Twitter Reactions: Australia sneak past Trans-Tasman rivals in Dharamsala run-fest to extend winning run

Australia. (Photo by MONEY SHARMA/AFP via Getty Images)

Australia and New Zealand played a classic encounter on Saturday, October 28 in Dharamsala and wrote a memorable chapter in the illustrious Trans-Tasman rivalry.

Tom Latham invited the Aussies to bat first after winning the toss as David Warner was reunited with his regular opening partner Travis Head. The two left-handers caused absolute carnage as they stitched a 175-run partnership off just 117 balls. Warner was dismissed for 81 off 65, while Head managed to score a phenomenal century. After the latter departed for 109 off 67, New Zealand managed to pull things back considerably.

Glenn Phillips bowled exceptionally well through the middle overs and ended with figures of 3/37 in 10 overs. The likes of Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, and Marnus Labuschagne could not build on the blistering start given by their openers. It seemed as if New Zealand would restrict Australia below 350 but cameos from Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis and Pat Cummins helped them finish at 388 in 49.2 overs.

Rachin Ravindra continued his rich vein of form

In reply, Devon Conway got the Kiwis off to a flying start, hitting six boundaries in his 28-run knock off 17 balls. Will Young played cautiously but departed for 32. New Zealand’s rising star Rachin Ravindra formed a fine 96-run partnership alongside the experienced Daryl Mitchell to set up a solid platform. The latter perished soon after scoring a half-century, however, Ravindra went on to notch up his second century in the ongoing World Cup.

Latham and Phillips could not last long as their partnerships with Ravindra ended just when they were starting to blossom. The youngster was eventually dismissed for a well-compiled 89-ball 116. The onus was on all-rounders James Neesham and Mitchell Santner to take the team home as New Zealand needed 96 to win off 58, with four wickets in hand. Santner departed for a 12-ball 17 but Neesham took the chase to the last over.

New Zealand needed 19 to win off the final over and Mitchell Starc had the responsibility to take Australia home. An ill-directed yorker went for five wides and New Zealand went within striking distance. However, Neesham was run-out off the penultimate delivery for 58 off 39 balls as he attempted to come back for a couple. An injured Lockie Ferguson came out to bat with six runs needed off the last delivery. He got his bat to the ball but it rolled into the hands of cover as Australia won the thrilling encounter by five runs. Both teams have four wins each from the six games they have played.

Also Check: ODI World Cup 2023 Points Table

Meanwhile, X was abuzz with reactions to Australia’s thrilling win. Here are some of the posts:

What a great treat to watch two good sides play hard & fair. 771 runs, it comes down to the last ball. @cricketworldcup on 🔥

— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) October 28, 2023

So far, the best #WorldCup game! NZ should be proud of the way they played. Congratulations, Aus! After a shaky start in the tournament, they’re now showcasing quality cricket. #AusvNZ

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) October 28, 2023

Hold onto your hats everyone 😱

— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) October 28, 2023

What a World Cup Rachin Ravindra is having 💯. His wrist work is his speciality! #AUSvNZ

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 28, 2023

Rachin Ravindra is a superstar under construction. He is a darn good player. Two ICC Men’s CWC centuries at age 23 is special.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 28, 2023

Congrats on another 💯 to Rachin Ravindra the man with the best head of hair in the @cricketworldcup. This is game on!! Hoping for a tight finish #AUSvNZ

— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) October 28, 2023

RACHIN RAVINDRA!!! Take a bow!!! WHAT. A. KNOCK!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 #AUSvsNZ #ICCCricketWorldCup23

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) October 28, 2023

Is everyone up in Australia .. Good game developing in Dharamshala @clubprairiefire #CWC2023 😜

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 28, 2023

Mazaa aa raha hai ?
What a match.
New Zealand showing the spirit of a run chase and Australia peaking at the right time and looking ominous.
Two thrillers in two days and mazaa aa gaya. #NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/NECuzvcCyV

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 28, 2023

Wow. What a game for the last time this World Cup here in DHARAMSALA. Kudos to both Australia and New Zealand👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. Travis Head and Rachin Ravindra💪🏾

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 28, 2023

Rachin is the find of this #WorldCup truly a quality player on the rise #NZ pic.twitter.com/k1NFb0Izcu

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) October 28, 2023

Phewwwww. What a game this. Nearly 800 runs scored and we got winner in the 100th over 👏 #AUSvNZ

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 28, 2023