Totally Viral/ 'Nearly 800 runs scored. What a match': Australia vs New Zealand match enthralls the cricket world

AUS vs NZ: In yet another heart-pounding encounter at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, Australia secured a thrilling victory by a margin of just 5 runs over New Zealand, earning themselves two valuable points in the tournament standings. The contest intensified as it approached its climax, with New Zealand needing 19 runs off the final over to clinch the win. James Neesham and Trent Boult, representing the Kiwis, managed to tally 11 runs in a valiant effort. However, the game took a dramatic turn when, on the penultimate ball of the innings, Neesham was run out, leaving New Zealand still requiring 6 runs to win from just 1 ball. Ultimately, Australia maintained their composure and emerged victorious, as the new batsman on the crease, Lockie Ferguson, couldn't produce the required boundary.

3 things you need to know

• New Zealand won the toss and elected to field first at HPCA stadium in Dharamsala
• Travis Head and David Warner played brilliant knocks to post a 388-run total
• Rachin Ravindra scored a century but the Kiwis couldn't cross the finish line

Also Read: Australia vs New Zealand: Chasing 389 runs, NZ take match to last ball but fall just 5 runs short

ODI World Cup: Cricket world reacts to thrilling AUS vs NZ clash

Batting first, Australia were bowled out for 388 runs in their quota of 50 overs. David Warner and Travis Head forged a brilliant partnership at the top of the order, scoring 81 and 109 runs respectively. Glenn Maxwell also contributed to the total with a quickfire 41 off 24 balls. Trent Boult and Glenn Phillips picked up three wickets each for the Kiwis. 

In reply, New Zealand lost openers Devon Conway and Will Young early in their innings with Josh Hazlewood providing Australia with the breakthrough. Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell then forged a crucial partnership for New Zealand. Mitchell smashed a half-century, while Ravindra went on to score a fantastic century, his second of the ODI World Cup 2023.

The match reached a thrilling climax as New Zealand faced the daunting task of scoring 19 runs in the final over to secure victory. James Neesham and Trent Boult put up a commendable effort, managing to accumulate 11 runs. However, the game took a dramatic turn on the penultimate ball of the innings when Neesham was run out, leaving New Zealand with a daunting requirement of 6 runs to win from just 1 ball. In the end, Australia remained composed and emerged as the victors by 5 runs.

Also Read: Australia names Matthew Wade as the skipper for 5-match T20I series against India

Australia has added two crucial points to their tally in the ODI World Cup 2023 standings, solidifying their position in fourth place. New Zealand currently holds the third spot, boasting an equal number of points, but their superior net run rate sets them apart.