Australia beat New Zealand by 27 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) system in the heavily rain-affected third T20I Sunday to complete a 3-0 sweep in the series.
With the rain threat looming, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss in his 100th T20I and sent Australia in.
Australia's innings was interrupted three times by rain and finally terminated after 10.4 overs when they were 118/4. New Zealand were set a target of 126 to win in 10 overs under the DLS system.
But New Zealand botched the run chase for the second time in three days at Eden Park. Under the revised rules, Australia were allowed five bowlers who could bowl two overs each.
Spencer Johnson took 1/10 from his two overs, showing why he made $1.4 million in the IPL auction earlier this year. Nathan Ellis conceded only 11 from his two overs, Mitchell Starc only 15 and Adam Zampa took 1/20. The hosts made 98/3 in 10 overs.
“Our bowlers were unbelievable today the way they came out and executed,” Australia captain Matthew Wade said. “We've got depth in our squad and everyone's enjoying their cricket.”
Australia should have been massively disadvantaged by the fact that their innings was abruptly ended after only 10 overs when it had been playing for 20. But thanks to Matthew Short and Travis Head, who made 33 from 30 balls, and Glenn Maxwell who made 20 off 9 after being dropped first ball, Australia already were 67/2 after their six-over Powerplay.
New Zealand couldn't match the clinical aggression of the Australian batters. Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman faced most of the last five overs, but didn't get consistent boundaries.
Brief scores: Australia 118/4 in 10.4 ovs (Travis Head 33, Matthew Short 27). New Zealand 98/3 (target 126) in 10 ovs (Glenn Phillips 40 n.o.). Australia won by 27 runs (DLS method).