Steve Smith scored a brilliant century as Australia dismissed ODI captain Aaron Finch in style with a 25-run win over New Zealand in the third and final match of their series.
Finch had announced before the match that this would be his last ODI and, although he made just five in Cairns, team-mate Smith shone, his 105 off 131 balls helping the hosts to 267-5 – Marnus Labuschagne (52) adding a valuable ball. half a century when Australia sealed a series whitewash.
Several in the New Zealand line-up made starts but failed to build big totals, Glenn Phillips’ middle-order partnerships with Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner not proving enough to make the chase.
Finch was given a guard of honor and a handshake with opposite number Kane Williamson after a minute’s silence was observed as a mark of respect following the Queen’s death.
Some text swing bowling from Tim Southee meant there was no dream delivery for Finch, but Smith, a contender to be the new ODI captain, led the way.
His century off 126 was the slowest of his career, although his second fifty came on just 46 runs.
He and Labuschagne focused mainly on survival, but Alex Carey (42) added 69 with Smith in 10 overs to raise the run rate, before the latter was bowled by Santner.
New Zealand made 49 for the opening wicket before Devon Conway was caught by Smith at backward point and the tourists struggled to score runs freely, collapsing to 112-5.
Phillips’ work with Neesham and Santner ensured Australia had to push hard for their win, but in the end New Zealand fell short, Mitchell Starc taking 3-60 to end the series.
Spectacular Smith
It wasn’t just Smith’s work with the bat that proved so influential. He also took crucial catches from Conway, Mitchell and Neesham to knock New Zealand off their stride.
While Santner was able to keep pace, his dismissal and Phillips’ departure ended any hopes of a turnaround.
Goodbye Finch
After 145 ODI titles, Finch’s brilliant spell in the format will come to an end, but it was unfortunate that he couldn’t go out with a bang. Home supporters gave him the reprieve he deserved, however, and he threw his support behind Smith to succeed him ahead of Sunday’s final.
Finch departs after leading Australia to their 10th consecutive ODI win on home soil against New Zealand, a run that dates back to 2009. Indeed, they have now won their last five matches against their neighbors in the format (home or away), which matches a winning streak they enjoyed against the Black Caps between November 2006 and February 2007.
