Australia has successfully retained the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy following the abandonment of their second Twenty20 International against New Zealand due to heavy rain on Friday in Mount Maunganui. Only a mere two overs of play were possible before the match was ultimately called off.
Initially, the contest at Bay Oval was reduced to nine overs per side after a significant rain delay of over two hours. However, persistent wet weather returned shortly after Australia had scored 15 runs for the loss of one wicket, with captain Mitchell Marsh remaining unbeaten on eight runs.
Having convincingly won the opening game by six wickets on Wednesday, Australia`s status as the reigning trophy holders guaranteed their retention of the prestigious award. This means the outcome of the third and final T20I, also scheduled at Bay Oval on Saturday, will not alter their current hold on the trophy.
The Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, which is fiercely contested in limited-overs series between these two long-standing cricket rivals, has been under Australia`s stewardship since 2019.
