SM
Thursday, March 28
Upcoming predictions and previews

Live Commentary: New Zealand vs. Australia - as it happened

:Headline: Live Commentary: New Zealand vs. Australia - as it happened: ID:208098: from db_amp
Relive Sports Mole's live text coverage of the Pool A game between New Zealand and Australia at the World Cup.

New Zealand continued their 100% record at the World Cup by recording a one-wicket win over Pool A rivals Australia in a thrilling match at Eden Park.

It looked like the Black Caps would cruise to victory after Trent Boult claimed figures of 5-27 to help bowl out Australia for 151 in the 33rd over.

Brendon McCullum scored 50 from 24 balls in response, but his departure changed the game as Mitchell Starc produced an impressive performance to reduce New Zealand to 146-9 with figures of 6-28.

However, Kane Williamson (45*) held his nerve to finish the game by launching Pat Cummins for six as Australia fell just short in a dramatic meeting in Auckland.

Read below to find out how the action unfolded.

Hello everyone! Have you recovered from watching that incredible AB de Villiers knock yet? Well, it's time for some more World Cup action, so settle in for New Zealand vs. Australia in Auckland. The two co-hosts are also the two current favourites to win the whole tournament. Stick with me to find out who can claim the victory in Pool A today.
We're in for another exciting match between two rivals in Auckland. New Zealand have played some superb cricket on the way to winning all three of their matches so far, while Australia were dominant in the opening day victory over England before being left frustrated when rain stopped them from targeting Bangladesh.
Both of these sides are expected to progress to the quarter-finals, and it would be a huge shock if they somehow fell outside the top four in Pool A, but this is a big game nonetheless. A win for either team will be a huge boost heading into the rest of the campaign, and it could also strike a psychological blow ahead of a potential second meeting later in the tournament.
AUSTRALIA WIN THE TOSS AND BAT FIRST: Michael Clarke is finally back, and his first action of the day is to confirm that his side will bat after calling the toss correctly. The skipper admits out in the middle that his side are "sick of training". New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum claims he wanted to bowl first anyway.
NEW ZEALAND: Guptill, McCullum, Williamson, Taylor, Elliott, Anderson, Ronchi, Vettori, Milne, Southee, Boult

AUSTRALIA: Warner, Finch, Watson, Clarke, Smith, Maxwell, Marsh, Haddin, Johnson, Starc, Cummins

It's no surprise to see New Zealand name an unchanged side once again following their emphatic win over England. Clarke is obviously back for Australia as a replacement for George Bailey, while Pat Cummins comes into the bowling attack as Josh Hazlewood drops out.
The first 10-15 overs could be crucial, and a lot of fun, too. In Aaron Finch and David Warner, Australia have got one of the most destructive opening partnerships in world cricket. If they find their feet quickly, New Zealand will soon be on the back foot. However, Tim Southee and Trent Boult are world-class bowlers. Both have the ability to swing the white ball early in the innings, and they will attack Australia.
This really is one of the biggest rivalries in world cricket. Whether it's Trevor Chappell bowling the final ball of a 1981 ODI underarm to prevent the Black Caps from securing a tie with a six, or Scott Styris and Mitchell Johnson almost coming to blows out in the middle, this contest always creates passionate moments. Let's hope for some drama, but perhaps no fights, today.
It's tough on George Bailey, who scored 55 in the win over England, but Australia will be delighted to have their captain back. He's struggled with injuries, but Clarke remains a world-class player and this team are a better side with him in the middle order.

"I feel really good," Clarke told reporters in his press conference. "The work I've put in has given me a chance to get back out in the park and be able to play at 100%, run and don't be restricted where I field, bat, bowl and that was our goal."

