New Zealand beat Australia by 24 runs in the third ODI at Hamilton on Sunday to win the Chappell-Hadlee series 0-2. Trent Boult claimed career-best figures of 6 for 33 while Ross Taylor hit his 16th one-day hundred as the Kiwis overcame the Aussies to reclaim the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.
Set 282 to square the series, Boult ran through the Aussie middle and lower order as the visitors were all out for 257 in 47 overs. Earlier, the Kiwis made an impressive 281 for 9 from their quota of 50 overs. Taylor top-scored with 107. During the innings, he also equalled Nathan Astle's record for most one-day hundreds by an New Zealand batsman.
Dean Brownlie, who was recalled for the series, played in his first ODI for over two years, and made the occasion a memorable one. He hit his maiden half century, making 63. He and Taylor also featured in a curical 100-run stand for the third wicket.
There were a middle order collapse after captain Kane Williamson fell for 37. But all-rounder Mitchell Santner compiled an unbeaten 38 to help the Kiwis recover, and finish with a challenging total.
For Australia, Mitchell Starc and James Faulkner picked up three wickets each. They failed to come up with the goods with the bat though. Stand-in captain Aaron Finch and Travis Head made 50s while Marcus Stoinis chipped in with 42. Pat Cummins (27) and Mitchell Starc (29 not out) put on 51 for the eighth wicket, but Boult’s return finished them off.
Australia needed to win the contest after the Kiwis won the first match in Auckland by six runs and second match in Napier was abandoned because of rain.
--By A Cricket Correspondent
