In the best-scoring game in men’s World Cup history, New Zealand came up just short of completing a world record run-chase, losing to Australia by five runs. New Zealand chased down Australia’s massive 388 score by scoring 383-9, needing only 19 runs from the final over, partly because of Rachin Ravindra’s stunning 116 off of 89 deliveries.
Here we have another rundown of the latest cricket match at the ICC Men’s World Cup. Take the time to check the best online cricket betting sites in India and all of our other World Cup coverage so you don’t miss a beat!
Quick Recap: South Australia vs New Zealand
David Warner and World Cup rookie Travis Head got the Australians off to a blistering start in Dharamsala, smashing 10 sixes in their 118-run first powerplay as part of a 175-run opening partnership after Australia was asked to bat first.
Head, who had missed the first five games of the tournament with a hand fracture, reached his half-century off of just 25 deliveries, while Warner needed three more balls to do the same.
Australia Hung On to Beat New Zealand
In the 20th over, Warner was caught and bowled for 81 off 65 balls, and four overs later, Glenn Phillips succeeded in bowling Head for 109 off 67 balls, but not before the 29-year-old had reached his first World Cup century.
Glenn Maxwell (41 off 24), Josh Inglis (38 from 28), and captain Pat Cummins (37 off 14) added late runs for Australia after a less-than-stellar middle-order performance.
New Zealand got off to a good start thanks to Devon Conway and Will Young, who put up 50 runs in just 31 balls. However, the Black Caps’ hopes were dashed when Ravindra was bowled out by Cummins for the crucial wicket after smashing nine fours and five sixes.
James Neesham’s 58 runs off of 39 balls kept New Zealand in the game, but he was run out on the last delivery of the innings following a replay, giving the Kiwis an unrealistic target of hitting a six off the final ball.
Superb Outfield Efforts by Australia
Starc, who was having a bad day with the ball, gave away five runs by slipping a wayward delivery down the legside, bringing the total needed to score to 13 from a mere 5 balls. NZ may have had a better shot of winning.
With seven runs required from the final two balls, Maxwell and Labuschagne made outstanding outfield stops to prevent two potential fours. After scampering through for two to retain strike on the penultimate delivery, Neesham was run out by a desperate dive from Inglis toward the stumps.
Lockie Ferguson, the tailender, went out despite his painful Achilles to face the final delivery, needing a six to win for New Zealand. Starc produced a well-directed full delivery that was nicked towards cover, but it wasn’t enough to do the job.
Player of the Match: Travis Head
At a much-anticipated World Cup matchup, Travis Head and David Warner led Australia to a massive 388-run total against New Zealand at Dharamsala. Head, batting first in his World Cup debut, amassed 109 runs, smashing an exciting century.
After missing time due to a hand injury, he returned with a spectacular performance, which included 10 boundaries and six big sixes. Head’s strong stroke play and dogged determination helped him to his fourth one-day international century in just 59 balls.
Score: South Australia v New Zealand
Australia | 388 | 49.2 overs |
New Zealand | 383/9 | 50 overs |
Australia won by 5 runs |
On Sunday, England will take on hosts India in a match that might determine whether or not they advance in the Cricket World Cup. Australia will try to extend their winning streak when they take on England on November 4, while New Zealand will face South Africa on Wednesday in Pune. Another thrilling match at the Cricket World Cup! Don’t forget to head to the best online cricket betting sites India for the ultimate World Cup experience. Bet on your favorite teams as we near the conclusion of the biggest cricket tournament in 2023!