In a thrilling World Cup encounter in Dharamsala, Travis Head’s stunning century on his tournament debut and David Warner’s equally aggressive 81 laid the foundation for Australia’s imposing total of 388 against New Zealand. Opting to bat first, the Australian opening pair took New Zealand’s bowlers to task, forging a remarkable 175-run partnership in just 19 overs. However, part-time bowler Glenn Phillips halted the carnage with a career-best performance of 3-37, initiating a middle-overs recovery for the Kiwis.
Despite the spirited recovery, lower-order contributions tilted the momentum back in Australia’s favor, presenting New Zealand with the daunting task of chasing a record total. With the exception of Trent Boult, New Zealand’s pacers struggled to maintain control during the Powerplay, as the Australian openers capitalized on every opportunity, good or bad.
David Warner, who entered the game on the back of consecutive centuries, wasted no time in getting into the groove, smashing two boundaries in the opening over bowled by Matt Henry. Even Lockie Ferguson, who replaced Henry, couldn’t contain Warner, conceding 19 runs in his first over, including two sixes. Warner reached his fifty in just 28 balls, with a highlight being his fearless handling of a fiery 154kmph delivery from Ferguson.
Travis Head, too, showcased his intent early on, launching a four over Boult’s head, and he maintained his aggressive approach throughout. He punished Matt Henry with sixes off consecutive deliveries in his second over, applying immense pressure on the New Zealand side. Head, returning from a fractured hand, reached his fifty in only 25 deliveries, making it one of the joint-fastest fifties of the World Cup. Despite surviving a couple of close calls, he managed to notch up his maiden World Cup century in just 59 balls, ranking as the third quickest in this edition.
The onslaught was so relentless that New Zealand couldn’t manage a boundary-less over until the 14th, delivered by Glenn Phillips. Australia reached the 150-run mark in the 15th over, but a combination of spin bowlers worked to slow down their scoring rate in the middle overs.
Glenn Phillips played a pivotal role for New Zealand, taking the wickets of David Warner and Steve Smith to disrupt Australia’s flow. After a blazing start, Australia’s run rate dipped in the middle overs, but Glenn Maxwell’s late surge, including back-to-back sixes, rejuvenated their innings.
Australia’s late onslaught, led by Josh Inglis and Pat Cummins, saw them amass 109 runs in the final 11 overs. Jimmy Neesham, who only bowled in the death, managed to dismiss Maxwell but couldn’t prevent Australia from surging past 400, as Josh Inglis and Pat Cummins continued their aggressive batting.
In the end, Australia posted an imposing total of 388, setting up a challenging target for New Zealand in a high-octane World Cup clash in Dharamsala.
Brief scores: Australia 388 all out in 49.2 overs (Travis Head 109, David Warner 81; Glenn Phillips 3-37) vs New Zealand
- Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
