NZ v Aus 3rd ODI Review: Brendon McCullum bids aideu as New Zealand clinch series

New Zealand walked away with the bragging rights as well as 2016 Chappel-Hadlee trophy courtesy of a 55-run win over Trans-Tasmanian rivals Australia in the 3rd ODI. However, all eyes were on one man- Brendon McCullum. The 34-year-old veteran Kiwi, playing in his final ODI walked into bat amid an Australian guard-of-honor at Seddon Park, Hamilton for the final time in a New Zealand ODI shirt.

Steve Smith won the toss and elected to field first. Batting first, New Zealand opening pair Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum put the Aussie attack to the sword. McCullum, in particular, was severe on the Australian bowling as he smashed 47 off just 27 deliveries. Striking at 174, the Kiwi skipper smashed 6 boundaries and 3 massive sixes. Guptill too made a significant contribution, compiling a quick-fire 59. Vice-captain Kane Williamson failed to replicate his heroics as he was rather cheaply dismissed by the impressive Scott Boland for 18.

With Henry Nicholls too failing with the bat, Grant Elliot assumed responsibility as he slammed a well made half century. He was well supported by all-rounder Corey Anderson who chipped in with a useful 27. Mitchell Marsh was the pick of the Australian bowlers as he ended up with figures of 3/34 in 8 overs.

The Australian innings began with David Warner and Usman Khawaja ripping the Kiwi bowling attack to shreds. Warner, however, was dismissed soon after the opening blitz playing a rash shot. Australia skipper Steve Smith played second fiddle to the in-form Usman Khawaja. The latter raced away to 44 before an outside edge found its way to Luke Ronchi. Steve Smith (21) and George Bailey (33) too chipped in with useful knocks. However, an unprecedented fall of wickets saw Mitchell Marsh and John Hastings come together to stage yet another revival. This time around, there was to be no revival as Marsh chipped the ball back to Matt Henry and Hastings was caught attempting one big shot too many. Boland was the last man to fall as the Aussies folded for 191 in 43.4 overs.

Ish Sodhi picked up the player of the match award following his game-changing spell apart from picking up the wickets of Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith.

Brief Scores

New Zealand 246 all out in 45.3 overs (Martin Guptill 59; M Marsh 3/34)

Australia 191 all out in 43.4 overs (Usman Khawaja 44; Henry 3/60)

Man of the match: Ish Sodhi (New Zealand)