Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh), Oct 28: In the familiar Trans-Tasman rivalry on a different battlefield, put into bat, Australia piled up 388/10 in 49.2 overs against New Zealand, here on Saturday. Thus, the Aussies set a record highest total by any team against New Zealand in ODI World Cup.
In the 27th match of the ICC ODI World Cup at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, here Australia proved once again that given an opportunity they can dazzle against any opposition on any surface.
Trying to keep alive their semi-finals hopes, the most successful and consistent side in world cricket in the white-ball format, the Aussies batted with aggression and positive temperament right from start.
The highlight of the Australian innings was the dangerous lefty opener Travis Head's comeback game, which he celebrated with a super ton. Returning from long injury lay-off, Head scored a hurricane 67-ball 109 with 10 boundaries and 7 huge sixes.
David Warner too continued his fine form in the championship with an attacking 81. Mitchell Marsh (36), Josh Inglis (38) and captain Pat Cummins (37) too played useful knocks.
To accommodate Head at the top order, Marsh, Steven Smith (18) and Marnus Labuschagne (18) were demoted down the order. The three big boys though got starts but could not convert the same to big scores.
However, last match's hero big-hitting Glenn Maxwell proved once again how he can demolish any bowling attack if he gets going. Maxwell hit an impressive 41 in 24 balls.
Among the New Zealand bowlers, Trent Boult and Glenn Philips shared three wickets each. Mitchell Santner scalped two, while Matt Henry and James Neesham claimed one wicket each.
