It was never imagined that the mighty Kangaroos would fail against their tiny counterparts – Kiwi in Auckland at a thrilling Match 20 of Pool A held yesterday. New Zealand are a tough team in their own backyard. They proved it again when they beat Australia by 1-wicket to register their fourth consecutive victory in the tournament.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum

Historically, New Zealand and Australia are always associated with big world cup rivalries. There are records of hits and misses and wins by narrow margins in clashes between them. But yesterday’s clash surpassed all of them. It was the most astounding low-total match ever played in the history of the Cricket World Cup.

The Aussie Skipper Michael Clarke won the toss and decided to bat first but he didn’t know that Trent Boult would bowl so severely that his team would perform so miserably. Apart from David Warner 34 (42b, 4sX2, 6X1) and Brad Haddin 43 (41b, 4sX4, 6sX2), no other batsmen could stand in front of deadly swinging deliveries from the Kiwi pacers Tim Southee (2/65) and Trent Boult (5/27).

Both pacers shared 7 wickets between them while the veteran Vettori chipped in 2 Wickets to destroy Australia for 151 (All-Out) at the end of 32.2 overs. The left arm fast kiwi bowler was in full form and eliminated Glenn Maxwell (1), Mitchell Marsh (0) Michael Clarke (12) Mitchell Johnson (1) and Mitchell Starc (0) just within his next three overs to completely demolish the Aussie batting order.

When New Zealand came out to bat it was certain that the Kiwis would win the match comfortably since both Martin Guptill (11) and Brendon McCullum 50 (24b, 4sX7, 6sX3) put a 40-run partnership for the first wicket at the end of 3.5 over. However, they had to play tough cricket to win this clash.

There came a nail-biting moment for Kiwi fans when New Zealand lost three quick wickets of McCullum (50), Taylor (1) and Elliot (0) just within 4 deliveries. Australia were slowly returning to the game since they dismissed 4 Kiwi batsmen even before the team could reach three figure mark.
Despite all odds, Corey Anderson 26 (42b, 4sX2, 6sX1) and Kane Williamson 45* (42b, 4sX5, 6sX1) were successful to put 52-run partnership for the fifth wicket. However the dismissal of Anderson (FOW: 131/5) by Glenn Maxwell followed with a stunning spell of the Kangaroo left arm fast – Starc (9-0-28-6) completely stunned New Zealand.

All is well that ends well. Kane Williamson played a brilliant knock under pressure. At one stage Kiwis were struggling for 146/9 but a six from Williamson in the 24th over helped New Zealand win the exciting match by 1 wicket. They reached on to the top of the points table and cemented their place in the quarter final as well. Trent Boult was awarded Man-Of-The-Match award for his five wicket haul.

Tags: Australia, Brendon McCullum, Cricket World Cup, New Zealand