The national anthems have been played at Eden Park, so we're almost ready for some cricket. Get yourself a flask of tea and settle in to enjoy the first innings over the next few hours. We could be in for a close one today.
Here we go then. The first few overs are key. Southee and Boult vs. Warner and Finch. It doesn't get much better than that. It will be Southee who opens the bowling.
Incredible noise from the supporters as Southee starts with a big wide. A touch of nerves on both sides as Finch attempts to reach the ball with a wild effort. He picks up his first runs of the day with three through mid-wicket. The switch to the left-handed Warner has an impact as Southee delivers a wide down the leg-side. Warner gets underway with a single off the pads. It's not a great start from Southee as Finch then helps himself to four with a flick through fine-leg. Another single is followed by four byes when Southee finishes with a bouncer as Ronchi misses out behind the stumps. Poor start for the Black Caps.
Boult starts by letting Finch get to the non-striker's end with a leg-bye. Warner wants to get after the left-arm seamer immediately, and he enjoys some luck when a sliced slog sails over the slips for four. A nervy loft into the off-side brings two more before Boult beats the outside edge.
Six! What a shot from Finch as he sends Southee into the second tier over long-on.
WICKET! FINCH (14) B SOUTHEE: That's how you respond to being smashed for six. Finch attacks another full ball, but a bit of seam movement knocks back off-stump.
Watson is gifted a leg-stump full-toss as he gets off the mark with a four. Despite making the breakthrough, Southee really is struggling to find the right line. 12 runs and a wicket from the third over. Is this enough early entertainment for you?
Boult is slightly too wide early in the over and Warner opens the blade to earn a couple through the covers. A much better fuller ball from the seamer is followed by a single on the leg-side for the Australian opener. It's no surprise to see New Zealand target lbw with Watson at the crease, and the batsman does well to get something on the ball when he loses his footing while facing a full, swinging delivery. Good over.
Warner ducks a bouncer before taking on the next short ball to pull four runs over square-leg. McCullum changes the field, but Southee fails to follow the plan as Warner rocks back to pull a half-tracker for four more. The off-side is packed now, with Anderson coming in at a short-ish point. One more run scored in the over. Warner 21* Watson 6
Will McCullum be thinking about a change? Southee hasn't hit the right length yet. Warner and Watson trade singles early in Boult's over as Australia reach 50. The boundaries are very small at Eden Park, and a thick edge from Warner isn't a million miles away from offering a catch to Southee at third-man. Good stuff from Boult.
Interesting move from McCullum as the veteran spinner Daniel Vettori comes into the attack. There's just two fielders allowed outside the inner circle in the first powerplay. Warner will fancy this. It's a fine start from Vettori, though, and Warner almost picks out McCullum at short mid-wicket. Five dot balls are followed by two through the covers. Excellent change of pace throughout the over from Vettori.
Watson attacks a shorter ball, but he can only send a bottom edge crashing into his hip. Boult then goes fuller and Watson looks far from comfortable with a late drive. He doesn't look any better when an inside edge hands him a single to fine-leg. Warner leans on a fuller one to collect two to deep extra cover. A wide makes it four off the over.
Vettori is furious with himself when his fumble allows Watson to get off strike, but he's back at the danger zone when Warner finds a single on the leg-side. Watson rotates the strike again with a late cut. Close! It's another thick edge from Warner, but Boult can't stretch enough at short third-man to get more than a finger on the ball. Half chance for the Black Caps.
Very good bowling from Boult. The ball seems to be doing a touch more now as the seamer nips one past Warner's outside edge. Just two singles added to the total before Watson ruins a good over with four behind square with a powerful pull. Boult's opening spells may finish at five overs.
Vettori is doing a great job for his skipper by calming things down at one end. Neither Watson or Warner want to risk too much against the left-arm spinner at this stage. Two off the 11th over.
It's Southee who comes back into the attack to replace Boult. He begins with a wide, and Watson is looking more relaxed now as he drives through the covers a couple of balls later. McCullum does brilliantly to stop the boundary. Watson adds two more on the leg-side before opening the face of the bat to find a single down to third-man. Warner 32 Watson 21*
