Watch: Glenn Maxwell grabs stunning catch to dismiss Guptill
Australia captain Aaron Finch won the toss and elected to field first in the opening ODI. The first over was an exciting one, with Martin Guptill scoring six runs off the first two balls off Mitchell Starc, which included a controlled glance through fine-leg for four.
He was adjudged LBW at the end of the over but took a successful review to survive on six.
However, Starc had the last laugh when he snared Guptill in the fifth over, thanks largely to Maxwell's terrific grab at backward point.
ICYMI: Glenn Maxwell has a rare habit of making the extremely difficult look very, very easy #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/vw8AisJ3zy
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 6, 2022
Starc set up Guptill, bowling one into the right-hander and getting it to seam away. The batter was squared up and pushed at it awkwardly, only managing a thick edge that seemed destined to evade the fielder stationed at backward point.
However, in a fine display of athleticism, Maxwell sprung into action, diving to his left and claiming a clean grab with his outstretched hand, all in one fluid motion.
Maxwell has a habit of taking stunners, and this one was right up there as Australia celebrated a crucial wicket.
Australia struggled to 44/5 in a run chase of 233, but soon recovered through a brilliant 158-run stand between Alex Carey and Cameron Green. The hosts sealed a win from there despite a few final hiccups.
The three-match ODI series is a part of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League and can be watched on ICC.tv in select regions.
