Warner century helps Australia reclaim series over New Zealand

CANBERRA: David Warner slammed his sixth one-day century of the year to lead Australia to a crushing 116-run victory to reclaim the Chappell-hadlee Trophy series off New Zealand here on Tuesday.

Warner smashed 119 off 115 balls to propel the Australians to an imposing 378 for five after being sent into bat and then bowled out the Black Caps for 262 off 47.2 overs at the batfriendly Manuka Oval.

New Zealand had to win in Canberra to keep alive their hopes of retaining the trophy after losing by 68 runs in the opening game in Sydney on Sunday.

Warner led the way in Australia's third-highest ODI total and was supported by skipper Steve Smith's 72 off 76 balls and Travis Head's 57 from 32 balls, while Mitchell Marsh bludgeoned seven sixes in an unbeaten 76 off just 40 balls.

The Black Caps had a go at Australia's hefty total and were 177 for three when Jimmy Neesham fell in the 31st over for 74 and ended a 125-run stand with skipper Kane Williamson.

Williamson was dismissed nine overs later for 81 off 80 balls and with him went New Zealand's remote chance of reeling in the Australian target.

The pugnacious Warner set the tone with his 10th ODI century off 101 balls to continue his outstanding form with the white ball. It was his third century in his last five ODI innings and his first against New Zealand.

Only three other Australian batsmen have scored more hundreds in ODIS — Ricky Ponting (30), Mark Waugh (18) and Adam Gilchrist (16).

Smith followed up his career highest ODI score of 164 in Sydney with 72. Head hit his second half-century of the series before he was caught off Tim Southee.

Marsh provided some late fireworks with some prodigious hitting including three consecutive sixes.

The Black Caps lost both openers by the ninth over with Tom Latham caught and bowled by Josh Hazlewood for four and Martin Guptill caught behind off Pat Cummins for 45.

Neesham looked in good touch with 74 off 83 balls before he was caught in the deep by Mitchell Starc off Josh Hazlewood in the 31st over.

Williamson was deceived by a Cummins slower ball and found Warner in the covers to leave the Black Caps 232 for six.

Cummins finished with four wickets for 41 as Australia cruised to victory ahead of Friday's third and final ODI of the series.