Australia defeated New Zealand by 25 runs in the third and final ODI to whitewash the Black Caps in the Chappell-Hadlee series in Cairns on Sunday.
Steve Smith smashed a remarkable 105 in the challenging conditions to power Australia to a healthy total of 267/5 in their assigned 50 overs. After being asked to bat first once again, the hosts had a shaky start, losing both their openers with the score reading 16.
Then, Smith and Marnus Labuchagne stitched a crucial 118-run stand for the third wicket to revive Australia. Both batters scored the fifties and were looking set to cruise through, but in the 34th over, Labuschagne lost his wicket for a well-made 52 off 78 balls.
However, Smith stayed and kept the scoreboard running. He smashed his 12th century in the 50-over format and built another vital partnership of 69 runs with Alex Carey for the fourth wicket before Mitchell Santner dismissed the New South Wales batter for 105. For the visitors, Trent Boult picked up two wickets for 25 from 10 overs, including 4 maidens.
In response, New Zealand got bundled out for 242 in 49.5 overs, losing the contest by 25 runs. Glenn Phillips top scored for the tourists with 47 from 53 deliveries, including two fours and as many sixes.
James Neesham (36), Finn Allen (35) and Mitchell Santner (30) also contributed well but couldn’t take their team over the finish line. For the home team, Mitchell Starc bagged three wickets for 60 runs, while Sean Abbott (2/31) and Cameron Green (2/25).
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Australia too good once again in Cairns as they complete a series sweep in skipper Aaron Finch’s ODI farewell! #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/0sCk9ssRyi
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 11, 2022
New Zealand’s most recent ODI results against Australia in Australia:
Loss
Loss
Loss
Loss
Loss
Loss
Loss
Loss
No Result
Loss
Loss#AUSvNZ— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) September 11, 2022
Australia complete a 3-0 clean sweep #CWCSL | Scorecard: https://t.co/MMqsSFc5GP pic.twitter.com/0XlRvtznnP
— ICC (@ICC) September 11, 2022
Congratulations to Aaron Finch and Australia. Glenn Phillips top scoring in the chase with 47. Scorecard | https://t.co/jeFTIa71GJ #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/4S7Kyqcw81
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 11, 2022
Australia won the ODI series 3-0 against New Zealand, Steve Smith is the hero.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 11, 2022
It’s pretty remarkable that across all formats only Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, Steve Waugh and Michael Clarke have captained Australia in more men’s internationals than Aaron Finch. #AUSvNZ
— Brydon Coverdale (@brydoncoverdale) September 11, 2022
Most series runs:
167 – Steve Smith (4.30rpo)
139 – Alex Carey (4.91rpo)
114 – Cameron Green (6.58rpo)
89 – Kane Williamson (2.89rpo)#AUSvNZ— Flashscore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) September 11, 2022
Been a big couple of months in ODI cricket for Cameron Green:
– Guides home a low-scoring chase vs Sri Lanka
– Maiden five-wicket haul vs Zimbabwe
– Matchwinning knock in a chase after a collapse vs NZ
– Shows late-overs power to close an innings#AUSvNZ— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) September 11, 2022
Most international 100s by cricketers who made their international debut in 21st century
Virat Kohli – 71
Hashim Amla – 55
AB De Villiers – 47
Joe Root – 44
David Warner – 43
Rohit Sharma – 41
Steve Smith – 40
Ross Taylor – 40
Alastair Cook – 38
Kane Williamson – 37#AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/GItnRZgDtZ— Arnav Singh (@Arnavv43) September 11, 2022
Steve Smith in ODIs post 2019 WC
Inns – 17
100s – 4
50s – 4
Average – 64.83rd best average after Babar (80) and RVD (66)
( Min 15 innings) #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/myV9PwxMmE— Prithvi (@Puneite_) September 11, 2022
