Kiwis edge Australia to take lead

New Zealand beat Australia in a fascinating contest at Napier, which went down to the last over and now lead the 3-ODI series, 1-0.

A tremendous batting effort from Ross Taylor and Scott Styris helped New Zealand beat Australia by two wickets in the closely contested first ODI.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Australia got off to a brisk start with 62 runs in the Quick Start period but both their openers were back in the hut. Ricky Ponting steadied the progress, sharing a couple of solid partnerships with Michael Clarke and Cameron White as Australia moved into a strong position. New Zealand pulled things back after Ponting’s dismissal by bowling in the right areas and making it difficult for the batsmen to score. Michael Hussey led Australia’s charge in the Extreme Performance overs, finding good support from James Hopes as they added 72 runs for the sixth wicket and a late burst from Mitchell Johnson helped them finish with 275 at the end of 50 overs.

New Zealand got off to a dream start in their run chase. Their openers, Brendon McCullum and Peter Ingram added 65 runs in the first Power Play which brought them back in the contest as reflected in the Castrol Index worm. Ross Taylor carried their good work into the middle of the innings with his 70 runs off just 71 balls despite losing Martin Guptill and James Franklin cheaply. Taylor’s innings put the Kiwis in a good position as the Extreme Performance overs approached. They needed someone to finish off the good work and take them home by playing out the overs. Scott Styris rose to the occasion, scoring an unbeaten 49 off just 34 balls and giving his side a memorable win over their arch rivals.

Ross Taylor was adjudged Man of the Match for his unbeaten 70 in a winning cause.