NEW DELHI: Australia completed a clean sweep of the T20I series against New Zealand with a 27-run victory in a rain-shortened third Twenty20 match in Auckland on Sunday.
After Australia set a target of 126 off 10 overs, under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, New Zealand managed 98/3 in their chase, falling short despite Glenn Phillips' unbeaten knock of 40 off 24 balls.
SCORECARD: New Zealand vs Australia 3rd T20I
Australian pace bowler Spencer Johnson made an impressive debut in the series, claiming figures of 1-10 off his two overs.
Rain interruptions affected Australia's innings, which saw them post 118/4 from 10.4 overs after being asked to bat first at Eden Park.
Travis Head top-scored with 33 off 30 balls, while Matthew Short and Glenn Maxwell provided quick runs with 27 off 11 balls and 20 off nine balls, respectively.
The series saw Australia dominate, winning the opener by six wickets in Wellington and securing a 72-run victory in the second game in Auckland.
New Zealand faced challenges due to injuries that sidelined key batsmen Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, and Devon Conway at various stages, while veteran Kane Williamson was absent due to the birth of his child.
Both teams utilized the series as preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in the United States and the West Indies in June.
The focus now shifts to the Test series between the two sides, with the first Test of the two-match series set to commence in Wellington on Thursday.
(With inputs from AFP)
