Six-ton Warner helps Australia take series

Canberra, December 6

David Warner smashed his sixth One-day International century of the year to drive Australia to a convincing 116-run victory over New Zealand as the hosts wrapped up their three-match series with a match to spare.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss under leaden skies and made the decision to bowl on a Manuka Oval track, where batting first has been an all but sure-fire path to victory. Australia duly piled on an imposing 378 for five, and the Blacks Caps could muster up only 262 all out in 47.2 overs in reply.

Warner hit 119 off 115 balls with 14 fours and one six, combining with his captain Steve Smith, whose 164 went a long way in Australia winning the first ODI on Sunday, in a second-wicket partnership of 145. Smith made 72, Travis Head 57 and Mitchell Marsh 76 as Australia plundered 126 from the last 10 overs.

“It was a fantastic wicket, it always is down here at Manuka, and we know that if you keep wickets in hand you can take 100-150 runs off the last 15,” Warner said.

Warner’s two centuries were among the few highlights for Australia in their 5-0 humiliation in South Africa in October. Six centuries in one year, with one match of this series yet to be played, is an unprecedented achievement for an Australian. Only India’s Sachin Tendulkar (nine in 1998) and Sourav Ganguly (seven in 2000) have hit more centuries in one year.

“It’s the format that I perhaps thought wasn’t my greatest but this year’s been fantastic and I’ve got to keep going as well as I can,” Warner said.

The opener secured his 10th ODI century with a scrambled single and it took a brilliant catch from Williamson to dismiss him after two-and-a-half hours at the crease, the Black Caps skipper getting down to take a full-powered shot inches above the grass.

Williamson top-scored for the visitors with 84 and put on 125 for the third wicket with Jimmy Neesham (74) but the writing was on the wall after the two departed. Australian paceman Pat Cummins, playing in his first international series for a year, took 4-41.

The Australians, assured of retaining their number one ranking in the 50-over game, reclaimed the Chappell-Hadlee trophy which New Zealand had won on home soil in February. — Reuters