Aussie fans, media refuse to admit Twenty20 defeat against New Zealand

Christchurch, Mar 1: Australian cricket fans and media seem to be in denial over their defeat in the high-scoring Twenty20 International against New Zealand in Christchurch on Sunday.

New Zealand claimed a sensational victory over Australia after the tied game was decided in a ‘super over’ eliminator, which also ended Australia’s unbeaten run this summer.

Having witnessed the Aussies romp through home series’ against West Indies and Pakistan, some fans are taking the loss to Black Caps particularly hard and venting their frustrations in a Daily Telegraph forum on the game.

“A draw... this is the closest the Kiwis will get to beating Australia,” The New Zealand Herald quoted Simmo of Sydney, as saying.

“Hello - did you morons not watch the game - it was a tie! Aussies are still undefeated this summer! That stupid 1-1 ‘match’ they played afterwards was the most stupidest thing I have ever witnessed!!!” DrewP added.

New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum smashed an unbeaten 116 of 56 balls with 12 fours and eight sixes as the Black Caps scored 214-6 from their 20 overs.

In reply, Australia kept their cool as they stared at the biggest run chase in Twenty20 history, and came up one run short to also finish on 214-4, leaving the match tied.

Needing 12 to win from the final over by Tim Southee, Australia scored 11 with skipper Michael Clarke run out off the final ball chasing a third run.

Though McCullum set up New Zealand’s score by smashing the second highest score in Twenty20 internationals, it was fast bowler Tim Southee who led the Black Caps to the historic win.

Southee produced a superb spell, and restricted the Australians to six runs for the loss of one wicket off his over, which was chased down by McCullum and Martin Guptill with three balls to spare off Shaun Tait.

Tait was the complete opposite to Southee, bowling two wides to hand New Zealand the momentum heading into the five-match ODI series.

“Tait was given the responsibility of bowling the return over, and it wasn''t one of his best,” wrote the Sydney Morning Herald’s Will Swanton under the headline “Tait loses the plot as McCullum plunders ton”.