New Zealand has set a target of 292 runs on Friday for Australia, in the second game of 2017 ICC Champions Trophy which is being played at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
As Australia made a strong comeback by gaining the momentum at the fag end of first innings, Trent Boult (0 off 2), Mitchell Santner (8 off 7) and Adam Milne (11 off 7), were removed by pace potent Josh Hazlewood, who claimed a remarkable six-wicket haul after conceding 52 runs in his nine overs which further saw the Black Caps was bundled out for 291 in 45 overs, in the rain-truncated game.
Corey Anderson (8 off 5 balls) was dismissed by Pat Cummins when Moises Henriques completed a catch after Jimmy Neesham (6 off 10 balls), who was caught by David Warner on the bowling of Josh Hazlewood.
In 41st over, Josh Hazlewood claimed his second wicket, in the form of Neil Broom, who was caught by Glenn Maxwell at the deep mid-wicket as he held onto the skier. Broom scored 14 off 19 balls.
Kane Williamson, who played a sublime knock as he brought his first ODI century against Australia and ninth overall, before he was run out while trying to scamper for-a-run towards the non-striker’s end.
The right-handed Williamson scored 97-ball hundred which included eight boundaries and three sixes as he played some exquisite strokes to keep Aussie bowlers trying out hard for the wickets at one stage.
Showing the presence of mind, Moises Henriques released the ball which saw fast bowler collecting the ball before throwing it into the stumps.
The middle-order batsman, Ross Taylor played controlled innings. He scored 46 off 58 balls before being dismissed by John Hastings after he was caught by Henriques when New Zealand’s score was 216 for three in 33.5 overs.
Taylor posted 99-run partnership for the third with Williamson which made Steven Smith to think a lot while he was seen using his bowlers as a smart operator.
As right-handed batsman, Luke Ronchi looked threatening with the bat, was dismissed by John Hasting after the latter tried to slice the ball which went straight into the bucket-like hands of Glenn Maxwell at the point region adding much relief for the Australians.
Ronchi scored 43-ball 65 runs which further saw him smashing nine fours and three sixes as he posted 77 runs for the second wicket alongside Kane Williamson.
In 10th over when John Hastings was bowling, as clouds were growing heavier before the skies opened up to see covers coming into the ground.
After one-and-half-hour game was wasted the 50-over match was reduced to 40 overs each followed by a lunch break which was reduced to 30 minutes.
When the rain stopped play, the wicket-keeper batsman Ronchi was batting on 24 off 17 balls and skipper Kane Williamson was unbeaten on 16 off 18 balls as the Black Caps were 67 for 1 in 9.3 overs.
Earlier, New Zealand skipper on overcast Friday morning won the toss and opted to bat first against Steven Smith-led Australia in their opening fixture of the Group A at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
New Zealand had a decent start against Australia as their openers put on 40 runs for the first wicket in 5.4 overs.
In 6th over, swashbuckling right-handed batsman Martin Guptill’s innings was cut short when short rising delivering when a ball took the leading edge of the bat to find Glenn Maxwell completing a simple catch at the point region.
Guptill returned to the pavilion after scoring 22-ball 26 which was laced with five boundaries.
However, Smith was of the opinion if he had won the toss he would have elected to first before revealing James Pattinson wasn’t picked for the game against arch-rivals.
The medium-pacer John Hasting was inducted into the side, who has been playing for English County Club Worcestershire as Smith felt his experience might come handy for his team.
Moreover, injury-marred fast bowling sensation Mitchell Starc is coming into the side after recovering from a foot injury.
Much to the surprise for many, hard-hitting sensation, Chris Lynn was asked to warm the bench as allrounder Moises Henriques would future in the ODI side after a prolonged gap.
In August 2016, the Funchal-born Henriques made his last ODI appearance against Sri Lanka.
On the other side, enriched with quality all-rounders, New Zealand has opted to settle with Luke Ronchi as an opening partner with Martin Guptill as promising Tom Latham was rested for the clash.
Brief Score: (NZ 291/10 45 overs; Williamson 100 (97), Hazlewood 6/52 in 9 overs)