Worcestershire CCC 2017 overseas player Mitchell Santner made another important contribution – with bat and ball – as New Zealand won the third ODI against Australia by 24 runs in Hamilton to open up a 2-0 lead.
Santner, who will play for Worcestershire in the NatWest T20 Blast, scored a crucial late order 38 not out to li`ft New Zealand to a competitive 281-9.
Then the all-rounder instigated the run out of opener Shaun Marsh and dismissed Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis as Australia were bowled out for 257 in 47 overs.
It followed on from his 3-44 in the opening ODI six run win in Auckland.
New Zealand's total was built around contributions from Ross Taylor (107) and Dean Brownlie (63) but they were faltering at 209-6 when Santner came to the wicket in the 41st over.
He ensured another 72 runs were added and picked up two fours and a six in the final over from Mitchell Starc.
Santner only faced 34 balls in total and struck two sixes and three fours.
When Australia replied, Santner helped to bring about the first breakthrough as his throw from deep square accounted for Marsh as he attempted a second run off Trent Boult.
Santner made inroads with the ball, dismissing Glenn Maxwell for a duck as he attempted a cut and was caught behind by Tom Latham.
Then Stoinis, who had scored a superb 146 not out in the first ODI, tried to hit Santner over the top but holed out to long on after making 42 off 48 balls.
Santner, who will link up with Worcestershire after the ICC Trophy, ended with 2-50 from his 10 overs to support Boult who returned the excellent figures of 6-33.
