Australia beat New Zealand despite Robinson century

Mount Maunganui’s first T20I

New Zealand 181-6 (20 overs): Robinson 106 (66), Dwarshuis 2-40

Australia 185-4 (16.3 overs): Marsh 85 (43), Henry 2-43

By six wickets, Australia won.

Tim Robinson’s century was in vain as Australia won the first T20 match in Mount Maunganui by six wickets.

Rachin Ravindra, an all-star pitcher, was declared out of the series after suffering a significant laceration to his face during fielding practice on Tuesday, making Robinson a late addition to the team.

To save New Zealand from a top-order collapse, Robinson, who is playing his 13th T20I, scored an unbeaten 106 runs on 66 balls, including six fours and five sixes.

Before Robinson’s maiden international century helped the Black Caps resurrect their innings at 6-3 following Josh Hazlewood’s removal of Tim Seifert in the opening over and Devon Conway and Mark Chapman’s two strikes in two balls, the Black Caps defeated them to reach a 6-3 lead.

With 21 balls left, Australia overtook the field thanks to Tim David and Marcus Stoinis.