A match between two top tier sides finally went down to the wire in the Cricket World Cup yesterday. Kane Williamson’s maximum ensuring New Zealand shocked the world best Australians by one wicket in a low scoring but highly entertaining affair at Eden Park.
Keep reading for more details on New Zealand’s one wicket win.
Day 15 Results
1. Australia v New Zealand
The talk of theoretical three hundred strong totals was quickly cast aside as New Zealand and Australia collectively struggled to score 300 runs between them. The sub par batting performances from both sides, however, didn’t detract from the incredible spectacle that left everyone in attendance satisfied, if a little surprised their day had ended two hours ahead of schedule. New Zealand got by by one wicket thanks to a nerveless Kane Williamson six off Pat Cummins, despite the bowling heroics of Mitchell Starc at the other end.
Australia’s fast start against a nervous Tim Southee gave no indication of the inept display that was to follow. At 30-0 off just 2.1 overs, Australia looked destined for a sizeable total. Even after Aaron Finch was removed the next ball, they still managed to get to 80-1 with Shane Watson and David Warner going along nicely. Southee had proven expensive in his opening spell in a display that highlighted the small margin for error at Auckland’s concrete jungle. But as Australia looked to heap more misery on the Kiwi bowlers, Brendon McCullum pulled a masterstroke by introducing the left arm spin of Daniel Vettori in just the seventh over. His introduction stifled the scoring rate and caused Shane Watson to err and throw away his wicket, pulling him straight to deep square leg for 23.
Tim Southee removed Davey Warney (as he is affectionately known by all Australian commentators) next ball, an then Trent Boult returned the remarkable second spell bowling figures of 5/1 to see Australia slump to 106/9. While the bowling was accurate, the batting was horrendous. Four players getting bowled is disappointing at international level (FYI, New Zealand had the same number later in the night). Brad Haddin and Pat Cummins managed to add some respect to the total; Haddin made 43 and if he had eked out a few more might have done enough to get his side home.
New Zealand’s pursuit of the small total started off without a hitch. A Mitchell Johnson no-ball resulted in a free-hit six to Martin Nuptial and the Black Caps were on their way. McCullum continued his free scoring approach to small targets. The swing from the hip mentality served him well only until Mitchell Johnson landed a nasty blow on his forearm that upset some of his momentum, but he still managed a 24 ball fifty. From there New Zealand lost wickets in clumps to accurate, fast insignia of Mitchell Starc. Starc took the wickets of Taylor and Elliot either side of the lunch interval, and then another two in two when he dismissed Milne and Southee to set-up the thrilling finish. Australia needed one wicket for a famous comeback victory. New Zealand needed six runs to win the Chappell-Hadley Trophy. Mitchell Starc had two balls at number 11 Trent Boult. Boult survived and Williamson deposited Cummins into the stand to seal a famous win and all but ensure New Zealand a home quarterfinal.
New Zealand 152 for 9 (McCullum 50, Williamson 45*, Starc 6-28) beat Australia 151 (Haddin 43, Boult 5-27, Southee 2-65, Vettori 2-41) by one wicket
2. India v UAE
The second match of the day was a disappointing dull affair as the UAE failed to match their more experienced opponents in all aspects of the game. Betting first the minnows only mustered 103. All out in 31.3 overs, without any threat of putting together a useful total. India’s bowling is on the improve, but it shouldn’t strike any fear into teams, and certainly not all out for 103 type fear. Nevertheless, that is what transpired. Ravi Ashwin the star of the show, picking up four cheap wickets and providing the perfect support to Yadava and Kumar who had earlier taken wickets in their opening spells.
The target was knocked off with consulate ease. Rohit Sharma made an unbeaten half century and Virat Kohli added 33 unbeaten runs to wrap things up with little fuss, little energy exhausted, and no injuries. The perfect result for the Indians who appear to be getting stronger and stronger.
India 104 for 1 (Rohit 57*) beat UAE 102 (Anwar 35, Ashwin 4-25) by 9 wickets
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
