In a nail-biting encounter that had cricket fans on the edge of their seats, Australia emerged victorious over New Zealand in the 27th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The contest, held at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, featured scintillating performances with both the bat and ball, ultimately resulting in Australia clinching the win by a margin of just 5 runs.
Travis Head powers Australia to a massive total
New Zealand, after winning the toss, chose to bowl first, putting Australia to bat. The Australian innings proved to be a run-fest, as they posted an imposing total of 388 runs for the loss of 10 wickets in 49.2 overs. Travis Head was the standout performer with a breathtaking century, scoring 109 runs off just 67 deliveries.
Head was well-supported by David Warner, who contributed 81 runs, and a solid batting effort from the rest of the team. Australia’s innings featured a flurry of boundaries and sixes, leaving New Zealand with a daunting target.
Also READ: World Cup 2023 – David Warner surpasses Ricky Ponting in a six-hitting record during AUS vs NZ clash
Rachin Ravindra and James Neesham’s efforts in vain
In response, New Zealand’s batters showcased remarkable resilience. Rachin Ravindra played a sensational innings, scoring 116 runs off 89 balls, while Daryl Mitchell (54) and James Neesham (58) made vital contributions. However, despite a valiant effort, New Zealand fell just short of their target. The team managed to reach a commendable total of 383 for the loss of 9 wickets in their 50 overs.
Australia’s bowlers, led by Adam Zampa with 3 wickets, and a spirited performance from the other bowlers, played a pivotal role in securing the narrow victory. New Zealand, on the other hand, was led by Ravindra’s all-round display with the bat.
In the end, it was a thrilling contest that showcased the spirit of cricket, with both teams displaying remarkable skill and determination. However, Australia managed to hold their nerve and secure a hard-fought victory, winning by a margin of just 5 runs.
Also READ: World Cup 2023 – Fans go gaga as New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra lights up Dharamsala with a brilliant century against Australia
Here is how Twitter reacted:
One more nail-biter! This World Cup is a blockbuster for sure. Both the teams looked good and played exceedingly well. #NZvAUS #ICCCricketWorldCup
— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) October 28, 2023
So many heroes today. Head, Warner, Cummins, Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Neesham….yesterday was a good game, full of emotion and pain, but this is now the match of the tournament
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 28, 2023
Mazaa aa raha hai ?
What a match.
New Zealand showing the spirit of a run chase and Australia peaking at the right time and looking ominous.
Two thrillers in two days and mazaa aa gaya. #NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/NECuzvcCyV— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 28, 2023
Wow. What a game for the last time this World Cup here in DHARAMSALA. Kudos to both Australia and New Zealand👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. Travis Head and Rachin Ravindra💪🏾
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 28, 2023
South Africa won by just 1 wicket.
Australia won by just 5 runs.
Two classics – World Cup is peaking, We are in for a treat for next few years. pic.twitter.com/O1AuS7QA31
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 28, 2023
A gallant effort from #NZ. Jimmy Neesham in the end 👏
AUS’ desperation in the field in the last over did it for them. This is the AUS side I have seen over 31 years.
Starc recovering from those five wides. That full toss… he hit the bat quite hard on that occasion and just…
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) October 28, 2023
https://twitter.com/SeerviBharath/status/1718252608085766313
I’m just looking forward to @JimmyNeesh tweet tbh 😂😲 what a game!
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) October 28, 2023
What a ridiculously good game of cricket #AUSvNZ
— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) October 28, 2023
Marnus saves Australia there – what a performance in the field from him. Reckon he has to be ahead of Smith if it comes down to one or the other.
— Adam Collins (@collinsadam) October 28, 2023
Match of the Tournament #AUSvsNZ
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) October 28, 2023
Low-scoring thrillers are great but highest-scoring thrillers are even better. Poor Jimmy Neesham still has his pads on. He brought the Kiwis within one boundary of one of the greatest World Cup teams one #AusvNZ #CWC23
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) October 28, 2023
Salute to both Aus & NZ
— Abdul Ghaffar 🇵🇰 (@GhaffarDawnNews) October 28, 2023