Australia secures 3-0 series sweep over New Zealand in rain-hit T20I

Australia beat New Zealand by 27 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) system in the heavily rain-affected third T20I Sunday to complete a 3-0 sweep in the series.

With the rain threat looming, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss in his 100th T20I and sent Australia in.

Australia’s innings was interrupted three times by rain and finally terminated after 10.4 overs when they were 118/4. New Zealand were set a target of 126 to win in 10 overs under the DLS system.

But New Zealand botched the run chase for the second time in three days at Eden Park. Under the revised rules, Australia were allowed five bowlers who could bowl two overs each.

Spencer Johnson took 1/10 from his two overs, showing why he made $1.4 million in the IPL auction earlier this year. Nathan Ellis conceded only 11 from his two overs, Mitchell Starc only 15 and Adam Zampa took 1/20. The hosts made 98/3 in 10 overs.

“Our bowlers were unbelievable today the way they came out and executed,” Australia captain Matthew Wade said. “We’ve got depth in our squad and everyone’s enjoying their cricket.”