Blizzard of Aussies

Dubai: Australians are out to prove that they are unbeatable at home and abroad.

After a triumphant series against Pakistan and West Indies at home, they defeated New Zealand with ease in their first Twenty20 match at Wellington yesterday.

Restricting New Zealand to 118 runs, Australia won by six wickets with 24 balls to spare. It was a creditable show from Australians, who are eyeing the ICC Twenty20 World Cup, which has eluded them so far.

Australia pacers Shaun Tait began by dismissing New Zealand opener and star batsman Brendon McCullum, caught behind for 2.

Mitchell Johnson struck repeatedly. He first clean bowled Peter Ingram for 2 and trapped Ross Taylor leg before for 9.

Three down for 33, James Franklin joined Martin Guptill and took the score to 54. Johnson struck again and had Guptill caught by Shane Watson for 30.

Gareth Hopkins and Franklin steered New Zealand pas the 100 run mark.

Watson had Hopkins caught behind for 21 while Dirk Nannes struck twice to remove Jacob Oram and Nathan McCullum in quick succession.

Franklin, who top scored with 43, became a Tait victim and New Zealand was bowled out for a small total.

Australia began their chase through openers David Warner and Shane Watson putting on 38 runs. Shane Bond clean bowled Warner for 19 while Dainel Vettori trapped Watson leg before for 19.

Johnson, who was promoted up the order, too got clean bowled by Bond for 1.

David Hussey joined Michael Clarke and put on 67 runs for the fourth wicket to ensure victory. Hussey hit 46 off 36 balls with five boundaries while Clarke who played second fiddle remained unbeaten on 18.