Australia hold nerve as Finch signs off with series sweep over New Zealand

11.09.2022 - 16:45 theguardian.com

It came down to the final over but Australia ensured their captain, Aaron Finch, retired from 50-over cricket with a series sweep over New Zealand as the hosts held on to win the third and final one-day international by 25 runs.

In his 146th and last ODI for his country, Finch’s side set the Black Caps 268 to win at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns after Steve Smith anchored their innings with 105 runs off 131 balls, his 12th ODI century.

New Zealand chased bravely, their openers flying out the gates, their captain, Kane Williamson, steady at the crease and their middle order firing until the death.

But as it had in the first two games, the loss of wickets at inopportune times cost the visitors dearly. Their openers fell within three overs of each other, and when Tom Latham departed for 10 they had lost three for 28.

cricket bowling as Steve Smith Aaron Finch Daryl Mitchell Tom Latham Tim Southee James Neesham Australia New Zealand county Phillips county Kane county Mitchell county Glenn

A Steve Smith century helped give retiring Australia skipper Aaron Finch a winning send-off Sunday with a 25-run victory in the final one-day international against New Zealand at Cairns. Chasing the home team's 267-5, built on the back of Smith's masterful 105, the Blacks Caps were all out for 242 in the last over with Mitchell Starc taking 3-60. It capped a disappointing Chappell-Hadlee series for the visitors. Australia won the opening game by two wickets before a 113-run thrashing of the Black Caps in the second.

Aus vs NZ: Australia sweep ODI series against New Zealand in Aaron Finch farewell

Aaron Finch a winning farewell in his final 50-overs appearance. Steve Smith made 105, his 12th ODI century, to help Australia overcome a sluggish start and post a competitive 267-5 on a slow track in Cairns. New Zealand managed 242 in reply before being all out in 49.5 overs.

Watch: Kane Williamson-Led New Zealand Gives Aaron Finch Guard Of Honour In His Final ODI

Before the first ball of the third and final ODI between Australia and New Zealand was bowled on Sunday, the Kane Williamson-led Kiwis decided to give Australia skipper Aaron Finch a "guard of honour" as the right-handed batter walked out to bat in his final ODI for the last time. On Saturday, Finch had announced that he would be retiring from the 50-over format after the match against New Zealand.

Australia vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI Live Score Updates: New Zealand Opt To Bowl In Aaron Finch's Final ODI

Australia vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI Live Score Updates: New Zealand won the toss and opted to field against Australia in the third and final ODI on Sunday. Australia will look to register a series sweep over New Zealand when they take the field for the third and final ODI. On Saturday, skipper Aaron Finch had announced that he would be retiring from the format after the final ODI against New Zealand so Australia would look to send him out on a high. Australia already have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series after having won the first two ODIs. Finch has himself had a series to forget as he was dismissed cheaply so he would look to go out on a high. (LIVE SCORECARD)