Losing by one wicket in an unbelievably low-scoring Pool B match of the World Cup on Saturday, Australia were left dumbstruck at the crease against New Zealand at Eden Park. The Aussies went down fighting pushing the Kiwis to the very end.
The Kiwis’ paceman Trent Boult claimed career best figures of 5/27. Enigmatic captain Brendon McCullum led the charge with the bat for the hosts, while a late Mitchell Starc whirlwind nearly stole the win from underneath the Kiwis.
Australia raced to 30 runs in the opening two overs with Finch and Warner looking ominous. A lusty six by Finch off the bowling of the inform Southee was dealt with very next ball as his stumps were shattered.
Watson combined with Warner for a 50 run partnership. Watson fell victim to the crafty bowling of veteran spinner Daniel Vettori after trying to hook the ball over the square leg boundary, caught by Southee.
Within the space of 9 overs, Australia lost an incredible 7 wickets for only 26 runs. Trent Boult claimed 5 wickets in his second spell for only 4 runs. The spell that included 44 dot balls decimated the Australian batting line-up.
Returning Australian captain Michael Clarke looked comfortable out in the middle but was also removed by Boult. Clarke launched a loose drive that was caught well in cover by Kane Williamson.
“My mindset was to come in a take some wickets,” commented man of the match Boult.
A stubborn 43 from 41 balls by Brad Haddin helped Australia past 150 which was feel well short of the hyped total the small Eden Park ground offered hopeful fans.
Brendon McCullum was at his best to open the New Zealand innings. Hitting 50 runs from only 24 balls, even after copping a Mitchell Johnson fast ball to the elbow. Johnson was dispatched for a humiliating 0/68 from only 6 overs.
At 4/130 from less than 20 overs New Zealand were cruising. Glenn Maxwell removed the shaky Anderson for 26 (42). Starc ignited, removing Ronchi, Milne and Southee in a mind-blowing spell that included a potentially match-winning hat-trick ball.
Starc’s last ball went agonisingly wide, leaving Pat Cummins to bowl to Kane Williams who remained at the crease amidst the avalanche of wickets. It took Williams only one ball to relieve the tension created for the home crowd in excess of 50,000. A lofted, straight drive for six clinched the match.
“Trent Coult was outstanding… fielding was good, but some of the batting wasn’t as good as it should have been,” said McCullum after the match.
When asked what he thought of his opening bowlers, McCullum affirmed that:
“I wouldn’t swap the boys for anyone going around.”
Mitchell Starc bowled tremendously well in a beaten side, claiming 6/28 from 9 overs.
“They seem to be the team to beat and we weren’t on today,” Starc said.
“A little disappointing with the bat today.”
Australia play Afghanistan on Wednesday while New Zealand host the Afghani’s next Sunday.
