Australia: There was no fairytale finish with the bat for Aaron Finch but he was able to sign off his ODI career with hard-earned 25-run victory as Steven Smith, who will be a contender to be the new 50-over captain, compiled a superb hundred and Australia's bowlers did enough to repel a spirited effort from New Zealand's middle order.

At 112 for 5 chasing 268, after another difficult innings for Kane Williamson, Australia were comfortable favourites but the recalled Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner revived hopes. However, with the target coming within sight, Phillips was caught centimeters from the fine-leg rope by Sean Abbott, who with ball in hand then had Santner caught at long-off. Smith produced the standout performance with a perfect example of how to overcome tricky new-ball conditions then move through the gears.

His 12th ODI century came from 127 deliveries, the slowest of his career, but his second fifty took just 46 balls. It was the first century made in this run of six ODIs against Zimbabwe and New Zealand. In total, the last 20 overs of Australia's innings brought 161 runs. Shortly before play started there was a minute's silence in memory of Queen Elizabeth II and the players wore black armbands. Finch announced his ODI retirement yesterday and his final innings came early in the game after Australia were asked to bat. He was given a guard of honour to the middle by New Zealand, and offered a warm handshake by Williamson, then his off-the-mark single was greeted by applause from the weekend crowd. But there would not be a grand sign-off, as he was worked over by some classy swing bowling from Tim Southee who brought one back through the gate to seal a not unfamiliar dismissal. By then, Australia were already two down with Josh Inglis, recalled to replace the rested David Warner, edging a half-hearted drive against Trent Boult whose outstanding series continued with an opening spell of 6-3-7-1. Smith and Marnus Labuschagne focused purely on survival for a significant period: after 10 overs Australia were 19 for 2 - there were three consecutive maidens from overs seven to nine - and after 15 overs it was 29 for 2. Steven Smith brought up his 12th ODI century•Getty Images

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 12 2022

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