On October 28, 2023, Australia bagged a five-run win against New Zealand in the World Cup 2023 game, played in Dharamsala. Earlier, at the toss, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson emerged triumphant against his
counterpart Pat Cummins and elected to field first. David Warner and Travis Head stitched a 175-run stand for the opening wicket off 115 balls. Warner departed after scoring 81 off 65 but Head, who was playing his maiden Cricket World Cup match, did a stunning job and went on to produce a ton from his bat. The southpaw ended his knock after scoring 109 runs off 67 balls. Glenn Phillips dismissed both Aussie batters.
After getting a rapid start, the Aussie side witnessed the ferocious batting display from middle-order batters Glenn Maxwell (41 off 24) and Josh Inglis (38 off 28). Skipper Pat Cummins also looked relentless and notched up a brisk 37 off 14. Riding on his extraordinary innings, Australia posted a total of 388 in 49.2 overs. Trent Boult and Glenn Phillips took three wickets each and emerged as the most successful bowlers for the Kiwi team. Mitchell Santner got two wickets while Matt Henry and James Neesham also got one wicket respectively.
New Zealand fell five runs short while chasing the mammoth target
Pursuing the total, New Zealand got some majestic batting performances from Rachin Ravindra (116 off 89), Daryl Mitchell (54 off 51), and James Neesham (58 off 39). In the final over, 19 runs were required and Mitchell Starc got the task to defend the total. The veteran pacer held his nerves and contained Neesham from taking New Zealand home.
On the fifth delivery of the final over, Neesham got run out while stealing the second run and with his dismissal, the Black Caps needed six runs off the final ball of the contest. Lockie Ferguson failed to score any runs on the last delivery and Australia walked back victorious. Adam Zampa took three wickets and ended up as the most successful bowler for the Aussie team.
Skipper Cummins and Josh Hazlewood also scalped two wickets each whereas Glenn Maxwell also bagged one wicket. Head’s maiden World Cup ton made him the recipient of the Player of the Match (POTM) award.
