New Zealand vs. Australia: Winners and Losers from 2nd ODI
Australia levelled the one-day international series against hosts New Zealand at 1-1 with a four-wicket win at the Westpac Stadium.
The tourists chased down a target of 282 with 21 balls to spare in Wellington. Mitchell Marsh and John Hastings carried their side over the line, sharing an unbeaten partnership worth 86.
David Warner and Usman Khawaja—making his first ODI appearance in more than three years—put on a century opening stand to set up Australia's run chase, though they were teetering a little at 197 for six.
New Zealand had made 281 for nine from their 50 overs. Kane Williamson's 60 was the top score, yet the Kiwis paid the price for a number of their top-order batsmen not pushing on after making good starts.
The two teams meet in a series decider in a day-night fixture at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Feb. 8.
Before the finale, however, Bleacher Report has picked out the winners and losers from the second ODI.
Winner: Mitchell Marsh
1 of 6
With James Faulkner ruled out through injury, Mitchell Marsh took over the role as Australia's finisher with the bat.
The all-rounder's unbeaten 69 from 72 deliveries denied New Zealand a series-clinching win. Bouncing back from a four-ball duck in the opening one-dayer, he hit a six and nine fours in his innings.
Adam Burnett of Cricket Australia's website was quick to praise the 24-year-old: "Regularly maligned, often undervalued, Marsh's match-winning hand must be considered the best of his international career to date."
Marsh also played his part with the ball, picking up two for 30 from his six overs of seam.
Loser: George Bailey
2 of 6
In his two knocks in the series so far, George Bailey has lasted 11 deliveries and contributed two runs.
The right-handed batsman didn't even get off the mark in Wellington. He was bowled by Adam Milne for a golden duck on the same day he went unsold in the Indian Premier League auction.
Bailey started the one-day series against India on home soil in January 2016 with back-to-back scores of 112 and 76 not out.
However, since then, the former Australia ODI captain has managed a grand total of 41 runs in his last five trips to the crease for his country.
Winner: John Hastings
3 of 6
Mitchell Marsh was named man of the match, but John Hastings must have pushed his team-mate close.
Hastings' 10 overs gave up 42 runs. Although he went wicketless, the right-arm seamer now has an economy rate of 4.05 runs per over in the series.
The 30-year-old combined with Marsh to help rescue Australia's run chase. At six down, the tourists could easily have subsided under the pressure of knowing only a win would do.
Hastings finished up unbeaten on 48, clinching victory with back-to-back boundaries. He then returned to the pavilion to find out he had been picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders at the IPL auction.
Captain Steve Smith praised Hastings in the post-match presentation ceremony, per ESPN Cricinfo: "I thought the surface was pretty good and I'm just pleased we were able to scrape home. Hastings did a terrific job."
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Loser: Glenn Maxwell
4 of 6
Glenn Maxwell has yet to have any sort of impact on the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.
The big-hitting batsman has barely managed to hit anything so far in New Zealand—after a duck in the opening game, he contributed just six runs to Australia's run chase in Wellington.
In his career, Maxwell has now made 36 runs against the Kiwis in five ODI innings.
His bowling has been a non-factor on the tour, too. Maxwell's four overs at the Westpac Stadium leaked 26 runs, although those figures at least lowered his economy rate in the series to eight an over.
Winner: Mitchell Santner
5 of 6
New Zealand's Mitchell Santner contributed with both bat and ball in a losing cause.
The all-rounder's unbeaten 45 from 39 balls boosted the home side's final total, while figures of three for 47 with his left-arm spin opened the door for a potential Kiwi victory.
Santner dismissed both Australian openers, including ruining Warner's hopes of a sixth ODI hundred with a leg-before-wicket decision that was only given on review.
He did need a helping hand from Adam Milne for his third wicket, as his team-mate held a stunning catch at deep mid-wicket to send Mathew Wade on his way for two. Take a look at Milne's grab here.
Winner: Adam Zampa
6 of 6
Adam Zampa made a fine first impression on his international debut for Australia.
The leg-spinner—selected in place of the injured Faulkner—claimed two wickets in as many overs. Kane Williamson (60) became his maiden scalp when hitting a drive to Steve Smith at cover.
Grant Elliott fell in almost identical fashion for 32 in Zampa's next over, although Glenn Maxwell was the fielder on the second occasion.
Zampa was presented with his ODI cap by Allan Border before play started. According to Daniel Brettig of ESPN Cricinfo, he selected 63 as his shirt number in tribute to the late Phillip Hughes.
His performance was perfectly timed—Australia are preparing to name their squad for the ICC World Twenty20 tournament in India.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
