Australia cruised to a seven-wicket victory against New Zealand in their rain-hit Twenty20 match at the Sydney cricket Ground on Saturday.

The hosts were set a revised total of 95 from 15 overs following New Zealand’s score of 117.

And they reached their target with 21 balls still to spare despite losing captain David Warner and debutant D’Arcy Short inside the opening three overs.

Chris Lynn (44) and Glenn Maxwell (40 not out) put on a partnership of 77 to seal a crushing win.

Earlier, quick bowler Billy Stanlake took three New Zealand wickets from his first eight balls to set up Australia’s victory.

Stanlake, 23, in only his fourth international match, took the scalps of Colin Munro and Martin Guptill with consecutive balls, before removing Tom Bruce as he ended with impressive figures of three for 15.

Australia play England in the second match of the tri-series in Hobart on Wednesday.