Auckland, Nov 27 (UNI) Kieron Pollard's blitz went in vain as Jimmy Neesham (48), Devon Conway (41) and Mitchell Santner (31) joined hands in the run-chase to give New Zealand a five-wicket win in the first T20I on Friday.
Chasing 176 in 16 overs, New Zealand were 63/4 at one point before debutant Conway and Neesham resurrected the innings with a rapid partnership of 77 in 35 balls.
Conway showed excellent composure amidst the quick wickets lost, while Neesham started off with a bang, hitting two fours off his first two balls. He went on to hammer 23 runs in a Kesrick Williams over to bring the required run-rate down.