Australia's Cameron Green celebrating after reaching his half century during the first ODI match against New Zealand at the Cazalys Stadium in Cairns on Tuesday — AFP CAIRNS, Australia, Sept 06 (AFP): Emerging star Cameron Green held his nerve with a career best 89 not out in Australia's thrilling two-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first one-day international on Tuesday in Cairns.
After Glenn Maxwell starred with four wickets and a spectacular catch to restrict New Zealand to a modest 232-9, Australia slumped to 44-5 against inspired new ball bowling from quicks Trent Boult and Matt Henry under lights.
A composed Green and Alex Carey (85) turned the match on its head with a brilliant 158-run partnership to overwhelm an increasingly ragged New Zealand attack.
But Carey's dismissal in the 40th over triggered a late twist as Australia crashed to 207-8 and still needing 26 runs, a target made more difficult with Green in discomfort with cramps.
Green, however, would not be denied as Australia sealed victory in an anti-climax through a wide delivery from quick Lockie Ferguson to start the 46th over.
Australia drew first blood in the three-match Chappell-Hadlee series, which continues at the same venue on Thursday.
"It was an amazing effort in his 11th (ODI) game to play a match-winning knock," Australia skipper Aaron Finch said of 23-year-old Green.
Australia's batting order appeared set for another humiliating performance in the wake of being dismissed for a lowly 141 in a stunning three-wicket loss to underdog Zimbabwe on Saturday.
Their chase started disastrously when under-pressure Finch fell lbw to Boult for five.
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