Australia secured the inaugural Kiwi-Kangaroo Series 2026 with a commanding five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second T10 international at The Gabba, Brisbane. Chasing a modest target of 111, the hosts recovered from an early wobble thanks to a breathtaking unbeaten innings from Glenn Maxwell, whose explosive knock ensured Australia wrapped up the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead.
After being asked to bat, New Zealand endured a disastrous start as Josh Hazlewood removed Finn Allen in the opening over before Tim Seifert was run out. The early double blow left the visitors under immense pressure, but Devon Conway counterattacked brilliantly. The left-hander smashed 37 runs from just 15 balls, striking four boundaries and three sixes to briefly revive New Zealand’s innings with his aggressive stroke play.
However, Australia’s bowlers quickly regained control. Cameron Green dismissed both Conway and Tom Blundell, while Mitch Marsh removed Rachin Ravindra for a duck to leave New Zealand reeling at 58 for 5. Adam Zampa then joined the party, claiming two wickets in a single over, and Ben Dwarshuis cleaned up the lower order with two late strikes. Mitchell Santner fought until the end with an unbeaten 12 from five balls, but New Zealand were bundled out for 110 in just nine overs, falling one over short of their allotted innings.
Australia’s disciplined bowling attack was the foundation of the victory. Cameron Green and Ben Dwarshuis claimed two wickets each, while Marsh, Hazlewood, and Zampa chipped in with one or two wickets apiece. Their combined effort never allowed New Zealand to build a substantial partnership after Conway’s resistance.
The chase, though ultimately successful, did not begin according to plan for Australia. Captain Mitch Marsh departed for just one, Cooper Connolly followed shortly after, and Steve Smith’s brisk 18 off seven deliveries ended before he could dominate. Alex Carey also fell cheaply, reducing Australia to 48 for 4 and briefly giving New Zealand hope of leveling the series.
That hope vanished the moment Glenn Maxwell found his rhythm. Producing one of the finest T10 innings of his career, Maxwell unleashed an extraordinary display of power-hitting, remaining unbeaten on 65 from just 19 balls. His innings featured two fours and eight towering sixes, scoring at a phenomenal strike rate of 342.11. Every over shifted the momentum further towards Australia as Maxwell dismantled the New Zealand attack with trademark innovation and fearless aggression.
Although Cameron Green was run out late in the chase, Maxwell remained composed and finished the contest in style, guiding Australia to 111 for 5 in just 6.5 overs with more than three overs to spare. His match-winning heroics earned him both the Player of the Match award and the highest Impact Points rating of the contest.
For New Zealand, Kyle Jamieson impressed with two wickets while Jacob Duffy and Ben Sears picked up one apiece, but their efforts proved insufficient against Maxwell’s relentless assault. Devon Conway’s attacking innings was the lone bright spot with the bat as the visitors struggled to build partnerships throughout their innings.
With consecutive victories in the opening two matches, Australia have officially claimed the Kiwi-Kangaroo Series 2026. Their dominance has been built on disciplined bowling, explosive batting, and match-winning performances from different players in each game. While Mitch Marsh starred in the opener with a superb all-round display, it was Glenn Maxwell’s unforgettable masterclass at The Gabba that sealed the trophy, leaving Australia eyeing a clean sweep in the final match while New Zealand search for a consolation victory.