Kane Williamson held his nerve as New Zealand won the battle of the co-hosts by defeating Australia by one wicket in a World Cup thriller at Eden Park in Auckland.
In pursuit of 152, the Black Caps slipped to 146 for nine when the hostile Mitchell Starc responded to Brendon McCullum’s 24-ball 50 with stunning figures of 6-28.
But, after Trent Boult survived two balls from Starc, Williamson cleared his front foot and clubbed Pat Cummins over long-on for a maximum to secure the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy for New Zealand.
A fourth consecutive victory keeps the Black Caps top of Pool A, five points above Australia who have played a game less.
The hosts had earlier done all the hard work in dismissing Australia for 151, Boult triggering a collapse with five wickets in 18 deliveries en route to 5-27.
More to follow
