World Twenty20: New Zealand defend 142-run total against Australia, go top of group

New Delhi: New Zealand pulled off another stunning win in the ICC World Twenty20, beating Australia by eight runs in Dharamsala.

Batting first, the Kiwis posted a tricky total of 142 on the board. Considering they were 58 for no loss after the power play, Steve Smith's men did a commendable job to restrict the New Zealand batsmen.

Martin Guptill top scored for BlackCaps with a 39-run knock. Glenn Maxwell and James Faulkner grabbed two wickets each for the bowling side.

Usman Khawaja looked in supreme touch at the top of the Aussie innings, scoring 38 off 27 deliveries.

However, star players Shane Watson, Steve Smith and David Warner got out in quick succession to give New Zealand the edge.

Despite the stand between Maxwell and Marsh threatening to take the game away, Williamson's side stuck to their plans and were rewarded,

Man-of-the-match Mitchell McClenaghan bowled the 19th over of the match and sealed the fate of the Aussies.

The left-arm pacer conceded just 3 runs and took two wickets in that over to virtually end Australia's hopes of a win.

New Zealand are now top of their group with two wins in two games.