Australia are showing a lot of respect to Vettori. They're refusing to do anything too dangerous as the spinner continues to mix up his pace.
WICKET! WATSON (23) C SOUTHEE B VETTORI: Watson becomes the first man to take a risk against Vettori, and he pays the price. An ugly heave results in Southee taking a decent catch at deep mid-wicket. Good decision from McCullum to go to his spinner early in the game.
WICKET! WARNER (34) LBW B SOUTHEE: Two in two balls for New Zealand, and they're on top now! Southee gets one to nip back and hit Warner's pad. Clarke's first job is to advise his partner to review the decision. The umpire's decision remains out when the technology proves the ball would have clipped the stumps. Australia are on the back foot now.
Steve Smith comes to the crease to join Clarke. New Zealand have two new Australians to bowl at. McCullum has to keep the pressure on. Southee goes full to Smith, who gets off the mark by pushing his third ball through the covers for two. A similar shot brings a single and Clarke then starts his knock with two past point.
Vettori faces a different test against these two, who both love to pick the gaps and use their feet against the spin. Clarke almost gets into trouble early in the over when an edge drops just short of Ross Taylor at slip. Smith gets trapped on the crease but manages to get a crucial inside edge on the ball. Vettori continues to impress.
Clarke has a key role to play for his side from this position, but we know he can score runs in any situation. Two runs on the off-side are followed by the perfect flick off the pads for four. Southee responds with a shorter ball, but Clarke reads the bounce well to add a single.
WICKET! SMITH (4) C RONCHI B VETTORI: Vettori strikes again! Smith is stuck on the crease once again and he can only get an edge on the ball as he looks to open up the off-side. Ronchi takes a very smart catch. Disaster for Australia after the drinks break.
There's so much pressure on Glenn Maxwell's shoulders as he comes to the crease to nudge his first ball down the ground for a single. He's usually the man teeing off at the end of the innings, but he needs to bat time from here. Another excellent over from Vettori.
WICKET! MAXWELL (1) B BOULT: Awful batting from Maxwell. He goes after a wide one at the start of a new spell and can only drag one onto the stumps as Boult strikes on his return to the attack. New Zealand are in complete control here.
Mitchell Marsh comes in at number seven for Australia, who are on the ropes after an impressive start. A fuller ball is only just kept out by the new man before Boult delivers a wide.
WICKET! MARSH (0) B BOULT: Incredible. Marsh lasts just two balls as he gets an inside edge onto the stumps. Boult is full of confidence and the New Zealand fans are loving every minute. 80-1 has become 97-6 very quickly. Haddin keeps out the final ball of the over. It's down to Haddin and Clarke to dig their side out of this crisis.
McCullum sticks with Vettori as the Black Caps stay on the front foot. Clarke and Haddin will need to be sensible from this position. Australia just need to bat for as long as possible. In truth, you'd probably hand pick these two for a situation like this one. Haddin gets off the mark with four through fine-leg as Australia limp to three figures. Six runs come from the over.
Haddin backs away to say he isn't ready at the start of Boult's new over. Fast bowlers do not like that. Especially when you're bowling with good rhythm like Boult, who will enjoy the test of coming up against Clarke.
WICKET! CLARKE (12) C WILLIAMSON B BOULT: I told you he'd enjoy it. New Zealand claim another vital wicket as Clarke drives straight to Williamson at short cover. It's a decent catch, too. Boult has 3-25 from seven overs.
Vettori stays in the attack. Haddin takes a quick single to hand the strike to Mitchell Johnson, who must be wondering what on earth he is doing out in the middle as he swings at a wider one. Vettori then takes one past the outside edge before Johnson finds a single to square-leg. Excellent from the spinner.
Johnson doesn't look like he fancies his chances of batting for a long time. A wild swing across the line will only encourage Boult.
WICKET! JOHNSON (1) C WILLIAMSON B BOULT: Suicidal batting from Johnson, who can only watch on in horror as Williamson dives to his right to take a brilliant catch at short cover. Boult has another wicket as the incredible scenes continue at Eden Park.
WICKET! STARC (0) B BOULT: What a performance this is from the Black Caps! It's full and straight from Boult and Starc can't get anywhere near the ball as the stumps take more punishment. That's five for Boult. Australia just don't know how to respond.
