Australia v New Zealand, 2016-17
Wisden's review of the second ODI, Australia v New Zealand, 2016-17
15-Apr-2017
At Canberra, December 6, 2016 (day/night). Australia won by 116 runs. Toss: New Zealand.
In the previous six one-day internationals at Manuka Oval, where the pitch resembles tarmac, the team batting first had won. But, perhaps sensing tackiness in the surface after overnight rain, Williamson - in his 100th ODI - chose to bowl. The folly was cruelly exposed: Warner paced a hundred sensibly and, in a partnership of 145 with Smith, prepared Australia for lift-off. With New Zealand's bowlers increasingly demoralised - new-ball pair Henry and Boult managed one for 171 between them - Marsh blasted seven sixes in an unbeaten 76 off 40 deliveries, and 126 gushed from the final ten overs. Australia finished with 378, their third-highest total. Williamson tried to make amends, top-scoring with a run-a-ball 81 and, while he was adding 125 with Neesham for the third wicket, New Zealand weren't far off the pace. But such large chases have slim margins for error and, once that partnership ended, so did the contest. Starc and Cummins, with a career-best four for 41, raised their game, and the last eight tumbled for 85. The trophy - won by New Zealand at home in February - was heading back to Australia.
Man of the Match: D. A. Warner.
In the previous six one-day internationals at Manuka Oval, where the pitch resembles tarmac, the team batting first had won. But, perhaps sensing tackiness in the surface after overnight rain, Williamson - in his 100th ODI - chose to bowl. The folly was cruelly exposed: Warner paced a hundred sensibly and, in a partnership of 145 with Smith, prepared Australia for lift-off. With New Zealand's bowlers increasingly demoralised - new-ball pair Henry and Boult managed one for 171 between them - Marsh blasted seven sixes in an unbeaten 76 off 40 deliveries, and 126 gushed from the final ten overs. Australia finished with 378, their third-highest total. Williamson tried to make amends, top-scoring with a run-a-ball 81 and, while he was adding 125 with Neesham for the third wicket, New Zealand weren't far off the pace. But such large chases have slim margins for error and, once that partnership ended, so did the contest. Starc and Cummins, with a career-best four for 41, raised their game, and the last eight tumbled for 85. The trophy - won by New Zealand at home in February - was heading back to Australia.
Man of the Match: D. A. Warner.