AUS vs NZ: Kane Williamson survives chaotic run-out during second ODI

Australia won the second ODI match against New Zealand to seal the three-match series at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns on Thursday (September 8). Trent Boult continued his red-hot form with a four-wicket haul to restrict Australia to just 195/9 runs in the 50 overs. But Australian bowlers dominated the second innings to bowl out their neighbours for 82 runs in 33 overs.

Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson scored the highest for New Zealand, 17 runs off 58 balls, but Adam Zampa bowled a match-winning five for 35 spell to humiliate the Black Caps. It could have been much worse for New Zealand if not for Williamson's 17-run knock. Notably, Australia missed an easy chance to run out the star batter in the first over of the innings but fortunately for the Aussies, it didn't prove costly.

New Zealand were the favorite to win the game after restricting the opponents below the 200-run mark. However, left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc bowled a thrilling first over to put early pressure on Kiwis. He dismissed the experienced opening batter Martin Guptill on the fifth delivery and New Zealand almost lost their captain on the subsequent delivery.

Australia missed an easy chance to run-out Kane Williamson on the first ball

Coming to the incident, Williamson played Starc's good length delivery on the off-side and called for a single. As Sean Abbott missed the first chance to stop the ball, Devon Conway, who initially hesitated, went for a run but Kane had already decided to retreat. Sean was quick to get to the ball and throw it at the striker's end to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. But the Australian keeper missed an easy chance to run Williamson out.

Mayhem in the middle #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/FzBY9SuKHD

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 8, 2022

Williamson went on to play 58 balls but didn't get any support from other batters. He was adjudged LBW on Zampa's full-toss in the 19th over and that ended New Zealand's all hopes to win the match. Both teams now face each other in the third and last ODI at the same venue on Sunday (September 11).