Cummins is the number 11, and he's batting in the 23rd over. This is quite astonishing stuff. Haddin takes a single on offer at the start of Vettori's over. These two will surely have to attack and just get as many runs as possible. Just three off the over. Boult has 5-25. Can he finish it off?
Haddin picks up a single off the first ball, and Boult won't mind that one bit. Cummins leaves one outside off-stump and unlike some teammates before him, he gets bat on a straight one. A single to fine-leg hands the strike back to Haddin, who can't beat point with a late cut. Boult conceded just one run between his first and fifth wicket.
Haddin decides to call for the batting powerplay, but McCullum wasn't thinking much about leaving too many fielders out in the deep. It's time to attack as Haddin lofts four over mid-on. Some good fielding from Boult on the off-side to restrict the same batsman to two runs a ball later. Six! Haddin clears the rope with a fine stroke down the ground. It's an expensive final over, but Vettori has been brilliant. He finishes with 2-41 off his 10 overs.
Cummins isn't the worst number 11 you'll see, but he looks uncomfortable while dodging a sharp bouncer from Boult, who is bowling with excellent pace. It's a maiden. Boult finishes his 10 overs with figures of 5-27. That's his best effort with the ball in ODIs.
Southee is back into the attack for his seventh over. Haddin looks to give himself some room to open up the off-side, but he's followed by the seamer. A bouncer doesn't look to far away from the edge but Southee is punished with a wide. Haddin then chips the ball just short of the fielder at cover, before pulling through square-leg for a couple. A single hands the strike to Cummins, who keeps out the final ball of the over.
Adam Milne finally gets a chance with the ball, and he almost strikes with the first delivery when Haddin targets the off-side. He's probably the quickest of the New Zealand bowlers. A sharp full-toss has Haddin in an uncomfortable position. There's plenty to like about Milne's action. An awful bounce off the edge of the pitch gifts Australia a run and leaves Ronchi helpless. Milne then beats the bat when Cummins attacks a wider one but the yorker is kept out.
Clever batting from Haddin as he goes over short third-man for four runs. You never know, these could be crucial runs if New Zealand are under pressure early in their chase. Another lofted effort just beats a backtracking Guptill at point and Haddin picks up a couple more. A single gives Cummins two balls to negotiate, and he refuses to take a single on offer at the end of the over.
Haddin is only interested in boundaries as he rejects a single early in Milne's over. However, Milne refuses to offer up a freebie until Haddin finds four through point off the final ball. That might not be the worst result for the Black Caps. Cummins will be on strike at the start of the next over.
Shot! Cummins is trying to prove that he can handle the strike as he drills Southee past mid-on for four runs. Southee forces Cummins into an awkward position with a very good bouncer, before seeing the number 11 hit the full-toss straight to the mid-off fielder.
Haddin wants two at the start of the over, but he's forced to settle for a single. Guptill produces a stunning piece of fielding at backward point to get his hand on the ball when Cummins connects with a thick outside edge. Milne concedes just one from his third over. This partnership is worth 39. Haddin 37* Cummins 7
Six! Corey Anderson is handed the chance to finish the innings off, but Haddin wants more runs as he sends the first ball of the over straight down the ground for six.
WICKET! HADDIN (43) C SUB B ANDERSON: Superb from New Zealand. There was a late rally, but it's an excellent effort from the bowling attack as Haddin finishes the innings by picking out xyx at short third-man. Boult leads the team off the field to a big reception.
NEW ZEALAND NEED 152 TO WIN: Did anyone see that coming? Australia were looking good at 80-1 before collapsing to 106-9. Haddin has given his side a glimmer of hope, but New Zealand know that a win is there for taking. Brendon McCullum will surely attack to bring that target down quickly.
We haven't reached the time for a longer interval, so the players will be back out on the field very soon. Australia's bowlers will have to attack, and they can't afford to be off target in the early overs. New Zealand will feel the pressure if they lose a couple of early wickets. If McCullum starts connecting immediately, we could be heading home pretty quickly.
You've got to give credit to New Zealand. The seamers didn't start well, but they found the right areas and waited for the Australian mistakes. We're ready for the run chase. Johnson will bowl the first over. Guptill on strike.
