Australia cruised home after a terrific opening partnership between Watson and Haddin yielded 133 runs. Both were in an aggressive mood looking to make the most of any small discretions in line and length by the bowlers. NZ bowlers were defending a very modest total and it was vital that they maintained pressure by taking early wickets.
After losing openers Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill in the first 10 overs, the Kiwis never really recovered as they soon slipped 73 for six. Nathan McCullum’s 52 from 76 balls and Daniel Vettori’s 44 added some respectability to their total and it gave their seamers something to bowl at.
Mitchell Johnson took four wickets with an economy rate of 3.60 while Brett Lee took three wickets with an economy rate of 5.00
After being set a below-par 207 for victory, openers Brad Haddin and Shane Watson made light work of the target as the defending champions eased home in just 34 overs. Haddin (55 from 50) and Watson (62 from 61) set Australia on their way with a 133-run opening partnership as the Kiwis followed up their poor batting display with an ill-disciplined bowling performance.
Bennett took two wickets with an economy rate of 9.00, while Southee took a wicket with an economy rate of 4.50
"It was a pretty important game for us, glad that we won it comprehensively. Bowling first change is the role assigned to me, but if I am asked to open the bowling at any stage, I would be happy to put my hand up. No matter where I bowl, the importance will be to take wickets. I am enjoying my outing in India and hopefully it continues the same way."Mitchell Johnson said.
" It was obviously a disappointing performance with the bat and we were fortunate that Nathan played the innings that he did to give us a chance. 200 is not enough at this stage and particularly against a team like Australia. We have a good break ahead, we need to work on our weaknesses. We have a lot of practice to get under our belts and hopefully come out victorious next time around."Vettori said.
"It was a satisfactory performance. If all our bowlers bowl well, it does not matter which side we are playing against, we can win any game. Things worked out well today, the fact that we got quick wickets allowed us to keep attacking. We still have a little bit of room for improvement and hopefully it comes as the tournament progresses. The openers played well, it was really pleasing."Ponting said.
New Zealand’s next match is against Zimbabwe next Friday, while Australia take on Sri Lanka the following day.
Scores : New Zealand 206 (45.1 ov) Australia 207/3 (34.0 ov)
Toss : Australia, who chose to field
Points : Australia 2, New Zealand 0
Player of the match : MG Johnson (Australia)
Also see : Yuvraj picks up an injury just before the India England World Cup Clash.
Tweets by Legends of Cricket like Sachin, Shane Warne etc. in a single place
Breaking the television set was not intentional and it was just an accident - Ponting
Sachin Tendulkar bats left handed, smacks 7 sixes of 8 deliveries!
Ponting's "smashing LCD screen" receives critics from former cricketers despite apology
Andrew Strauss remains confident for India clash
After losing openers Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill in the first 10 overs, the Kiwis never really recovered as they soon slipped 73 for six. Nathan McCullum’s 52 from 76 balls and Daniel Vettori’s 44 added some respectability to their total and it gave their seamers something to bowl at.
Mitchell Johnson took four wickets with an economy rate of 3.60 while Brett Lee took three wickets with an economy rate of 5.00
After being set a below-par 207 for victory, openers Brad Haddin and Shane Watson made light work of the target as the defending champions eased home in just 34 overs. Haddin (55 from 50) and Watson (62 from 61) set Australia on their way with a 133-run opening partnership as the Kiwis followed up their poor batting display with an ill-disciplined bowling performance.
Bennett took two wickets with an economy rate of 9.00, while Southee took a wicket with an economy rate of 4.50
"It was a pretty important game for us, glad that we won it comprehensively. Bowling first change is the role assigned to me, but if I am asked to open the bowling at any stage, I would be happy to put my hand up. No matter where I bowl, the importance will be to take wickets. I am enjoying my outing in India and hopefully it continues the same way."Mitchell Johnson said.
" It was obviously a disappointing performance with the bat and we were fortunate that Nathan played the innings that he did to give us a chance. 200 is not enough at this stage and particularly against a team like Australia. We have a good break ahead, we need to work on our weaknesses. We have a lot of practice to get under our belts and hopefully come out victorious next time around."Vettori said.
"It was a satisfactory performance. If all our bowlers bowl well, it does not matter which side we are playing against, we can win any game. Things worked out well today, the fact that we got quick wickets allowed us to keep attacking. We still have a little bit of room for improvement and hopefully it comes as the tournament progresses. The openers played well, it was really pleasing."Ponting said.
New Zealand’s next match is against Zimbabwe next Friday, while Australia take on Sri Lanka the following day.
Scores : New Zealand 206 (45.1 ov) Australia 207/3 (34.0 ov)
Toss : Australia, who chose to field
Points : Australia 2, New Zealand 0
Player of the match : MG Johnson (Australia)
Also see : Yuvraj picks up an injury just before the India England World Cup Clash.
Tweets by Legends of Cricket like Sachin, Shane Warne etc. in a single place
Breaking the television set was not intentional and it was just an accident - Ponting
Sachin Tendulkar bats left handed, smacks 7 sixes of 8 deliveries!
Ponting's "smashing LCD screen" receives critics from former cricketers despite apology
Andrew Strauss remains confident for India clash
