David Warner and Travis Head make history with ODI World Cup’s highest powerplay score against New Zealand
Australia today got off to an absolute flier against their Trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand as they notched up 118 runs in the first 10 overs to not only break the spirit of the opposition but also the record for the highest powerplay score in the history of the ODI World Cup. Having scored 118 in the powerplay, the Aussies went past the previous record set by the Black Caps themselves.
Brendon McCullum’s inspiring leadership propelled New Zealand to a record-breaking powerplay score of 116 runs in their 2015 World Cup match against England. Chasing a modest total of 124, the Kiwis wasted no time in dismantling the English bowling attack, reaching their target with 37.4 overs to spare. McCullum was the chief tormentor, plundering 77 runs from just 25 balls, including 7 sixes and 8 boundaries.
Glenn Phillips pulls things back
Australia’s scintillating start today was courtesy of the opening duo of David Warner and Travis Head, who were eventually dismissed for 81 and 109 respectively. They also got rid of Steve Smith cheaply. Glenn Phillips picked up all three wickets, providing Tom Latham and Co. with some much-needed respite from the carnage. Warner and Head shared a first-wicket partnership of 175 runs before the former perished, failing to execute an aerial shot in the 20th over.
The Aussies will be most enthralled by the performance of Travis Head, who made his return to the team today. Head missed the previous matches due to a hand injury, but Australia nonetheless included him in their World Cup squad, a testament to their unshakable confidence in him. Head rewarded their faith and trust with a remarkable innings that will bode well for him going forward.
Coming back to the game, New Zealand will look to capitalize on their early breakthroughs by exerting pressure on the new Australian batters and continuing to take wickets, given that Australia has an extremely dangerous lineup. In Australia’s previous match against the Netherlands, Glenn Maxwell smashed a century in just 40 balls, breaking the record for the fastest hundred in the history of the ODI World Cup.
