The power-play overs were effectively used by New Zealand’s opener Finn Allen, who got off to a strong start. A total of 29 runs were scored in just two overs thanks to the opening Kiwi batsmen’s ability to hit three fours in their second over. The final option for skipper Finch was Pat Cummins, who similarly failed to deliver a significant spell for the visiting team. In the third over of the first innings, Pat Cummins gave up 17 runs as the Kiwis got close to a rapid 50-run partnership. Marcus Stoinis was brought in by skipper Finch who could not manage to restrict the fierce partnership which went beyond 50 runs.