Australia chase down New Zealand's 244 to set new T20 record

Australia's total of five for 245 exceeds the previous record chase of 244 set by India against the West Indies in 2016.

Australia set a new Twenty20 run chase record of 245 Friday to beat New Zealand by five wickets in the fifth match of the T20 tri-series in Auckland. (Photo | AFP) 

The Black Caps set an imposing target of 244 on the back of a century to Martin Guptill but the Australians overhauled it with seven balls to spare. (Photo | AFP)

Martin Guptill's 49-ball century was New Zealand's fastest T20 ton and the team total of 243 equalled the highest posted by the Black Caps. The unlucky Guptill also become international T20's highest run scorer after making 105 off 54 balls. It took his international T20 career total to 2,188 runs, surpassing compatriot Brendon McCullum's 2,140, with India's Virat Kohli the next highest on the all-time list with 1,956. (Photo | AFP)

Guptill plundered nine sixes and six fours after New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat, supported by fellow opener Colin Munro, who made 76 off 33 balls. (Photo | AFP)

Australia made a flying start in reply, with openers David Warner and D'arcy Short racing to 51 without loss after four overs. (Photo | AFP)

Warner's half century came off just 20 balls and the partnership reached 121 before spinner Ish Sodhi bowled the Australian captain on 59. His departure did not slow down Short, who anchored the innings with 76 from 44 to earn the man-of-the match award. (Photo | AFP)