• Australia defeated New Zealand in the 3rd ODI to register a clean sweep.

  • Sean Abbott returned with impressive figures of 10-3-31-2.

Twitter reactions: Steve Smith, bowlers help Australia whitewash New Zealand in the ODI series
Australia seal ODI series against New Zealand (Image Source: Twitter)

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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:

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