NZ v Aus 2nd ODI Review: Warner and Marsh star as Australia level it 1-1

David Warner and Mitchell Mash slammed half-centuries as the Australians squared the series 1-1 in the second ODI of the Chappel-Hadlee Trophy. Playing at the picturesque Westpac Stadium in Wellington, McCullum won the toss and chose to bat. However, the decision was regrettable as the Aussies chased down the score with relative ease. In spite of a mid-innings collapse, Marsh and John Hastings stitched a brilliant 86-run partnership. Aussie leg-spinner Adam Zampa was handed a debut, he replaced the injured James Faulkner as the Black Caps remained unchanged.

As has been the narrative so far, the Kiwis got off to a flier. The wicket of skipper McCullum however, saw a drastic fall in the New Zealand run rate. Kane Williamson made amends for his failure in the first ODI with a well made 60 off 74 balls. Newly selected Kiwi batsman Henry Nicholls had a rare failure with the bat.

The New Zealand innings was eventually revived with cameos from Mitchell Santner and Adam Milne. Santner especially was severe on the Aussie bowlers, smashing 45 off 39 including 3 massive sixes. He was well supported by Adam Milne. In spite of a number of batting failures, the Kiwis managed to finish with a battling total of 281/9 in their quota of 50 overs.

Chasing a reasonably par target, the Aussies got off to a flier. Big Bash league hero Usman Khwaja was finally given his opportunity as he partnered David Warner at the start of the innings. Warner put the Black Caps attack to the sword, racing away to a quick-fire half century. Khawaja played a slower innings compared to Warner, reaching his half century in 48 deliveries. The duo added 122 runs before Khawaja was unluckily dismissed by Mitchell Santner. Skipper Steve Smith, George Bailey and Glenn Maxwell succumbed to the fiery pace of Trent Boult and Matt Henry.

David Warner was unlucky to miss out on a century as he was snapped up by the impressive Mitch Santner for 98. It seemed as though the hosts were back in the match temporarily. However, Marsh stood firm as he smashed a brilliant half century to put the Aussies back in the driving seat. John Hastings, who came in at No.8 for the Aussies supported Marsh magnificently as they guided the team home with four wickets to spare. Hastings narrowly missed out on his half-century as he ended up with 48 off 47 deliveries.

With the series locked at 1-1, the decider will be played on the 8th of February at Hamilton.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand 281/9 in 50 overs (Williamson 60, Hazelwood 3/61)

Australia 283/6 in 46.3 overs (Warner 98, Santner 3/47)

Man of the Match: David Warner