With a stunning 158-run partnership, a composed Cameron Green and Alex Carey (85) turned the game on its head and thwarted a sputtering New Zealand attack.
In Tuesday’s thrilling two-wicket triumph over New Zealand in the opening one-day international in Cairns, Australia’s rising star Cameron Green maintained his composure and scored a career-high 89 runs unbeaten. After Glenn Maxwell shone with four wickets and a magnificent catch to keep New Zealand to a manageable 232-9, Australia stumbled to 44-5 against Trent Boult and Matt Henry’s brilliant new ball bowling under lights. A cool-headed Green and Alex Carey (85), who together scored 158 runs, completely upended the New Zealand assault, turning the game on its head.
However, Australia fell to 207-8 and still needed 26 runs after Carey’s departure in the 40th over, making the task more challenging because Green was experiencing cramps.
But Green would not be stopped, and Australia won the match in a dull fashion thanks to a wide delivery from the quick Lockie Ferguson to begin the 46th over.
The three-match Chappell-Hadlee series began with a victory for Australia and continues on Thursday at the same location.
The 23-year-old Green’s match-winning innings in his 11th (ODI) game was a “great performance,” according to Australia captain Aaron Finch.
Following its shocking three-wicket loss to underdog Zimbabwe on Saturday, when Australia’s batting order was dismissed for a pitiful 141, the team looked destined for yet another embarrassing outing.
Their pursuit got off to a horrible start when Finch, who was under pressure, was lbw by Boult for five.
The ODI career of the 35-year-old opener, who had only scored 26 runs in his previous six games, appeared to be on the line as he limped off after trying in vain to appeal the decision.
rapid left arm When Boult dismissed the in-form Steve Smith and summoned up Marnus Labuschagne, Australia was on the verge of collapse. It wasn’t until Green and Carey produced a record sixth-wicket stand for Australia versus New Zealand in ODIs that Australia was able to recover.
“It flowed and ebbed. They were five down early, and we weren’t able to make that extra move, “As New Zealand’s 13-year losing streak in ODIs in Australia against the national team persisted, skipper Kane Williamson remarked.
After Finch made the decision to bowl after winning the toss, Maxwell’s occasional off-spin took center stage as New Zealand’s batters failed to capitalize on their early starts, with Devon Conway (46), Kane Williamson (45), and Tom Latham (43) all falling short of half-centuries.
Before taking over with the ball in the sixth over, Maxwell’s purple patch began when he skillfully caught seasoned opener Martin Guptill one-handed in the gully.
The day-night match put an end to Cairns’ 18-year absence from international cricket.
