AUS v NZ: Smith's 164 lifts Australia to 324 after shaky start vs NZ

Sydney: Steve Smith went to the crease in the first over and belted 164 from 157 balls to guide Australia to 324-8 on Sunday in the series-opening limited-overs international against New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

New Zealand was on top early, when Matt Henry bowled Aaron Finch for a golden duck and fast bowler Lockie Ferguson had David Warner (24) out, chopping on, with the last ball of his first over in international cricket. At that stage, Australia was 47-2 after 10 overs.

Jimmy Neesham had a hand in the next two dismissals, having George Bailey (17) caught behind and getting fingers to a straight drive from Smith that ricocheted onto the stumps to run out Mitch Marsh (1) at the non-striker's end in the 21st over.

Smith then combined with Travis Head (52) in a partnership that lifted the Australian total from 92 to 219 before the fifth wicket fell — Trent Boult taking a return catch to dismiss Head.

The Australian captain teamed with Matt Wade (38) in an 83-run stand to move the score to 302 before he was finally out, caught off Boult's bowling after plundering four sixes and 14 boundaries in the highest one-day innings recorded on the SCG.

Neesham, Henry and Boult all took two wickets apiece, and Ferguson returned 1-73 from nine overs.