DHARAMSALA – Australia defeated New Zealand by five runs in the highest-scoring match in the history of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup at Dharamsala on Saturday.
In pursuit of an improbable 389 to win, New Zealand were inspired by Rachin Ravindra’s stunning century to set up a nail-biting finish.
Daryl Mitchell smashed 54 while Tom Lotham made 21 in a bid to put their side in command. Jimmy Neesham’s extraordinary 58 from 39 balls took Aussies to the cusp of an extraordinary comeback victory. However, a brilliant run out to remove Neesham off the penultimate ball of the innings ensured Australia’s win.
Earlier, a fiery knocks from Travis Head (109) and David Warner (81) helped Australia to set a mammoth target of 389 runs for the Kiwis.
Skipper Kane Williamson remained unavailable for his side in the wake of injury while Kiwis made only one change as James Neesham replaced Mark Chapman for today’s game.
In the Australian side, Travis Head returned to the squad and will be opening the innings with David Warner. Cameron Green was given rest for the day.
The famous rivals played five games in the leading ICC event, with New Zealand standing at the third spot with eight points from four wins while Australia has won three out of five games and is in fourth place with 6 points.
Kiwis continued momentum in World Cup 2023, bagging first four games against England, Afghanistan Bangladesh, and the Netherlands, while facing blow against India.
New Zealand vs Australia squads
Australia: David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (captain), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.