(TARGET 152) Wow! What a start for New Zealand. Johnson oversteps with the first delivery and Guptill flicks four to the fine-leg rope. How does he use the free hit? Well, he backs away and launches six over extra cover of course! That's enough fireworks for the first over, decides Guptill.
McCullum's intention is clear. He charges down the pitch to face his first ball, and Starc can only send a wide down. Six! Starc didn't know how to respond to McCullum, and he can't believe what comes next as the Black Caps skipper fires the ball over the extra cover boundary. A thick edge brings a single to third-man. Guptill adds another run to square-leg. Starc gets the treatment again as McCullum latches onto a length ball to drill four more down the ground. He'll keep the strike thanks to a single off the final ball. New Zealand off to a flyer.
Six! McCullum gives himself enough room to slice Johnson over point for six. I'm not sure how he's hit the ball there from that position. Four more follows over extra cover. Clarke changes his approach to bring in a leg-gully and a short-leg. It's time for some short stuff. McCullum lets the first bouncer hit him in the arm. Ouch. There's a huge lump on the forearm already as the physio comes on with an ice pack. Can he continue? The skipper is going nowhere. A thick outside edge beats Watson at slip as McCullum picks up four runs. Another charge follows, but a miscued pull doesn't bring a run.
Starc begins a new over with a very full length outside off-stump, before straying down the leg-side to add another extra to the total.
WICKET! GUPTILL (11) C CUMMINS B STARC: Breakthrough for Australia. It's nothing more than a half-volley from Starc, but Guptill can't get enough on the drive as Cummins takes a smart diving catch at mid-off. Williamson keeps his first ball out by ducking the bouncer. Australia need a couple more quick wickets to keep the pressure on.
(TARGET 152) You wouldn't know if McCullum was in pain really, but I'm sure that arm is hurting as he flicks Johnson away for a single. Williamson helps himself to four runs with a clip through fine-leg when Johnson looks for the yorker. A quick single on the leg-side follows. Shot! There's a few signs of pain between deliveries, but McCullum won't let it have an impact on his batting as he skips down the pitch to hammer four runs past the bowler.
Williamson picks up a single from a mistimed drive into the covers. There's a drop from Starc, but he didn't have a chance of clinging onto to a powerful shot from McCullum. A full-toss from Starc follows and a thick outside edge beats Haddin and Watson to bring four more runs. McCullum 35 Williamson 6*
Good batting from Williamson as he opens the face of the bat to earn a run through third-man. Superb from McCullum as he bravely takes on the bouncer from Johnson to pull four behind square on the leg-side. Six! Incredible batting. There's a catch in the crowd as McCullum launches six more down the ground, and another boundary follows when he pulls to the rope once again. 50! Big cheers from the Auckland crowd as McCullum reaches his half-century from 21 balls with a single on the off-side. He's a player at the top of his game. What a performer. New Zealand take 16 off the over.
Cummins is into the attack for the first time. Williamson is off his feet as he punches a single into the off-side. Cummins, possibly feeling the pressure of bowling to McCullum for the first time, delivers a wayward ball to concede five wides. The New Zealand supporters are enjoying every minute when Cummins falls over at the crease. It's a nasty looking trip, but he's up quickly.
WICKET! McCULLUM (50) C STARC B CUMMINS: The skipper departs after picking out Starc with a slightly mistimed attempt at finding another boundary. Australia needed that wicket, but the odds are stacked against them. Another fine McCullum innings comes to an end.
Taylor is the new batsman for New Zealand and he immediately gets off the mark by cutting over point for a single. McCullum has provided the platform. The Black Caps should cruise home from here. We'll have one more over before the interval.
WICKET! TAYLOR (1) B STARC: Hang on a moment. New Zealand might be a bit more nervous during the interval. Starc gets one through Taylor's defence to hit the stumps and the Black Caps lose another wicket.
That wicket brings the interval forward. We'll join the players in taking a break, too. Make sure you return in around 20 minutes as New Zealand search for 73 more runs. Can Australia keep this match alive?
Welcome back everyone. It's been a crazy few hours. If you've missed anything, take a quick look at the numbers below to get up to date before the start of the final chapter.

