Auckland, Feb 28 (IANS) In a cricket World Cup match between the co-hosts, New Zealand registered a thrilling one-wicket victory over Trans-Tasman rivals Australia in a Pool A encounter at the Eden Park here Saturday.
Pacer Trent Boult (5/27) helped New Zealand bowl Australia out for 151 after the latter opted to bat first.
In the New Zealand innings, skipper Brendon McCullum (24-ball 50) provided a sparkling start but left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc (6/28) helped the Australians pull things back.
However, young batsman Kane Williamson (not out 45) and Corey Anderson (26) helped New Zealand cross the line with one wicket and 26.5 overs to spare.
With this win, New Zealand recorded their fourth straight win in the World Cup. They have won against Sri Lanka, Scotland and England in their previous matches.
Earlier, Australian skipper Michael Clarke won the toss and decided to bat. His decision proved to be correct till the initial few overs but after that they fell apart losing wickets at regular intervals.
Pacer Tim Southee broke Aaron Finch's (14) defence in the third over. David Warner (34) and under-firing Shane Watson (23) then forged a 50-run stand -- but veteran left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori broke the partnership dismissing Watson with the score at 80/2 in 13 overs.
In the first ball of the next over, Southee then removed Warner who was looking settled. And after losing the third wicket, Australia failed to recover.
Vettori compounded their problem as he dismissed in-form Steven Smith (4) before Boult dealt a double-blow in the form of Glenn Maxwell (1) and Mitchell Marsh (0).
Skipper clark (12), playing his first match after recovering from an ankle injury, could not contribute much as he offered a catch to Williamson off Boult to leave the team reeling at 104/7.
Left-armer Boult removed Mitchell Johnson (1) and Starc (0) to take his first five-wicket haul in One-Day International (ODI) cricket. Brad Haddin (43) waged a lone battle for Australia but they were dismissed for 151 in 32.2 overs.
While defending the small target, Australian bowlers were belted all around the park by the 33-year-old McCullum. With the help of three sixes and seven fours, he raced to his 28th half-century.
Pat Cummins removed the McCullum threat with the batsman offering an easy catch to Starc at mid-off when New Zealand were 78/2 in 7.4 overs.
After dismissing opener Martin Guptill (11), Starc ran through the middle order. He scalped experienced Ross Taylor (1) and seasoned Grant Elliot (0) to leave the home-side reeling at 79/4 in 8.2 overs.
Young all-rounder Anderson joined Williamson in the middle and the duo stitched a 52-run partnership for the fifth wicket before off-spinner Maxwell accounted for the former. Cummins, meanwhile, took the wicket of Vettori (2).
Still needing 21 runs, New Zealand batsmen fell to the pace and swing generated by Starc. Wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi (6), Adam Milne (0) and Southee (0) perished against Starc and the hosts tottered at 146/9.
However, the 24-year-old Williamson, playing in his 69th ODI, mixed caution with aggression to see the New Zealand home.
Brief scores: Australia 151 all out in 32.2 overs (Brad Haddin 43; Trent Boult 5/21, Daniel Vettori 2-41), New Zealand 152/9 in 23.1 overs (Brendon McCullum 50, Kane Williamson not out 45; Mitchell Starc 6/28, Pat Cummins 2/38). New Zealand win by one wicket.
KKR vs SRH IPL Final: Shreyas Iyer was not serious, gave him the credit for the victory, know what the KKR captain said
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won the title for the third time by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final match of IPL 2024 played in Chennai on Sunday. Kolkata performed effectively with both bat
What return is Yuvraj Singh going to make on the cricket pitch?
Cricket fans are disappointed with India's performance in the T20 World Cup.
Assembly Polls: Today PM Modi will visit Maharashtra and Shah will visit Jharkhand; will mobilize voters by holding rapid public meetings
Voting for the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly is to be held on November 20. As the date of the election is coming closer, the election temperature is also rising. Voting for the first phase has been
Indian, Brazilian experts' method to treat thalassemia
Kolkata, March 1 (IANS) Indian and Brazilian experts have devised a method to estimate iron build-up in thalassemia patients, which will aid in better management of the blood disorder.The novel
After KGF Chapter 2, Ajay Devgan's Runway 34 can now be seen on 'Early Access' rental, know when and where
Runway 34 early Rental on Amazon Prime Video: Rocking Star Yash's film KGF Chapter 2 was well received by the audience and critics. The film was a huge hit in the theaters and after that, the film
Rahul Gandhi: So will Rahul Gandhi return to Parliament today, what is the process of returning the MP?
Monday is considered very special for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after getting relief from the Supreme Court in the defamation case. Everyone's eyes, including the Congress, are on the Lok Sabha
Rahul Gandhi Birthday: Rahul Gandhi turns 55, PM Modi wishes him in a special way; know what he wrote
Today is the 55th birthday of Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Rahul Gandhi on his birthday and posted
Future Group: Debt-ridden company's focus on savings, will prepare many companies a new
Debt-ridden Kishore Biyani's Future Group will now focus on savings and revamping some companies. Future Lifestyle Fashion, Future Supply Chain Solutions, Future Consumer, and Future Enterprises are
Indian oil companies can buy stake in Russian company, government has ordered
India has asked state-owned energy companies to evaluate the possibility of buying European oil major BP's stake in sanctions-hit Russian firm Rosneft. BP has announced that it is selling its 19.75%
There will be espionage in the India-England match: spies will be present in the stands during the second T20, and will identify those who comment on racist
Racial remarks were made to Indian spectators during the fifth Test between India and England in Birmingham. Now Warwickshire County has taken very strict steps regarding this. He will take the help
