In the thick of the Coronavirus outbreak, Australia and New Zealand played first One-Day International (ODI) of Chappell-Hadlee trophy on Friday at Sydney Cricket Ground but in front of empty stands.
The Aaron Finch-led side opted to bat first and posted 258-7 in 50 overs. Skipper Finch remained the highest scorer (67), while David Warner contributed with 60. Marnus Labushagne (56) smashed his first ODI half-century in Australia.
Chasing 259, New Zealand could only reach 187 and lost the contest by 71 runs. Martin Guptill contributed with the most 40 runs, followed by Tom Latham with 38.
Aussie bowlers bowled brilliantly and helped their side to defend the low score. Pace duo of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh grabbed three wickets each, whereas Josh Hazlewood picked up two. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa bagged a couple of scalps.
Apart from excellent bowling, Australia exhibited outstanding fielding as well. During the match, former Aussie captain Steve Smith grabbed a stunner to dismiss Guptill.
It all happened in the 23rd over of Kiwi run-chase. Guptill tried to slice the delivery bowled by Cummins through the backward point region to gain some quick runs. But Smith, who was positioned there, had some other plans. The 30-year-old dived to his left to grab a screamer.
Here’s the video:
Steve Smith is a gun in the gully! #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/1SrwWQqDEg
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 13, 2020
