There are moments in cricket that just get your heart pumping, and fast bowlers uprooting stumps is right at the top of that list. We got to witness one of those electric moments in the first T20I between New Zealand and Australia at the Bay Oval. It was an absolute masterclass from Aussie pacer Ben Dwarshuis, who delivered a spell that left fans and players alike in complete awe.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis delivered a stunning double-wicket over against New Zealand.
- ✓ He spectacularly bowled Devon Conway, sending his middle stump cartwheeling.
- ✓ On the very next ball, he dismissed Kiwi skipper Mark Chapman for a golden duck.
- ✓ A crucial and confident review, prompted by wicketkeeper Alex Carey, secured the Chapman wicket.
- ✓ New Zealand was left reeling at a shocking 6/3 inside the first two overs of the match.
A Starc-Esque Delivery Sends Stumps Flying
Let me set the scene for you. The three-match series kicked off in Mount Maunganui on October 1st, and the conditions were described as "blustery." Aussie skipper Mitchell Marsh won the toss and, quite wisely, chose to bowl first. The decision paid off almost immediately when Josh Hazlewood struck on the second ball of the game, sending Tim Seifert back to the pavilion.
But the real fireworks started in the second over. Enter Ben Dwarshuis. The left-arm seamer produced a delivery that cricket fans will be replaying for a long, long time. On his third ball, he pitched it full, aimed right at the stumps with just a hint of inward movement. The Kiwi opener, Devon Conway, a man usually so composed, decided to charge down the deck to counter the swing.
It was a fatal misjudgment. The ball swung away from his bat, completely beating him, and crashed into the middle stump. And when I say crashed, I mean it sent the timber for a "ground tour." The stump went flying, cartwheeling in a way that is pure poetry for a fast bowler. Dwarshuis was visibly elated, and you could feel the excitement ripple through the Aussie team. For Conway, it was a long, lonely walk back, his face a picture of disbelief. Twitter immediately lit up, with everyone comparing the incredible sight to the work of another famous Aussie left-armer, Mitchell Starc.
The Drama Continues: A Golden Duck and a Crucial Review
You’d think the drama would end there, but Dwarshuis wasn't done yet. The very next ball, New Zealand’s skipper Mark Chapman walked to the crease under immense pressure. The hosts were already in deep trouble, and Chapman's job was to steady the ship. Instead, his stay was brutally short.
Dwarshuis bowled a good length delivery that swung slightly down the leg side. Chapman tried to glance it fine, a standard shot, but something went wrong. He got a faint inside edge, and the ball nestled safely into the gloves of wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Here's where it gets interesting: the on-field umpire was unmoved. Neither the bowler nor the keeper seemed entirely convinced at first, but Carey’s instincts told him something was there.
Carey's Conviction Changes Everything
This is where the thankless job of a wicketkeeper truly shines. Captain Mitchell Marsh rushed in to consult his players. Dwarshuis himself was uncertain about whether to push for a review. But Alex Carey stood his ground. He was confident he heard a nick. His "decisive words" were enough to convince Marsh to challenge the call.
The decision to go upstairs turned out to be spot-on. The replays rolled, and UltraEdge confirmed a thin spike as the ball passed the bat. Chapman was out for a golden duck, and his shock was evident. Carey's conviction was vindicated, and the players immediately acknowledged his brilliant call. It was a wicket that belonged as much to the keeper as it did to the bowler, a perfect example of teamwork under pressure.
Australia Dominates the Powerplay
With those two quick wickets, Dwarshuis had completely dismantled the Kiwi top order. By the end of just 1.4 overs, New Zealand found themselves in a catastrophic position at 6/3. This double strike from Dwarshuis put Australia firmly in control of the match right from the get-go. His ability to move the ball both ways was a nightmare for the Kiwi batters.
The early collapse highlighted the inexperience in New Zealand’s batting lineup, especially with some of their senior players absent. Losing Conway, their anchor at the top, was a massive setback. The disciplined bowling attack from the Aussies ensured the hosts never got a chance to settle, and the pressure just kept mounting during the crucial powerplay overs.
It’s worth noting that despite this horror start, New Zealand did manage to stage a fightback. Thanks to a dazzling century from Tim Robinson, who scored an unbeaten 106 off 66 balls, they eventually posted a respectable total of 181/6. However, that initial damage done by Dwarshuis in the opening overs was something they could never fully recover from and it ultimately set the tone for the entire match.
Conclusion
The bottom line is, this opening T20I in the Trans-Tasman series gave us a truly memorable moment of fast bowling. Ben Dwarshuis's fiery spell, especially that unforgettable dismissal of Devon Conway, was a sight to behold. It was raw, powerful, and a perfect display of skill in challenging conditions. When you add in the drama of the very next ball and Alex Carey’s sharp-witted review, you get a passage of play that perfectly encapsulates why we love this game so much.
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