Power hitters Chris Lynn and Glenn Maxwell propelled Australia to a convincing seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first tri-series Twenty20 match here on Saturday.
Lynn (44 runs from 33 balls) and Maxwell (40 not out from 24 balls) shared a scorching 77-run stand from just 53 balls to steer Australia to the rain-reduced total of 95 from 15 overs with 21 balls to spare.
Australia’s victory was earlier set up by towering paceman Billy Stanlake whose fierce pace justified Warner’s decision to bowl first, as he wrecked New Zealand’s top order with three wickets in the space of his first eight balls.
Andrew Tye claimed four wickets as Australia restricted New Zealand to a below-par 117 for nine off 20 overs.
Tye mopped up the Kiwi tail to finish with four wickets for 23.
Australia had New Zealand at 60 for five before Colin de Grandhomme hit an unbeaten 38 from 24 balls with three sixes and a four.
Australia plays England in the second match in Hobart on Wednesday.
The scores: New Zealand 117 for nine in 20 overs (C. de Grandhomme 38 n.o, Stanlake three for 15, Tye four for 23) lost to Australia 96 for three wkts. in 11.3 overs (C. Lynn 44, G. Maxwell 40 n.o, Boult two for 14). Target revised to 95 in 15 overs.
