#CWC23 : Australia Maintain Winning Momentum , Beat New Zealand By 5 Runs In A High-Scoring Thriller

Picture : ICC/ X

Pat Cummins led Australia have bounced back superbly after losing their first two matches. The Aussies won their fourth straight match as they beat Tasman rivals New Zealand in a thrilling high- scoring encounter at Dharamsala by 5 runs .

This after New Zealand Skipper Tom latham won the toss and decided to bowl first . Playing his first World Cup Aussie opener Travis Head madea sensational debut . Smashing a powered packed 109 off mere 67 balls ( 10 fours. 7 sixes) and featured in stunning opening stand of 175 with equally devastating David Warner 81 ( 65 balls, 5 fours, 6 sixes) . Mitchell Marsh ( 36 ) Glenn Maxwell (41) , Steven Smith ( 18), Marnus Labuschagne ( 18) , wicket- keeper Josh Inglis ( 38).

Later on towards the end Skipper Pat Cummins used his long handle to great effect scoring blazing 14 ball 37 ( 2 fours, 4 sixes) . Australia posting 388 in their 50 overs. Kiwi Bowler Trent Boult took 3 wickets in the last over.

Kiwis bowling took a beating and their fielding was bit sloppy from their high standards as they put down some catches . Matt Henry 1/ 67 ( 6.2 overs) , Trent Boult 3/ 77 ( 10 overs), Lockie Ferguson 0/ 38 ( 3 overs) , Mitchell Santner 2/ 80 ( 10 overs), Glenn Phillips 3/ 37 ( 10 overs), Rachin Ravindra 0/ 56 ( 8 overs), James Neesham 1/ 32 ( 2 overs)

In reply the Kiwis began positively and took the attack to Australia . Devon Conway ( 28) , Will Young ( 32). 23-year old Rachin ravindra was brilliant in his 116 ( 89 balls , 9 fours 5 sixes). Mr Consistent Daryl Mitchell yet another fine 54 ( 51 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) . But Kiwis kept on Losing wickets Skipper Tom Latham ( 21), Glenn Phillips ( 12 ) Jimmy Neesham ( 58 ) , Mitchell Santner ( 17) . The kiwis finishing agonisingly close at 383/ 9 in their 50 overs.

Aussie bowlers kept their nerve : Mitchell Starc 0/ 89 ( 9 overs), Josh Hazlewood 2/ 70 ( 9 overs), Pat Cummins 2/ 66 ( 10 overs), Glenn Maxwell 1/ 62 ( 10 overs), Adam Zampa 3/ 74 ( 10 overs), Mitchell Marsh 0/ 18 ( 2 overs)fours, 4 sixes)

Match: World Cup 2023, 27th Match
Venue: Dharamsala | Date: October 28, 2023