Usman Khawaja’s dogged 88 and a five-wicket haul for Mitchell Starc steered Australia to an 86-run World Cup victory over rivals New Zealand at Lord’s.
Trent Boult bagged the Black Caps’ first ever World Cup hat-trick, but that masterful final-over treble wound up a mere footnote amid this tournament’s latest botched run chase.
Starc claimed five wickets for 26 runs in another fine exhibition of seam bowling to punish the below-par New Zealand batting.
Australia’s seventh win in eight matches pushed them three points clear of India at the top of the standings, with just South Africa left to play in the round-robin stage.
New Zealand threw this game away in truth, failing to deliver a killer blow having bloodied Australian noses by reducing Aaron Finch’s men to 92 for five in the 22nd over.
David Warner, captain Finch, Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell all failed to make a dent on Australia’s scoreboard, with Lockie Ferguson and Jimmy Neesham taking two wickets apiece.
Alex Carey’s 71 lent Khawaja the support he needed to pilot Australia out of trouble, and onwards to yet another impressive win.
Barney Ronay’s match report from Lord’s to follow