Australia Beat New Zealand By 50 Runs, Series Goes Into Decider In 5th T20I

Australia crushed New Zealand by 50 runs in a low-scoring fourth Twenty20 international in Wellington Friday to level the series at 2-2. The result sets up a winner-takes-all blockbuster in the final

Finch chiseled out his 14th T20 half-century off 55 balls before cutting loose with four sixes in the final over, in which Kyle Jamieson conceded 26 runs. But he struggled for partners as the Black Caps pinned back Australia's batters with accurate bowling and a steady flow of wickets.

Despite his man-of-the-match batting performance, Finch singled out his bowling attack for praise, saying they were outstanding on a wicket that did not play as expected.

"I thought we adapted really well, it was a really polished performance with the ball," he said.

Paceman Kyle Richardson ended with the best figures of three for 19, but spinners Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa, and Glenn Maxwell all contributed with two wickets each.

Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers, claiming three for 32.