Sunday’s third one-day international witnessed Australia defeated New Zealand by 25 runs to win the series 3-0 and give skipper Aaron Finch a triumphant sendoff in his final 50-over match.
As Australia overcame a bad start and posted a challenging 267-5 on a difficult wicket in Cairns, Steve Smith scored 105, his 12th ODI century.
Prior to being bowled out in 49.5 overs, New Zealand made 242 in their reply.
Finch, who will continue to captain Australia in Twenty20 matches, said: “I’ve loved every bit of it. It’s been a wonderful trip, like I said yesterday.
The activity I miss the most is celebrating victories with friends over beers in the locker room, but tonight we’ll undoubtedly enjoy it.
When Australia was put to bat, they lost both of their openers and stumbled to 16-2 in the sixth over.
Australia rested David Warner for the rubber match because they had already won the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy with one match remaining.
Prior to being caught behind by Trent Boult, Josh Inglis scored 10 points but was unable to take advantage of the situation.
Before being bowled by Tim Southee in the 146th ODI, Finch made five runs. He concluded his one-day career with 5,406 runs, including 17 hundreds, at an average of 38.89.
With the help of Marnus Labuschagne (52) and Smith, the innings were stabilized. Smith then quickly added 63 runs with Alex Carey to get Australia back into the match.
Before falling to Mitchell Santner in the 45th over while attempting to pick up speed after leading Australia above the 200-mark, Smith struck 11 fours and a six.
Cameron Green crushed two sixes in his 25 not out, and Carey’s undefeated 42 was littered with unconventional shots.
