NZ vs AUS: Fans go crazy as Mitchell Marsh’s blazing 85 outshines Tim Robinson’s maiden ton in T20I opener

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Australia registered a comprehensive win in the first T20I of the three-match series against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on Wednesday, October 1.

New Zealand opener Tim Robinson lit up the innings with a remarkable 106 not out off 66 balls, his maiden T20I century, as the hosts posted 181/6 in 20 overs against Australia. Robinson’s innings, laced with six fours and five sixes, came after a top-order collapse that saw New Zealand slump to 6/3 inside the second over.

The recovery was anchored by Robinson and Daryl Mitchell, who contributed a valuable 34 off 23 deliveries in a 92-run partnership. Late cameos from Bevon Jacobs (20 off 21) and skipper Michael Bracewell (7 off 4) pushed the score past 180.

Australia’s bowling effort was led by Josh Hazlewood (1/23), who bowled with precision, while Ben Dwarshuis (2/40) picked up key wickets but proved expensive. Adam Zampa’s 4-0-27-0 spell applied control in the middle overs, though Robinson remained immovable.

Chasing 182, Australia got off to a flying start with Mitchell Marsh leading from the front. The captain smashed a blistering 85 off 43 balls, including nine fours and five sixes, at a staggering strike rate of nearly 200.

He was ably supported by Travis Head (31 off 18) and Matthew Short (29 off 18), both attacking the New Zealand bowlers in the powerplay. By the halfway stage, Australia crossed 100, putting the chase well within reach.

With the platform set, Tim David (21 not out off 12) and Marcus Stoinis (4 not out off 1) finished the chase in style, bringing Australia home at 185/4 in just 16.3 overs, winning by six wickets.

The Kiwi attack failed to stem the flow of runs, with Matt Henry (2/43) picking up both Marsh and Head but at a high cost. Kyle Jamieson (1/46) and Zakary Foulkes (1/35 in 2.3 overs) also struck, but Australia’s power hitters maintained control throughout.

Jacob Duffy and captain Michael Bracewell were unable to apply pressure, conceding at over nine runs an over. Australia’s calculated aggression ensured there were no late hiccups.

Also READ: NZ vs AUS – Fans react as Tim Robinson smashes maiden T20I century against Australia

🚨AUSTRALIA CHASED DOWN THE TARGET OF 181 IN JUST 17OVERS 🚨

Mitchell marsh with the bat went crazy score 85/43 🤯🔥#AUSvNZ

— Dr.Siddu Patil (@Siddurp2) October 1, 2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 charged & how 🦬🔥

Mitchell Marsh at his best made an absolute mockery of the chase in #NZvAUS 1st T20I 🤯#SonyLIV

— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) October 1, 2025

"MITCHELL MARSH 🔥 85 off 43! 9️⃣ FOURS, 5️⃣ SIXES. Captain leading from the front 🤯💥 #CricketFever #CaptainGoals"

— Saurabh Kumar (@iamsaurabh1818) October 1, 2025

A Dominant Win for Australia. Very Poor Bowling from New Zealand. Australia have won 15 T20Is out of their last 18 Matches. Mitchell Marsh is a really good captain. This Australian T20 Team is looking dangerous

— Aryan Goel (@Aryan42832Goel) October 1, 2025

Mitchell Marsh, what a powerful batter. 👏

— Faiz Fazel (@theFaizFazel) October 1, 2025

Mitchell Marsh Smashed 23 balls fifty* against New Zealand.

— Vinod (@we_knowd) October 1, 2025

MITCHELL CARNAGE MARSH!!!

Absolute butchering by the Bison!

— Ammar (@Ammarzaheer) October 1, 2025

Australia crushed New Zealand really badly in the first T20I. One could imagine how they're gonna perform in the upcoming World T20 🥶#AUSvNZ

— Random (@Random144729) October 1, 2025

A loss in the first T20I, a poor start with the bat but a good comeback with the bat led by Tim Robinson's maiden Int'l hundred. But a disappointing bowling effort defending the sub-par total. All the best Blackcaps for the next game.#BACKTHEBLACKCAPS #NZvAUS

— Dheeraj 𝕏 (@Dheeraj_Nayak22) October 1, 2025

Kudos to Tim Robinson for his maiden international century! Shouldn't have come against Australia though.

— Sharon Solomon (@BSharan_6) October 1, 2025

Also WATCH: Ben Dwarshuis cleans up Devon Conway with a beauty in NZ vs AUS 1st T20I