New Zealand vs Australia - 2nd T20I

That's your lot for the day. We witnessed a thrilling encounter and New Zealand managed to edge out Australia to gain a 2-0 lead. The action now moves to Wellington for the third T20I and it's on 3rd March 2021. Do join us at 1900 local (0600 GMT) for the coverage. Until then, it's goodbye and cheers!

New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson starts by saying there were flashbacks of the last time (referring to Stoinis' 146 back in the 2016/17 ODI series). Mentions that it was an incredible partnership between Sams and Stoinis. Reckons that it was a pretty strong performance from New Zealand. Adds that on this ground, you are always in the game and they knew the power Australia have in their batting. States that they just wanted to execute their plans. Williamson further says that it was a fantastic atmosphere and it's great to get the result. He terms the knock of Martin Guptill as outstanding and stresses that there were a number of other contributions as well. Admits that it's not an easy thing to defend here and they have a lot of positives to take and build on for the next game.

Australia skipper, Aaron Finch says that they got back into a great position and that partnership between Sams and Stoinis was extraordinary. Calls the batting effort of Stoinis dynamic and praises Sams' effort as well. Feels that Trent Boult bowled a beautiful 18th over which halted their momentum. Mentions that it was a good game of cricket and it would have been nice to be on the winning side. Mentions that they didn't bowl too badly and it was some great batting on display by Guptill and Williamson. Calls it a wonderful place to play cricket and shares that hospitality in this country has been great.

The Player of the Match is Martin Guptill. Says that it's nice to score some runs and is happy with the win. Tells that Stoinis nearly did it against them once and he nearly pulled off this evening as well. Nice to spend some time in the middle, he adds. Shares that it was a good experience playing in front of the crowd and hopes that they enjoyed the contest.

A day to forget for the bowlers! They were taken to the cleaners in this minuscule stadium. Still, a couple of overs bowled at the death by Jhye Richardson and Kane Richardson were noteworthy. And just when it appeared that it's impossible for the spinners to succeed here, Mitchell Santner produced a magical spell to pick four wickets in the match, of which, three came in his final over. His efforts kept the Blackcaps on top although they lost the plot afterwards. Anyway, a hard-earned win for them and they will be delighted to survive the onslaught by Sams and Stoinis.

Earlier in the day, Martin Guptill returned to form and scored a fantastic 97. His century stand with Williamson took them towards a big total and Neesham's handy cameo zoomed their score to 219. Eventually, that proved to be 'just' enough to bag a win.

The chase never got going for Australia as they lost wickets at regular intervals. The writing appeared to be on the wall once Santner delivered a 3-wicket over but what we witnessed after that was scintillating. It was a stunning partnership between Sams and Stoinis as they plundered runs at will. Their 92-run stand from 40 balls revived the chase for Australia and brought them on the cusp of victory. But then, Trent Boult bowled a magnificent 18th over, giving away just 6 runs and built some pressure. Still, the touring team was in the game with 15 needed off the final over but James Neesham kept his calm and bowled a splendid over under pressure to defend the total.

Phew! What a thrilling end to the game! Heart-pumping, adrenaline rushing. New Zealand have managed to hang in there, just by the skin of their teeth. A thorough entertaining contest. Truly a high-scoring humdinger. Take a bow, New Zealand. Take a bow, Australia!

Jhye Richardson is the new batsman in.

James Neesham to bowl the pressure over. 15 needed off 6 balls. Phew! Going down to the wire.

Ish Sodhi is back on.