Australia’s decision to bowl first in the opening T20I at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, paid off instantly. Skipper Mitchell Marsh called it right at the toss, and Josh Hazlewood wasted no time in making an impact. In windy conditions, the pacer struck with just the second ball of the game, dismissing opener Tim Seifert to hand New Zealand an early setback.
The pressure only mounted as Ben Dwarshuis backed up Hazlewood’s breakthrough with a fiery over of his own. After conceding singles off his first two deliveries, the left-arm quick adjusted brilliantly to the conditions, finding the right length to trouble the batters. His persistence soon yielded a double blow that left the hosts reeling at 6 for 3 inside two overs.
Devon Conway became Dwarshuis’s prime victim. Attempting to charge down the pitch to counter the movement, Conway misjudged completely. The ball swung past his bat and crashed into middle stump, sending the timber flying in spectacular fashion.
— Symonds (@Symonds716624) October 1, 2025
The dismissal brought visible delight to Dwarshuis, who celebrated with passion as the Australians gathered around him. For Conway, the shock was clear as he stood momentarily in disbelief before beginning the long, disappointed walk back to the pavilion.
The sight of stumps cartwheeling reminded fans of Mitchell Starc’s trademark dismissals, and Twitter was quick to draw the comparison. Social media lit up with praise for Dwarshuis, whose fiery burst gave Australia the perfect start against their Trans-Tasman rivals.