Rachin Ravindra's Century And James Neesham's Fifty In Vain As Australia Clinch Last Ball Thriller

The cricket fraternity witnessed a complete action-packed thriller between Australia and New Zealand at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala. It was a game that had plenty of raw emotions throughout and there were moments that kept even the neutral fans on the edge of their seats.

Both teams had their fair share of chances to win the game but it was Australia who came out on top much to New Zealand’s annoyance as the Men in Yellow clinched the last-ball thriller. Batting first, Australia posted a huge total of 388 in 49.2 overs with the help of Travis Head’s 109 and David Warner’s 81.

Glenn Phillips was the only New Zealand bowler who stuck to his line and length and kept the Aussies in check. Having bowled his full quota of 10 overs, he accounted for three dismissals, giving away 37 runs at an economy of 3.70. In reply to Australia’s target, New Zealand put up a magnificent fight but fell short of the run-chase.

Tom Latham reacts to New Zealand’s narrow defeat against Australia

New Zealand came close to winning the game and they required six runs off the last ball but Mitchell Starc ensured to keep Lockie Ferguson in check by bowling a right ball. As a result, Australia won the game by five runs. Rachin Ravindra top-scored with 116 runs whereas James Neesham looked good for his 58.

After the game, New Zealand’s interim captain, Tom Latham reacted to the team’s narrow defeat. “A fantastic game of cricket ebbed and flowed throughout the 100 overs. To come so close obviously hurts, but a fantastic game. They put us on the back foot straightaway and at that point, it was about containing them and keep taking wickets,” he added.

“Glenn Phillips bowled well under pressure, to come and bowl 10 overs and pick up 3 wickets was really crucial. Great to see the work he is putting in and it is paying off. The openers got us off to a fantastic start and Rachin played a fantastic knock, one of the better ones you will see chasing. It was a great effort and proud of the guys,” Latham added.