Australia survived a thriller to beat New Zealand by 5 runs in the highest scoring match in Cricket World Cup history on Tuesday in Dharamsala.
Batting first, Australia posted a mammoth 389 thanks to blistering centuries from openers David Warner (81) and Travis Head (109). Contributions from Marsh (36), Maxwell (41), and Cummins (37) lifted Australia despite losing late wickets.
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New Zealand’s bowlers wrested control in the last 10 overs as Australia collapsed from 374-5 to 388 all out. But the late revival came too late to restrict Australia’s daunting total.
New Zealand Fought Admirably Before Falling Just Short
In reply, New Zealand fought valiantly before being bowled out for 384 with one ball left. Ravindra’s 89 kept hopes alive until his dismissal left New Zealand needing 96 off 58 balls.
An inspired Jimmy Neesham blitz of 58 from 39 then nearly stole an improbable win. But his run out in the penultimate over ended New Zealand’s last-gasp charge.
771 Runs The Highest in Any Cricket World Cup Match
The combined 771 runs surpassed the previous World Cup record of 714 runs set in the 2019 England vs Pakistan match.
Dharamsala’s flat pitch and short boundaries produced an all-time classic packed with explosive batting from both sides.
Victory Strengthens Australia’s Semi-Final Hopes
Defending champions Australia gained two crucial points to consolidate their semi-final prospects. They remain level on points with New Zealand with the net run rate tiebreaker currently in Australia’s favor.
The trans-Tasman rivals appear set to grab the last two semi-final spots at the expense of struggling England and other contenders.
‘An Awesome Game’ Says Australia Captain Cummins
“That was awesome,” said Australia captain Pat Cummins. “Sometimes I have to remember I’m out in the field, not a spectator. A fantastic game, they kept coming at us.”
Cummins praised his team’s determination to hold their nerve as New Zealand threatened a stunning comeback.
A special knock on his return to the Australia setup helps Travis Head win the @aracmo #POTM ⚡#CWC23 | #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/T3Bd6qR9cx
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 28, 2023
Dharamsala Pitch Produces Batting Bonanza
The bat-friendly Dharamsala surface yielded the highest ever World Cup score. Its true bounce and fast outfield provided conditions ripe for aggressive strokeplay.
Bowlers struggled on both sides on a deck that massively favored the batsmen. The crowd was treated to an exhibition of power hitting.
In summary, Australia narrowly held off a valiant New Zealand in the highest-scoring Cricket World Cup match ever. The run bonanza keeps both teams well positioned for the knockout semi-finals.
