AUS vs NZ: Cameron Green seals thriller after early Australian collapse

Cameron Green and Matt Henry [PC: Twitter]

Cricket’s antipodean rivalry resumed this Tuesday, September 6 with the first ODI of the latest Chappell–Hadlee edition.

In what turned out to be a nail-biting series opener, hosts Australia catered themselves past the finishing line following an early collapse. Cameron Green was the star of the entertaining run-chase with his unbeaten 89.

Trans-Tasman rivalry resumes with Australia taking early advantage

Prior to the match, Australian captain Aaron Finch won the toss and had opted to field first. New Zealand lost opener Martin Guptill early, but the setback was followed by crucial 40s from each of their next three batters.

Devon Conway top-scored in the innings with 46 while skipper Kane Williamson compiled an enduring 45 as New Zealand made 232 off their 50 overs.

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell came up clutch with the ball, snaring away with four Kiwi wickets in his 10-over spell. Speedster Josh Hazlewood also struck thrice in his spell, all while giving away just 31 runs off his 10 overs.

Australian response began shoddily, as they lost their first five wickets for just 44 runs to bring back shades of their defeat to Zimbabwe last week. Trent Boult inflicted most of the damage, making use of the available swing with a four-fer. 

Thankfully for the hosts, Alex Carey and Cameron Green defied the visitors with their 158-run lower order stand.

Carey finally left the crease at 85 but Green stuck with the tail to guide his side to a series-leading two-wicket win.

The two sides will now face each other at the same venue on September 8 for the second match of their three-ODI tussle.

Brief scores

New Zealand: 232-9 (50)

Devon Conway 46 (68), Kane Williamson 45 (71);

Glenn Maxwell 4-52 (10), Josh Hazlewood 3-31 (10)

Australia: 233-8 (45)

Cameron Green 89* (92), Alex Carey 85 (99)

Trent Boult 4-40 (10), Matt Henry 2-50 (10)

Australia won by 2 wickets.

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