Steven Smith's standout 164 ensured that Australia opened their ODI series against New Zealand with a resounding 68-run victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground this morning.
Batting first, David Warner's men were reliant on an impressive effort from Smith, who reached his mammoth total off 157 balls in order to set himself a new highest score at the SCG.
Youngster Travis Head also made an important contribution with the bat having made 52, while Matthew Wade's quick-fire 38 off just 22 balls helped to push the hosts towards a competitive total of 324-8.
New Zealand's effort with the willow did not start in the best of fashions, as Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood took the early wickets of both Tom Latham and Kane Williamson to put early pressure on the visitors.
Opener Martin Guptill had other ideas, however, as he produced a memorable contribution of 114 off 102 before finally being bowled by the rising Adam Zampa.
Guptill's knock on another day might have been enough to win a match, but Australia soon proved too dominant as Smith returned to take a world-class catch to bring an end to BJ Watling's day, leaving New Zealand to eventually be bowled out for 256.
Christopher Dodd
