Hussey shines in first Twenty20 International

By Jon Steer
February 17 2005

Mike Hussey started off the Australian tour of New Zealand by helping his side to victory in the first ever Twenty20 International. Hussey finished unbeaten on 31 from 15 balls.

Australia showed that their skill can translate to this ultra-short form of the game very well and will no doubt be keen to show thema gain when they meet England for a Twenty20 game during the forthcoming Ashes series.

Australia posted a total of 214 for 5 from their 120 balls. Ponting starred with the bat for Australia, finishing on 98 not out, hitting 5 sixes and 8 fours in his 55 balls. Hussey joined him in an unbeaten stand of 77, hitting 3 sixes and a four from just 15 balls.

The eleven-an-over asking rate proved too much for New Zealand despite a good start, they only managed 170 all out from their 20 overs, the damage been done in the main by Michael Kasprowicz, one of the few players with Twenty20 experiance.

The win means that Australia add to thier unique record of firsts and have now won the first ever test match, one day international and Twenty20 international.

The tour of New Zealand starts for real on Saturday with the first one day international, a day/night match at Wellington.