“Enormous hitting”: Martin Guptill returns to form despite narrowly missing 3rd T20I century in Dunedin T20I

Martin Guptill returns to form: The opening batsman from New Zealand left behind a lean patch with an archetype hard-hitting knock.

During the second T20I of the ongoing Australia’s tour of New Zealand in Dunedin, New Zealand opening batsman Martin Guptill returned to form with his 16th T20I half-century which was in touching distance of being converted into a third T20I century.

Opening the batting with wicket-keeper batsman Tim Seifert (3), Guptill put together a 131-run partnership for the second wicket alongside captain Kane Williamson (53).

Having given early hints of finding his mojo back by hitting Australia all-rounder Daniel Sams for a cover drive on the first ball that he faced, there was no stopping Guptill at the University Oval today as he soon attacked Australia pacer Jhye Richardson in the third over.

It was in the last over of the powerplay that Guptill hit a six and a four off Australia all-rounder Ashton Agar to up the ante. Guptill, who hit Australia spinner Adam Zampa for a couple of sixes in the followed over, completed a 27-ball half-century to leave the opposition in trouble after Aaron Finch won the toss and invited the hosts in to bat.

What followed was a well-set Guptill hitting four sixes off the five deliveries he faced against Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and pacer Kane Richardson.

In touching distance of completing his second T20I century against Australia, Guptill ended up hitting a Sams delivery straight to Stoinis at long off to depart for 97 (50) with the help of six fours and eight sixes whilst putting to rests doubts which had emerged around his spot in the lineup.

Martin Guptill returns to form in second T20I vs Australia

For more cricket-related news, click here.