Never in Australia’s history have they been humiliated like this in World Cup. Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Daniel Vettori delivered an aggressive spell of bowling and were equally backed by the relentlessly attacking captaincy from Brendon McCullum as New Zealand routed Australia for just 151 in one of the most anticipated clash (of this World Cup) at Auckland.
After electing to bat, Australia got off to a quick-fire start as their openers Aaron Finch and David Warner added 30 runs inside first 3 overs before Finch, who scored a hundred against England in the first match, got out to a terrific delivery from Tim Southee. Warner and Shane Watson carried on the good work and put on 50 runs for the second wicket before both got out in quick succession on the bowling of Southee and Daniel Vettori respectively. Trent Boult, who has had a brilliant World Cup so far, came out all guns blazing and triggered Australia’s collapse in no time. From being 80/3 at one stage, the Michael Clarke lead Australian side were reduced to 106/9 in 22 overs. Wicket-Keeper batsman Brad Haddin and Pat Cummins salvaged some pride as the duo added 45 runs for the last wicket before Corey Anderson struck to get rid of Haddin, who top-scored with 43. Boult finished with the impressive figures of 5-27 (this was also his first 5-fer in ODIs) and was equally supported by Vettori, who ended up taking 2 crucial wickets of Watson and Steven Smith.
Brief Scores: Australia 151 (Haddin 43, Boult 5-27, Vettori 2-41) vs New Zealand