NEW ZEALAND 79-3 (8.1 overs) - target 152

Batsmen: Williamson 9*

Fall of wickets: 40-1 (Guptill 11), 78-2 (McCullum 50), 79-3 (Taylor 1)

Bowling figures: Johnson 4-0-52-0, Starc 3.1-0-20-2, Cummins 1-0-7-0

AUSTRALIA 151 (32.2 overs): Haddin 43, Boult 5-27

There's been some more celebrations out on the field during the interval. New Zealand's former captain Martin Crowe has been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.

73 runs. That's all New Zealand need to win this match. It sounds like an easy task, but it will get nervy for the batting side if Australia can pick up a couple more quick wickets. Williamson has reached 9* and he'll be joined by Grant Elliott when the players return.
Don't rule out more drama. New Zealand are firm favourites, and it would be a shock to see them fall short, but these small chases can do funny things to batsmen. Williamson could be a key wicket. If he bats for another 30-40 minutes, it could be over.
The players are heading back out to the middle at Eden Park. Elliott is on strike with five balls remaining in Starc's over. New Zealand need 73 more runs to reach their target of 152.
WICKET! ELLIOTT (0) B STARC: It's not over in Auckland. Starc delivers a beauty to nip one past the inside edge and hits the stumps with the first ball after the interval. Elliott wasn't even close to getting bat on ball. He's on a hat-trick. Can New Zealand hold their nerve?
Starc is on target with the hat-trick delivery, but Anderson defends confidently. A nudge into the leg-side hands the new batsman his first run. Williamson hits the next ball just short of Maxwell at fine-leg. Starc then delivers a superb yorker which Williamson does well to keep out. The Australian fielders are in the game now. Plenty of chat around the bat. Game on!
(TARGET 152) Cummins pushes a couple of ball past the left-handed batsman early in the new over, and the nerves are showing when Anderson attempts to recklessly pull the third delivery. A sharp bouncer follows and Anderson can only help the ball over slips. It's a very different game now. Excellent over from Cummins.
Anderson isn't sure what to do as Starc gets some extra bounce to beat the outside edge. Another stunning ball leaves the all-rounder, who wanted to work the ball into the leg-side despite it pitching outside off-stump. An attempted yorker is nudged to mid-wicket for two, and that shot is greeted by a big round of applause from a nervy Auckland crowd.
Shot! Lovely timing on show as Williamson gets on top of the bounce to cut four through point. He then opens the face of the bat to pick up a single through third-man. Anderson continues to play himself in by nudging a run off his hip. New Zealand need 63 more runs.
Starc goes full again to beat Anderson's edge at the start of a new over. A firm pull follows, but there's no reward for the left-hander. Haddin does well down the leg-side to collect a wide ball from his teammate. Another wild shot leaves the Australians smiling as Anderson attempts to pull a ball off a length. That's not going to end well. He manages to survive the over.
Maybe you're not supposed to enjoy defensive shots, but I could watch Williamson block all day long. It's a thing of beauty. As is his work with wider balls, and he helps himself to a couple with a cut past point. Maxwell does some excellent work at mid-wicket to keep Williamson from adding more runs off a fuller ball.
Johnson is into the attack again, and he's greeted with another nervy pull from Anderson, who somehow picks up four runs down the ground. Anderson is being targeted from around the wicket, but his luck continues when an inside edge sends the ball just past leg-stump and to the rope for four more. Six! Maybe a slice of luck is all he needed. There's nothing wrong with his next pull as he launches six over square-leg. Two more makes it a very welcome 16 off the over for New Zealand. 44 more needed.
The runs are flowing again now as Williamson lofts Cummins over the fielder at short cover to collect four. A shuffle across the crease is followed by a nudge into the leg-side for one. Anderson picks the gap at mid-wicket to earn two and finishes the over by chipping three more to deep cover. Williamson 21 Anderson 26*
Johnson conceded 68 from his first five overs without taking a wicket, but he's kept in the attack. It's a much better effort from the left-arm seamer this time as he finds the perfect length to complete a maiden. New Zealand need 34 more runs.
