Warner smashes hapless Black Caps

– Dave Warner smashed a sixth one-day international century of the year to drive Australia to a convincing 116-run victory over New Zealand as the hosts wrapped up the series with a match to spare in Canberra yesterday.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss under leaden skies in the Australian capital and made the decision to bowl on a Manuka Oval track where batting first has been an all but surefire path to victory.

Australia duly piled on an im- posing 378/5 with the Black Caps only able to muster 262 all out in 47.2 overs in reply.

Warner hit 119 off 115 balls with 14 fours and one six in partnership with his captain Steve Smith, whose 164 went a long way to winning the series opener in Sydney on Sunday, in a second-wicket partnership of 145.

Smith made 72, Travis Head 57 and Mitchell Marsh 76 as Australia plundered 126 from the last 10 overs.

“It was a fantastic wicket, it always is down here at Manuka, and we know that if you keep wickets in hand you can take 100-150 runs off the last 15,” Warner said.

Only Indians Sachin Tendulkar (nine in 1998) and Sourav Ganguly (seven in 2000) have hit more centuries in one year.

“It’s the format that I perhaps thought wasn’t my greatest but this year’s been fantastic and I’ve got to keep going as well as I can,” Warner added.

He secured his 10th one-day century with a single and it took a brilliant catch from Williamson to dismiss him. –