Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

PIX: Warner nears Tendulkar, Sourav record as Aus down Kiwis to win series

December 06, 2016 17:54 IST

Australia's David Warner does his signature celebration as he completes his ton against New Zealand in the 2nd ODI at Manuka Oval in Canberra, Australia, on Tuesday

IMAGE: Australia's David Warner does his signature celebration as he completes his ton against New Zealand in the 2nd ODI at Manuka Oval in Canberra, Australia, on Tuesday. Photograph: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Dave Warner smashed a 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 the series with a match to spare in Canberra on Tuesday.

- Scorecard

Only Indians Sachin Tendulkar (nine in 1998) and Sourav Ganguly (seven in 2000) have hit more centuries in one year.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss under leaden skies in the Australian capital 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 with the Blacks Caps only able to muster up 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 to winning the series opener in Sydney 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.

New Zealand's Mitchell Santner is bowled by Australia's Mitchell Starc during the 2nd ODI

IMAGE: New Zealand's Mitchell Santner is bowled by Australia's Mitchell Starc during the 2nd ODI. Photograph: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Warner's two centuries were among the few highlights for Australia in their 5-0 humiliation in South Africa in October and six in one year, with the third match of the series in Melbourne to come, is unprecedented for an Australian.

"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.

"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 added.

The opener secured his 10th one-day century with a scrambled single and it took a brilliant catch from Williamson to dismiss him after 2 1/2 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 once they had departed.

Australian quick 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.

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.