New Zealand vs Australia, Final - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: England, Australia, New Zealand T20I Tri-Series, 2018 Venue: Eden Park, Auckland Date & Time: Feb 21, 07:00 PM LOCAL

David Warner's inventive captaincy has been inspirational. © Getty

AUSTRALIA RISE TO THE TOP AFTER 19-RUN WIN!That's that then. Handshakes mean that the game has been called off due to rain. Australia were comfortably placed anyway and well ahead. Pick up a win by 19 runs via the DLS method. They, therefore, remain unbeaten through the tournament and also rise to the No.1 ranking in T20Is, joint with Pakistan, following a six-match unbeaten streak - their best.

Australia were always ahead in the final after those clump of wickets that New Zealand lost after a strong start. A target of 150 wasn't going to challenge them massively, given the nature of their chases all series. But to give credit where due, New Zealand bounced back rather well in the middle to Short, Warner and Agar in quick succession after the first rain interruption. Maxwell and Finch then accelerated after a period of caution before the next bout of rain which ended proceedings eventually.

This is New Zealand's third loss in a row, but can't take anything away from Australia who have been clinical with David Warner's inspirational captaincy leading the way. Agar has been named the Man of the Match for his 3 for 27. And all-round Glenn Maxwell, the Man of the Series, for his consistent runs, fielding and with the ball when required.

Thank you for your company today. Although it was a shortened game, there was enough entertainment.

Covers are coming off now..

Rain is back in Auckland!Players running off...

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HERE WE GO:Billy Stanlake starts off with a wide! Extras to get the scoreboard ticking.

Teams:

New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(c), Mark Chapman, Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Seifert(w), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi

Australia (Playing XI): David Warner(c), D Arcy Short, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey(w), Ashton Agar, Andrew Tye, Kane Richardson, Billy Stanlake

New Zealand's Kane Williamson has won the toss and has opted to bat in the final.The wicket being used in this final is the same that was used the other day in the run-fest between the sides.

Good morning and welcome to final of the Trans-Tasman T20 tri-series between hosts New Zealand and Australia at the tiny Eden Park! The two sides clashed at the same venue last Friday and produced a run-fest with the Australia, who are unbeaten in the competition so far, successfully chasing down a record target of 244, owing to their new-found spunk in T20 thanks to players straight out of the Big Bash League.

Australia go in as favourites, and are also with the chance of leapfrogging into the No.1 T20 ranking having started the tournament at No.7. A victory here would be their sixth straight equalling their best-ever streak. New Zealand, on the other hand, have lost successive games after having come agonisingly close. Despite that, they would know that they are one strong performance away from claiming glory in front of their home crowd.

Join us for the toss and teams in a bit.