Black Caps secure maiden T20 series victory over Australia with crushing win

The Black Caps have secured their maiden T20 series victory over Australia after trumping their trans-Tasman rivals in Sunday's decider.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 03: Glenn Maxwell of Australia looks on during game three of the International T20 series between New Zealand Blackcaps and Australia at Sky Stadium on March 03, 2021 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

The Black Caps have secured their first ever T20 series victory over Australia with a seven-wicket win in Wellington on Sunday afternoon.

With the series evenly-poised as 2-2, New Zealand managed to chase down Australia’s total with 27 balls to spare at Sky Stadium, opening batsman Martin Guptill top-scoring with 71.

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Australia won the toss and batted first, with young gun Josh Philippe removed cheaply in the Powerplay.

The experienced duo of Aaron Finch and Matthew Wade steadied the ship before the Australia middle order collapsed.

New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi claimed 3/24 as the visitors registered an underwhelming total of 8/142.

“Australia just lost wickets at important times,” former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin said on Fox Cricket.

“I thought (New Zealand captain Kane) Williamson captained really well, he changed his bowlers, they won big moments.”

In response, Black Caps openers Devon Conway and Guptill pummelled 51 runs from the first six overs to put the hosts in a commanding position.

Guptill took a particular liking to Adam Zampa’s bowling, smacking three sixes off a single over to bring up his half-century.

Any cricket win against Australia shouldn’t be sneezed at. Any series win should be commended #NZvAUS

— Guy Heveldt (@GuyHeveldt) March 7, 2021

That's a pretty significant performance from New Zealand. A demolition job on Australia#NZvAUS

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) March 7, 2021

Well, that was emphatic. Begs the question, is Australia’s best side good enough to beat this excellent NZ unit?

— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) March 7, 2021

Their partnership passed 100 before Conway was eventually dismissed by Aussie speedster Riley Meredith for 36.

Meredith then found himself on a hat-trick after removing opposition skipper Kane Williamson for a golden duck, trapped in front LBW.

Guptill eventually departed for 71, but the late dismissal wasn't enough for the Australians to muster a comeback.

Glenn Phillips (34 not out off 16 ball) clobbered another two sixes off Zampa to put the icing on the cake.