1st ODI: Australia defeats New Zealand by 71 runs in empty stadium at SCG

Empty seats ring the field during a One Day International cricket match between Australia and New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, Friday, March 13, 2020. Cricket Australia announced that three one-day international matches between Australia and New Zealand would be played in empty stadiums because of concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. The first of the three matches began at the 48,000-seat Sydney Cricket Ground, where television announcers



spoke of the "eerie" silence in the stadium devoid of fans.

Australia beat New Zealand by 71 runs in the first of three One Day Internationals, all of which will be played with no spectators because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Australia scored 258-7 after winning the toss and batting before restricting New Zealand to 187 in 41 overs. Opener David Warner led Australia with 67 runs while captain Aaron Finch added 60.