28 February,2015 12:18 PM IST | | Agencies
New Zealand became the first team to enter the quarterfinals, clinching a nerve-wrecking one-wicket triumph over four-time champions Australia in their Pool A match at Eden Park
Michael Clarke
Auckland: New Zealand today became the first team to enter the Cricket World Cup quarterfinals, clinching a nerve-wrecking one-wicket triumph over four-time champions Australia after dismissing them for their second lowest tournament total in a pool A thriller here today.
In a low-scoring match that went right down to the wire, the nervous Kiwis huffed and puffed to victory after man of the match pacer Trent Boult's career-best five-wicket haul had helped bowl out the Aussies for 151 in 32.2 overs at a packed Eden Park.
New Zealand bowler Trent Boult celebrates after dismissing Scotland batsman Hamish Gardiner during their 2015 Cricket World Cup match in Dunedin on February 17, 2015. AFP PHOTO
Skipper Brendon McCullum hit 50 but the Kiwis slipped from 78 for one and needed a six from Kane Williamson (45 not out) to help see them through with their last pair at the wicket. Mitchell Starc took six for 28.
New Zealand had bowled out Australia for a paltry 151 in 32.2 overs with Trent Boult finishing with a career-best five for 27.
Australia collapsed from 80 for one in the 13th over to lose their last nine wickets for 71 after they won the toss and batted. Brad Haddin top-scored with 43.
