Image: Richard Dinnen

Australia recovered from a disastrous start to win the opening match of cricket’s Chappell Hadlee trophy in Cairns last night.

New Zealand batted first and made 9-232 from its 50 overs.

The Australian response began disastrously, with a top order collapse having them 5-44 in the 11th over.

Cairns cricket lovers faced a disappointing early night, but Alex Carey and Cameron Green put on a fighting 158 run partnership and Australia looked to be heading for victory.

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Then two wickets fell cheaply, Green was badly affected by cramp, and it started to rain, with the match to be decided by a statistical formula if play could not continue.

The rain stopped, Green stayed on, and Australia won with four overs to spare, the deciding run coming from a wide.

A crowd estimated at 2,000 watched the game at Cazalys.

The final score:
New Zealand 9-232
Australia 8-233

Game two will be played at Cazalys on Thursday.

Check out Tropic Now's image gallery from game one.

 

Uncle Henry Fourmile leads the Welcome to Country. Image: Richard Dinnen
Image: Richard Dinnen
Traditional dancing. Image: Richard Dinnen
National anthems. Image: Richard Dinnen
Image: Richard Dinnen
Image: Richard Dinnen
Image: Richard Dinnen
Image: Richard Dinnen
Image: Richard Dinnen
Image: Richard Dinnen
sport

Main points

  • Australia v New Zealand at Cazalys on September 6, 8 and 11
  • They're playing for the Chappell Hadlee trophy
  • Australia won the trophy when the sides last met in ODI cricket in 2019
They’re always close battles, regardless of what format, they go the distance generally, really exciting.
Aaron Finch
Australian captain