
Australia has reclaimed the Chappell-Hadlee trophy after demolishing New Zealand in the ODI series.
In the first match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia destroyed the Black Caps with skipper Steve Smith dispatching an impressive knock of 164 runs. It was the most runs ever made by a cricketer in the one day 50-over concept at the SCG. Smith also took one of the best catches in cricket history which lit up the SCG. BJ Watling provided a cut-shot so Smith flung himself to his left and snaffled it in his off hand. The Black Caps were in all sorts, failing to chase the set total of 325, they were dismissed for 256 in 44.2 overs, losing the match by 68 runs.
The second match was just as humiliating for the Black Caps at Manuka Oval in Canberra. David Warner smashed a whopping century which was his record sixth ODI ton and Mitchell Marsh knocked a solid 76. A highlight of Marsh’s innings was smashing three consecutive sixes in the 49th over.
Australia made an amazing total of 5/378 which was the second highest ODI score posted in Canberra. Knowing they had work to do, the Black Caps opener Martin Guptill tried his hardest to reduce the deficit. But fast bowler Patrick Cummins returned to cricket after a back injury taking four wickets in a masterful performance. Australia would go on and win the match by 116 runs and take back the Trophy they lost against the Black Caps at the 2015 ODI World Cup. – Jesse Mullens
Photo of Steve Smith and David Warner from the Cricket Australia Twitter feed.