Canberra: Australian opener David Warner hammered yet another century as Australia thrashed New Zealand by 116 runs in the second ODI of the ongoing Chappel-Hadlee Trophy. Warner, who scored just 24 runs in the first match, found his rhythm as he thrashed Kiwi bowlers to all parts of the ground. Warner scored 119 runs from 115 balls with 14 boundaries and a six.
Along with Warner, Steve Smith continued his brilliant form with a 72-run knock. The duo was involved in a brilliant 145-run stand for the second wicket which put the Aussies in control of the match. Warner was earlier involved in a 68-run opening stand with Aaron Finch.
The swashbuckling left-hander was finally dismissed when he tried to hit Colin de Grandhomme through the off-side and Williamson pulled off an excellent catch at cover.
Smith then added 45 runs along with Travis Head before being dismissed by pacer Tim Southee. Smith scored 72 runs off 76 balls with six hits to the fence and one into the stands.
After Warner and Smith were dismissed, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh rebuilt the innings with a commendable 71-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Head smashed 57 runs, hitting six boundaries and a couple of sixes during his 32-ball stay in the middle. Marsh remained unbeaten on 76 runs, hitting two boundaries and a whopping seven sixes off the 40 balls he faced. As a result of these two knocks in the middle-order, Australia reached a total of 378 runs.
In reply, New Zealand did not have a great start to their innings, losing openers Martin Guptill and Tom Latham within the first nine overs.
Guptill tried to give a solid start to the chase with 33-ball 45 before being caught behind off Cummins` bowling. He smashed seven boundaries and six during his stay in the middle.
Williamson and James Neesham then tried to bring the innings back on track with a 125-run stand.
Williamson scored 81 runs off 80 balls while Neesham needed 83 balls for his 74.
Pat Cummins was the most successful bowler for the Aussies with a five-wicket haul.
Australia, who had won the first ODI by 68 runs, now have an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Brief scores:
Australia: 378/5 (David Warner 119, Steven Smith 72, Mitchell Marsh 76 n.o., Travis Head 57; Tim Southee 2/63) vs New Zealand: 262 (Kane Wiliamson 81, James Neesham 74, Martin Guptill 45; Pat Cummins 4/41).
