Aussies defeat England in record highest T20I chase

Chennai [India], Feb 16 (ANI): Australia pulled off a world-record run chase in the fifth T20I of the tri-series in Auckland as they defeated New Zealand by five wickets to reduce Martin Guptill's ton to a footnote.

Eden Park stands witnessed 32 sixes - equaling the T20I record - as the ground became a batting paradise.

Chasing 243 runs put by New Zealand, the hosts touched the target with the help of aggressive half-centuries from D'Arcy Short and David Warner, with seven balls to spare.

After a strong start, the middle-order batsmen comfortably finished down the chase for Australia.

Chris Lynn hit 18 while Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Finch struck 31 and 36 respectively.

For New Zealand, Guptill hit a quick fire of 105 runs off 49 balls to post their joint-highest total in T20 cricket.

With this knock, the opener broke Brendon McCullum's record of the fastest ever century by a Kiwi batsman.

Australia's win here means England can qualify for the final by beating New Zealand in the last league game of the tri-series which also includes England. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI