There was a steady procession of NZ batsmen back to the sheds. Tim Southee heading off after being bowled by Zampa for 2 (Richard Dinnen)

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Australia has wrapped up cricket’s much-coveted Chappell Hadlee trophy, with a resounding win over New Zealand in Cairns on Thursday night.

Australia survived another top order batting collapse to take an unbeatable two-nil lead in the best of three match ODI series.

Former captain, Steve Smith, hit 61 to put Australia back on track after being 5-44.

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Bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood put on an inspiring tail end 47 run partnership, remaining not out at the end, 38 and 23, respectively.

New Zealand must have thought themselves a chance, chasing 196 for a win, but opener, Martin Guptil, fell early, the rot set in and did not stop.

There were some farcical moments that perhaps needed the Benny Hill chase music as accompaniment.

Both NZ batsmen were trapped at the same end, but Australia missed the easiest of run outs.

Kiwi skipper, Kane Williamson, missed a rank full toss from spinner, Adam Zampa, and was out LBW.

Then Daryl Mitchell tried an ill-considered reverse sweep, leaving his side well up the creek at  5-38.

In the end, NZ were bowled out for 82 from 33 overs, a 113-run loss, and not far above their lowest ODI total of 64 in 1985.

About 2000 people watched the game at Cazalys. Game three of the series will be played there on Sunday.

International cricket was first played in Cairns in 2003 against Bangladesh, followed a year later by Tests against Sri Lanka in Darwin and Cairns.

 

sport

Main points

  • Australia beats NZ to retain the Chappell Hadlee trophy
  • A fighting 61 from Steve Smith put them back in the game
  • Cazalys will host the third match on Sunday