Auckland, 3rd February: New Zealand started the One Day International series in style by beating World Champions Australia by 159 runs. New Zealand played some excellent cricket in the match and just did not allow the Australian players to dominate at all.
Martin Guptill, New Zealand
After winning the toss Australia choose to field. New Zealand openers Brendon Mucllum and Martin Guptill began the innings off to a great start putting up 79 runs for the first wicket. Brendon Mcullum scored 44 off 29 to give New Zealand a solid foundation and after that Kane Willamson went at the score of 81. Martin Guptil and Nicholls put up 100 runs for the third wicket before Martin Guptill was dismissed for well-made 90. After the loss of Martin Guptill, New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals. Nicholls also contributed 61 vital runs which helped New Zealand to put pressure on the Australian bowling attack. Santer made a useful 35 not out and helped the host to reach a competitive total of 307 for 8 in 50 overs. The pick of the bowlers for Australia was Hastings who picked 1 wicket but only gave away 39 runs.
Chasing a big total of 308, the Australian innings got off to a worst start as they lost Marsh, Warner, and Smith when the scorecard was reading 39. Australia was struggling at 41 for 6 at the end of the 9th over. Faulkner and Wade put up 79 runs for the 7th wicket before Wade and Faulkner went in quick succession. Australia was bowled for 148 in 24.2 over’s. New Zealand won the first ODI by a margin of 159 runs. The pick of the bowlers for New Zealand were Trent Boult and Matt Henry who picked 3 wickets each.
With this win New Zealand lead the Chappell–Hadlee series 1-0 with the next match to be played in Wellington on 6th February.
New Zealand – 307 for 8 in 50 overs (Martin Guptill 90, Nicholls 61, Mitchell Marsh 2/35, Hastings 1/39)
Australia – 148 in 24.2 overs (Matthew Wade 37, Faulkner 36, Trent Boult 3/38, Matt Henry 3/41)
Tags: 1st ODI, Auckland, Australia, Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, Cricket, New Zealand
