Introduction:
New Zealand were chasing a target of 281 runs to win, and they got off to a flying start with openers Martin Guptill (75) and Devon Conway (60) putting on a 130-run partnership for the first wicket.
However, Australia’s bowlers fought back in the middle overs, and New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals. Despite this, Glenn Phillips (83) and Mitchell Santner (50) kept New Zealand in the hunt, and they took the game down to the wire.
Neesham’s brilliant run out
New Zealand needed 19 runs off the final over, and Mitchell Starc was tasked with bowling it. Santner hit the first ball for six, but he was dismissed on the second ball.
James Neesham then hit a four and a six to bring the equation down to 6 runs needed off the last ball. However, Starc bowled a brilliant yorker, and Neesham was unable to get any bat on it.
Furthermore, the ball ricocheted off Neesham’s pads and towards the midwicket boundary. Phillips, who was at the non-striker’s end, set off for a second run. However, Neesham quickly recovered and threw the ball to the wicketkeeper, who took the bails off and dismissed Phillips.
Neesham’s run out was a match-saving performance
Neesham’s run out was a match-winning performance. He saved Australia from a certain defeat, and he helped his team to qualify for the semifinals of the ICC Cricket World Cup.
Australia win by five runs
Australia won the match by five runs, and it was a thrilling contest from start to finish. New Zealand gave it their all, but they ultimately fell short.
A Match-Winning moment for Australia
Neesham’s run-out was a match-winning moment for Australia. It helped them to win the match by a narrow margin of five runs.
The run-out was also a testament to Neesham’s fielding skills. He is one of the best fielders in the world, and he has a knack for making crucial catches and run outs.
Conclusion:
James Neesham’s brilliant run out of Glenn Phillips in the final over of the Australia vs New Zealand ICC Cricket World Cup match on October 29, 2023, was the match-winning moment for Australia. Neesham’s quick thinking and decisive action saved Australia from defeat and helped them to win the match by five runs.