BLACKCAPS Beat Aussies At World T20

In a fairytale-like venue at the foot of the Himalaya, New Zealand delivered a magical performance to triumph by eight runs over Australia at the World T20.

They could well afford to be delirious in the rarefied 1457m altitude air.

Both sides duelled in the kaleidoscopic Dharamsala venue and no clear result was in prospect until the final throes.

The 19th over from Mitchell McClenaghan proved a clincher with three runs conceded and two wickets taken. A series of exquisite slower balls helped remove set batsmen Mitchell Marsh and Ashton Agar. The recalled pace bowler finished with three for 17 from three overs.

Australia were eventually restricted to 134 for nine as Corey Anderson took responsibility for the final over.

The result takes New Zealand to the top of their group. At one point, with Australia 44 without loss in the sixth over, the chance of victory looked as likely as spotting a yeti.

The Black Caps have now reached base camp in their quest for the title.

To quote hometown boy, the Dalai Lama: "It is very rare or almost impossible that an event can be negative from all points of view."

Australia could take solace that they finished within cooey.

Read the full report at NZ Herald