Internet Desk: A blistering century from Ross Taylor (107) helped New Zealand to beat Australia in the third ODI at home. The Blackcaps posted a total of 281 runs against the visitors Australia and the home team restricted Smith’s men on 257 all out, thanks to a six wicket haul from their ace fast bowler Trent Boult.
The win was New Zealand’s second of the series, wrapping it up by 2-0.
Australia made a good start to their innings, as they reached 44 before losing their first wicket.
Opener Shaun Marsh was run out trying to push for two runs with all rounder Mitchell Santner sending him back to the changing sheds on 22, right when he was starting to find his groove.
Marsh’s replacement Peter Handscomb didn’t last long at the crease.
He was removed for a duck off just two balls when he played on off the bowling of Boult.
At the other end Aaron Finch was producing a fine knock, bringing up fifty off 60 balls that included four fours and two sixes.
Finch and his new partner Travis Head pulled the momentum back into Australia’s favour thanks to a 75 run partnership, but it was cut short when Finch tried to take on Kane Williamson’s bowling only to get caught in the deep by Boult.
New Zealand picked up another quick wicket soon after, removing dangerman Glenn Maxwell for a duck.
Maxwell reviewed his caught behind dismissal almost immediately but snicko revealed a very faint edge.
Head was then joined by Australia’s hero in the first ODI – Marcus Stoinis.
The pair quickly worked up a partnership of 53 runs and appeared to be in control after 30 overs.
However, that changed when Head went for a slog over midwicket off Boult’s bowling, only to be caught for 53 on the boundary by Dean Brownlie.
Australia then proved that ducks fly in threes with James Faulkner caught by Ross Taylor at slip off a near perfect delivery from Boult.
Faulkner’s wicket meant Stoinis was once again left to carry his Australian side for the final quarter of their innings.
The 27-year-old made good inroads on the Seddon Park pitch but just when he appeared to have the New Zealand bowlers rattled, he was caught on the boundary trying to hoist a short delivery from Black Caps spinner Mitchell Santner.
New Zealand appeared to be back in charge only for a poor over from Santner handing the momentum back to the tourists.
Mitchell Starc took to Santner’s ninth over, smashing it for 20 runs.
With six overs remaining Australia needed just 35 runs for victory, less than a run a ball.
They were looking comfortable with Starc and Pat Cummins at the crease until a change in the bowling attack proved crucial to the Black Caps’ chances.
Boult was brought back into the frame and made an immediate impact, picking up the wicket of Cummins for 27.
Adam Zampa was Boult’s next victim, falling to the first delivery of his final over.
That left Australia on 253 for nine with just under four overs remaining.
Boult’s sixth and final wicket of the match came just five balls later, dismissing Josh Hazlewood on four when the tailender played back onto his stumps.
The win lifts New Zealand to third in the ODI world rankings and drops Australia from first to second.
South Africa, who are now the number one ODI side, arrive in New Zealand shortly to play five one-dayers and three Tests.