New Zealand posted a massive score of 7-219 on the small Dunedin ground with Guptill smacking 97 from 50 balls, including eight sixes, while Kane Williamson (53 from 35) and Jimmy Neesham (45no from 16) offered valuable support.
But Australia didn’t roll over, despite slipping 6-113 after 13 overs in reply, with Marcus Stoinis and Daniel Sams combining for a stunning partnership worth 92 runs in little over six overs.
Needing 15 off the final over, Sams (41 from 15) and Stoinis (78 from 37) both lost their wickets in the final six balls from Neesham to ensure the hosts clinched a 2-0 lead in the five-game series.
“There were flashbacks there from the last time Stoinis hit a hundred,” Williamson said. “Incredible partnership from Stoinis and Sams at the end there.
“As we know on these sorts of grounds anything can happen and you have to be on your toes. I think it was a pretty strong performance from us across the board.
“But it was a very good game and it’s such a small margin in T20 cricket.”
Australia captain Aaron Finch’s own batting woes continued after being dismissed for 12 from 14 balls although he focused on a match as a whole post-game.
“It was a great game of cricket. That partnership between Stoinis and Daniel Sams was extraordinary hitting,” Finch said.
“It was brilliant to get it back to 12 an over from 16 and a half. Trent bowled a beautiful over which halted our momentum. All in all a great game to be a part of.
“It would have been good to be on the winning side of it though. I thought that we didn’t bowl too badly today. Gup played a brilliant innings.”
The two sides will meet again on Wednesday in Wellington.