Chasing 152, New Zealand managed a one-wicket win over Australia.
© AFP
New Zealand have snatched the Chappell-Hadlee trophy back from Australia. In case you didn't know, apart from bragging rights and the 2 points on offer, that's what the two teams were playing for in Auckland on Saturday. The Kiwis might have kept their perfect record in this World Cup intact, but did they really land a body blow on the Aussies, or was it just a light upper cut? (Scorecard | Highlights | Points Table)
NDTV World Cup expert and former Australian captain Ian Chappell said, "New Zealand needed to win the game comfortably to gain some real psychological advantage. I don't think New Zealand gained any ground over Australia and I don't think Australia lost any ground." It's really one of those very rare times in world cricket when a team has won a match, but is not necessarily the better team on the day. (McCullum in Awe of Boult and Starc)
Consider this, the Kiwis had their trans-Tasman rivals on the ropes at 106/9 in the 22nd over, but a gritty 45-run 10th-wicket partnership between Brad Haddin and Pat Cummins didn't just frustrate Brendon McCullum-led New Zealand for over 10 overs, it also took the Aussies to a total they believed they could defend. Michael Clarke in fact admitted at the post match press conference, "The faith was there, we just had to execute." (Boult Proud of His Five Wickets)
Then, during their run chase, the Kiwis made a heavy weather of getting to the target of 152, losing nine wickets in the process, which said a lot for the Aussie bowling attack, especially Mitchell Starc, who took a career-best 6/28 in nine overs. Australia might not have had the last laugh, but they must have been smiling for quite some time during the New Zealand innings. So if the Kiwis could manage just a one-wicket win despite a superlative bowling display by Trent Boult and company, do they really have the psychological edge over the Aussies? (Williamson, Boult Delighted to be Last-Men Standing)
The fact is that Australia and New Zealand both came into the tournament as favourites, but suddenly after this match both teams perhaps have lost their aura of invincibility. Former India captain and NDTV expert Sunil Gavaskar said, "Both teams showed their weaknesses, both teams showed areas that other teams could capitalise on and put pressure on." (Bring on the Beer, Says McCullum)
Australia and New Zealand are both still on the very short list of teams that experts are backing to make it all the way to March 29. However, according to Chappell, if this was a dress rehearsal for the final, the Kiwis will not necessarily hold the edge in the summit clash. Chappell told NDTV, "I am not convinced that it's the best attack but it is a very good attack for New Zealand conditions. Bear in mind, if they get to the final, they have to play in Australia and I don't think that attack is anywhere near as potent for Australian conditions. I'm not sure if they will be able to swing the ball so much and if they haven't got the swing there then I don't think they will be anywhere near as potent in Australia." (McCullum Cleared of Serious Injury)
New Zealand are still on top of Pool A, with four wins in as many matches. Australia have just three points from three matches. Their paltry total of 151 was the lowest Australian team total in the World Cup since the 1983 edition. What's that they say about wounded Aussies and menacing comebacks? (Australia Must Play Swing Better: Clarke)
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