Kiwis pull nervy win over Aussies

In a breathtaking show, New Zealand pulled a jittery one-wicket win over four times champion Australia in a low scoring match of World Cup 2015 at Auckland today.

For a packed house at Eden Park witnessing a heavyweight clash of the hosts, the short match was worth every penny with all swing of emotions and a display of competitive cricket.

Choosing to bat first, Australia were blown away by New Zealand bowlers, struck by Trent Boult's five-for, to scrape 151 on the scoreboard – the 3rd lowest total of this tournament.

With Australia cruising at 80/1 at one point, all of a sudden, the Kiwi bowlers proved too much to handle and Aussies ended up losing eight more wickets in a space of 26 runs.

Eventually, the innings ended in the lowest score of Australia in a World Cup match.

Trent Boult claimed five wickets for 27 runs in his ten overs – his best figures in ODI. Daniel Vettori, Tim Southee took two wickets each and Corey Anderson claimed one.

Coming in to chase, Brendon McCullum brandished guns everywhere in the field, quickfiring a fifty in just 21 balls with a swollen left arm caused by Mitchell Johnson.

But just before scheduled break, New Zealand lost three wickets curbing under the aggressiveness of Australia in defence of their total.

The atmosphere tensed further after Australia brought New Zealand down to their knees, down to the last wicket – pulled down by the six-wicket haul of Mitchell Starc.

Australian fans found solid ground to hope for an unbelievable win when the ninth wicket of New Zealand went down with six runs required. But Kane Williamson would not have it as he heaved the first ball he got on strike for a six to take Kiwis home with 26 overs remaining.

However the win came to be, New Zealand have now cemented their place in the quarterfinals coming out top from Pool A.

New Zealand Team

Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum (C), Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi (wk), Daniel Vettori, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Trent Boult

Australia Team

David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (C), Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Brad Haddin (wk), Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins