Australia gave their outgoing ODI skipper Aaron Finch the perfect farewell gift as the hosts defeated New Zealand by 25 runs on Sunday in Queensland. Steve Smith smashed a fantastic century which helped Australia score 267/5 after being asked to bat first.
In reply, the Kiwis could only score 242 runs with Mitchell Starc claiming three wickets, while Cameron Green and Sean Abbott also contributed two scalps each. With the result, Australia completed a 3-0 clean sweep in the ODI series, and their next assignment will be a three-match T20I series against India.
Earlier on Saturday, Finch announced his intentions to retire from the ODI format, amidst his string of low scores with the bat. He will continue to lead the team in the T20I, and the opener was in for a surprise as New Zealand gave him a classy ovation during his final match in the 50 overs format.
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Finch bowed out as a winner, as Australia dominated the contest from the get-go. Kane Williamson won the toss and chose to bowl, after which they were able to pick up a couple of early wickets.
The hosts were down to 16/2 when Finch was dismissed, but Smith who has been in red-hot form of late took the responsibility upon himself to ride the storm.
Smith smashed his 12th ODI hundred, 52 from Marnus Labuschagne and 42 not out from Alex Carey giving him ample support as Australia made 267/5. Then, Australia's bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc's 3/60, put in a collective, spirited effort to thwart a challenge from New Zealand's middle-order and bowl out the visitors for 242.
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The 25-run win takes Australia to the second spot in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League points table with 120 points. They are now five points behind England, who sit on top of the standings with 125 points.
With agency inputs
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