New Zealand remained on course to book their spot in the semifinals after defeating Australia by eight runs in their second group stage match of the World Twenty20 in Dharamsala on Friday.
Opting to bat first, New Zealand made 142 for eight in their stipulated 20 overs, courtesy of hard-hitting opener Martin Guptill’s brisk 27-ball 39.
Grant Elliott (27), Colin Munro (23) and skipper Kane Williamson (24) were among the other notable scorers for New Zealand.
In reply, Australia failed to capitalise on a good start provided by opener Usman Khawaja (38) and could only make 134 for nine in their allotted 20 overs.
Kiwi spinners Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi played a vital role in dismantling Australia‘s middle-order batsmen.
While captain Steve Smith (6) and David Warner (6) fell in quick succession off Santner’s deliveries, swashbuckling batsman Glenn Maxwell was dismissed for 23 by Sodhi.
Subsequently, paceman Mitch McClenaghan, who was adjudged as the Player of the Match, tightened grip on the opposition by returning figures of 3-17. He scalped the wickets of Shane Watson, Mitch Marsh and Ashton Agar.
Earlier, New Zealand claimed an upset win over tournament favourites and hosts India in the opening match.
They will next take on Pakistan in Mohali on Tuesday. (ANI)