’s Test captain, emerged as the most expensive bowler with figures of 4-0-43-1. Other Australian bowlers such as Adam Zampa (3-0-42-0), Glenn Maxwell (2-0-32-0), and Mitchell Starc (4-0-39-1) also struggled to contain the opposition.
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Prior to the New Zealand match, Australia faced West Indies in a 3-match T20I series, conceding 200+ runs in each encounter: 202-8, 207-9, and 220-6. Despite conceding such high totals, Australia managed to clinch the series with a 2-1 victory.
While New Zealand is renowned for its batting-friendly T20 conditions, with ground dimensions and pitch conditions favoring high scores, Australia’s failure to contain the opposition in their home conditions comes as a surprise. Despite having larger grounds compared to New Zealand, the consecutive 200+ run totals suggest a notable shift in strategy from the Australian team.