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The World Cup is getting more and more intense; New Zealand vs Australia was a treat for all fans worldwide. New Zealand won the toss today and elected to field first. Australia took full advantage of batting first, as the openers unloaded high-quality shots.
The run rate was very high; it felt like a t20 match. The middle order was a little weak; however, enough damage was done by openers. Australia managed to secure a giant total of 388 runs (388-10), setting a target of 389 runs for New Zealand.
The starting of the 2nd Innings was very similar; New Zealand openers absolutely launched explosive batting since the beginning of the first over.
However, a few wickets taken by Australia slowed down New Zealand’s innings, but not for long! Soon after Rachin Ravindra departed, James Neesham and Mitchell Santner performed fireworks with the bat. Australia took more wickets, but Neesham tried his level best and took the match to the last over.
In a thrilling situation, Australia got Neesham run out, and that flipped the game around in favour of Australia. The equation was 1 ball 6 to win; Lockie Ferguson tried to swing but was unsuccessful in his attempt – allowing Australia to secure a win by 5 runs!
Post Match Interviews
Pat Cummins (Australia's Captain)
"It was awesome," Cummins said as qutoed by cricbuzz.com. "They just kept coming at us and it was a fantastic game of cricket. Travis has been away for 5 weeks, first hit back in the game and the kind of intent they (openers) showed, they led from the front.
It was a good wicket and at times we probably gave too much width and some really good partnerships there. Fielding made a big difference. We got about 5-6 day break now, so we will enjoy this moment and get stuck in at the back end (of the tournament)".
Tom Latham (New Zealand's Captain)
"Fantastic game of cricket, ebbed and flowed throughout the 100 overs," Latham said as quoted by cricbuzz.com. "To come so close obviously hurts, but a fantastic game. They put us on the back foot straightaway and at that point and it was about containing them and keep taking wickets.
He (Phillips) bowled well under pressure, to come and bowl 10 overs and pick up 3 wickets it was really crucial. Great to see the work he is putting in and it is paying off. The openers got us off to a fantastic start and Rachin played a fantastic knock, one of the better ones you will see chasing.
It was a great effort and proud of the guys. It (Dharamsala) is a fantastic place to play cricket. Just want to say all the best All Blacks (New Zealand rugby team) can't wait to watch the final and hopefully they bring the World Cup home".