Adam Zampa produces a ripping wrong’un to send back Kane Williamson in the first ODI

When two of cricket’s most competitive neighbours play, there can be no dearth of excitement and controversy. Recently, New Zealand seamer Trent Boult was unhappy after former Australia captain Michael Clarke called the three-ODI series between the Trans-Tasman rivals that began on Friday as a “token” one. “I don’t know what’s got under his skin,” the Kiwi bowler said in response to Clarke’s observation over the series that he thought is insignificant.

Nevertheless, the series kicked off and in the first match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Aaron Finch won the toss and elected to bat. Banking on a good opening partnership between him (60) and David Warner (67), the hosts put up 258 for 7 in their 50 overs. Indian-born leg-break bowler Ish Sodhi took 3 for 51 to be the most successful among the New Zealand bowlers.

The Black Caps, who recently thrashed India in ODIs and Tests, lost Henry Nicholls (10) early but veteran Martin Guptill (40) and captain Kane Williamson (19) were quick into the act of repairing the innings and steady the chase. In nearly 10 overs, the duo added 36 runs when their team needed them the most. However, Adam Zampa gave the Aussies the breakthrough they were looking for.

Adam Zampa's wrong'un to Kane Williamson 😍 #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/0Ps9HvAmgM

— Ricky Mangidis (@rickm18) March 13, 2020

Kane Williamson’s return sees New Zealand collapsing

In the second ball of the 20th over, the leg-spinner produced the wrong one to completely fox Williamson. The delivery was made outside the off stump and lured the batsman a long way forward. An unsure Williamson was in two minds over picking it and he looked to flick but the bat was well away from the body.

The ball had all the space in the world to go through the ‘gate’ to rattle the stumps. Zampa deceived New Zealand’s best batsman and they could not make any match of it thereafter. Zampa also took the wicket of Colin de Grandhomme (25) after he tried to put up a fight but New Zealand were all out for 187 in 41 overs to lose by 71 runs. Zampa ended up with 2 for 51 in eight overs.

The loss means New Zealand’s poor run on the Australian soil continues. A few months ago, they were whitewashed 3-0 by the Kangaroos in an away series and after a good comeback at home against India, the Black Caps were back to their losing ways against Australia. The second match will be played in Sydney itself on Sunday.