Australia has posted 388, an “imposing” total according to Ricky Ponting after smashing New Zealand’s bowlers to all parts of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium.
The score was Australia’s highest ever against their trans-Tasman rivals in a ODI, eclipsing the previous recording posted in 2016 when the Aussies belted 378/5 in Canberra.
Travis Head celebrated his return to Australia’s ODI team with a stunning century, reaching triple figures in just 59 deliveries on Saturday.
The left-hander, who missed the first five matches of Australia’s World Cup campaign due to injury, made a mockery of the Kiwi bowlers at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, combining with fellow opener David Warner for a rapid 175-run opening partnership.
Their partnership came to an end when part-time spinner Glenn Phillips removed Warner for 81, pouching a return chance in the 20th over.
Warner fell agonisingly short of becoming the first Australian to score hundreds in three consecutive ODIs.
MATCH CENTRE: Australia vs New Zealand scorecard
Warner brought up his half-century in 28 balls while Head reached the minor milestone in 25 balls, the quickest fifty of the tournament to date.
Head also became Phillips’s second victim in the 24th over, bowled for 109 (67).
Steve Smith was the next batsmen to go, once again falling victim to Phillips after attempting to hit aerially over the bowler’s head, being dismissed for 18.
Then Mitchell Marsh was sent packing, being bowled by Mitchell Santner for 36 off 51 deliveries, with the usually damaging batsmen struggling to find his groove.
Marnus Labuschagne also struggled to get going and was dismissed for 18, before Glenn Maxwell provided some excitement to score 41 off 23 deliveries.
Josh Inglis added 38 off 28 with some impressive striking before skipper Pat Cummins took over and belted a number of mammoth sixes.
The seam bowler finished with 37 from 24 balls with four maximums, boosting his side’s score in the final four overs.
New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and elected to bowl first in their blockbuster World Cup clash against Australia in Dharamshala.
Travis Head returns to Australia’s starting XI after recovering from a hand injury, while all-rounders Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis, who is still battling a troublesome calf, have both missed out on selection.
Marnus Labuschagne retains his spot, meaning the Australians don’t have a fifth bowler at their disposal, needing to squeeze at least ten overs from Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh and Head.
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Australian XI
David Warner, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
New Zealand XI
Australia will be looking to take another step towards the World Cup semi-finals when it takes on New Zealand at HPCA Stadium on Saturday.
After losing back-to-back matches to open the World Cup, the Aussies have won three matches in a row, putting them fourth behind the Kiwis heading into the clash.
In Australia’s favour is a winning record against its opponents – the side has won its last five men’s ODIs against New Zealand.
Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c, wk), Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham, Mitch Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
While Australia has returned to the winners list in recent matches, the Black Caps pose a more significant challenge.
Glenn Maxwell will be looking to continue his searing form, which saw him hit the fastest World Cup century off 40 balls on Wednesday in the win over the Dutch.
After a rocky start to the tournament, the Aussies are now back in the mix for a spot in the last four.
Santner set for 100th ODI at World Cup
An unassuming cricketer like most of his New Zealand teammates, Mitchell Santner has been the team’s go-to bowler at the World Cup and will play his 100th ODI against Australia on Saturday with high expectations.
The 31-year-old left-arm spinner has claimed 12 wickets in five matches so far to be one behind Adam Zampa of Australia.
Santner’s ability to choke the runs and get regular wickets makes him a key asset on India’s slow, turning pitches.
His economy-rate of 4.25 is second only to India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah (3.80).
“We certainly haven’t been surprised at all and we’ve seen the work that he’s put in day in day out,” New Zealand’s stand-in-skipper Tom Latham said.
“I think the performances that he’s had in the one-day game but also in the T20 game he’s had many experiences over here and the IPL (Indian Premier League) for a few years now.”
Santner has been a key player for IPL side Chennai Super Kings who won a record-equalling fifth title this year.
His role in the Kiwi team remains invaluable as he leads an otherwise less experienced spin attack including Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra.
“He’s been a valued member of the side for a long time and I guess he’s able to bowl in every situation, whether that be at the top in the first 10, through the middle and obviously at the back end,” said Latham.
“So, he’s very adaptable for us, which is great. And I guess someone that can spin the ball on pretty much any surface is vital … another great opportunity for him tomorrow and hopefully he can stand up again.”
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