Australia had suffered various setbacks in last few months. After a horrible home series defeat against South Africa, Australia faced New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday (4th December) in a three-match Chappell-Hadley ODI trophy.
Australia won this encounter by 68 runs. New Zealand, who were confident after there home series win against Pakistan, fought well but that was not enough to beat the Aussies on their home turf.
Led by captain Steven Smith, Australia scored a daunting score of 324/8 in their alloted 50 overs. The captain led from the front and scored a majestic 164 to help his team reach a formidable total. Australia didn't start well though, as they lost their opener Aaron Finch for a golden duck, who just dragged the ball on to the stumps. New Zealand's pacers were initially very good as they reduced Australia to 92-4 after just 20 overs. New Zealand then were expected to dominate the game but that was not the case.
Captain Steve smith buit a solid partnership with youngster Travis Head, who was selected ahead of Glenn Maxwell and James Faulkner. Smith soon reach his hundred, his 7th overall. Head also scored a brisk fifty and justified his selection. Although Smith had few scars on his way as he was dropped by keeper BJ Watling and Colin Munro. Also, he was plum in front of the wicket early on but umpire didn't gave him out and New Zealand decided not to review which appeared to be a bad decision as Smith went on to score his maiden 150 in the ODI's.
New Zealand also didn't start well as Tom Latham dragged one of Hazelwood in the second over. Then captain Kane Williamson and Martin Guptil tried to anchor the innings but Smith took a stunner at point to dismiss the New Zealand's captain. Then Jimmy Neesham and Martin Guptil played some fantastic strokes and the later reached his 11th hundred. But after Neesham's and Guptil's departure it was then a difficult task for the Kiwis to cope up with the required run rate as they were eventually bowled out for 256 in 44.2 overs.
Smith was adjust man-of-the-match for his fantastic knock. The caravan now moves to Canberra where the second odi will played between this two on Tuesday (6 December).