Mitchell Marsh is into the attack for the first time, and it's a disappointing start as Williamson pulls a half-tracker to the rope. A wider deliver allows New Zealand's number three to beat the two fielders at short cover on the way to collecting four more. Williamson then picks up a couple with a clip through mid-wicket, and he finishes the over with a single to third-man.
Starc is back into the attack for one final burst. Williamson clips a full ball away for a single, and Anderson is happy to just keep the seamer out. Starc hits the pad with the final delivery but the lbw appeal is rejected. Clarke decides he may as well use the review. It would have only clipped leg-stump, so Anderson stays in the middle.
Maxwell is into the attack to bowl his spin for the first time. Williamson stays on the back foot to nudge a single behind square on the leg-side. Anderson picks out a couple of fielders with attacking shots.
WICKET! ANDERSON (26) C CUMMINS B MAXWELL: Anderson wanted to attack the spinner, but he can only pick out Cummins at mid-on with an ugly heave across the line. However, there's some drama as the umpires stop Anderson from leaving the field. It looks like Cummins was very close to grounding the ball with the catch. It's very hard to tell no matter how many times you look at the replay, but the umpires decides the catch is clean. Either way, it won't be game-changing decision.
Six! Welcome, Luke Ronchi. The new batsman starts his innings by launching the second ball over long-on for a maximum. Brilliant batting.
Williamson remains the calmest man on the field as he opens the face of the bat to earn a run. Starc is left frustrated when he sends a wide down the leg-side.
WICKET! RONCHI (6) C HADDIN B STARC: Superb bowling from Starc as he picks up his fourth when a sharp bouncer catches the edge after Ronchi had attempted to give himself room.
Williamson picks up two on the leg-side before earning a single to third-man as New Zealand edge closer to the total. Vettori is the new batsman, and he's more than happy to watch the umpire signal a wide when Cummins sends down the bouncer. The veteran collects two with a pull off the hip. Seven more needed.
WICKET! VETTORI (2) C WARNER B CUMMINS: Is there a late twist? Vettori can only hit a full-toss straight to Warner at mid-on. Milne swings and misses first ball. New Zealand still need seven runs. It's down to Williamson (38*).
Williamson hurries a single to mid-off early in Starc's new over. Clarke is ordering the troops around as Australia look to somehow snatch a victory. Four slips and a gully in place.
WICKET! MILNE (0) B STARC: Starc is just too quick for Milne as he hits the stumps once again to claim his fifth wicket. What a finish to this match. Six more runs needed for New Zealand.
WICKET! SOUTHEE (0) B STARC: Incredible! Starc hits the stumps with a stunning yorker to send Southee packing. Boult is the last man for New Zealand. Starc has 6-28. Can he win the match with a hat-trick?
Boult keeps out the hat-trick ball. Starc needs to finish it with the final delivery of this over, but he can only send a wider one through to Haddin. New Zealand need six runs. Williamson will be on strike next over. Boult breathes a huge sigh of relief.
NEW ZEALAND WIN BY ONE WICKET: That's how you win a match! Williamson holds his nerve to launch six runs straight down the ground and send the Auckland crowd wild. There won't be a more exciting match at this tournament. What a finish to an incredible day.
We've seen it all today. New Zealand bowled Australia out for 151 and looked on their way to a comfortable win when McCullum cruised to another half-century. However, Starc had other ideas. Figures of 6-28 from the seamer almost carried Australia over the line, but Williamson's 45 not out has earned the win for New Zealand.
Now breathe! We've been treated to a World Cup classic today, but it's New Zealand who pick up their fourth win to remain top of Pool A. Australia will take confidence from their response with the ball, and they'll expect to easily qualify for the last eight. That's all from our live coverage today. Thanks for joining me for a thrilling day of cricket at the World Cup. Goodbye.
amp_article__208098 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2015-02-28 12:26:45:
html db last update - 2021-02-23 19:39:56 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .