Australia hold off New Zealand for victory in Cricket World Cup classic

Australia, 388, beat New Zealand, 9-383, by five runs.

DHARAMSALA, INDIA - OCTOBER 28: Jimmy Neesham of New Zealand is run out by Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis of Australia during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup India 2023 Group Stage. Pic: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Australia are closing in on a World Cup semi-final berth after a pulsating five-run win over New Zealand, who came perilously close to pulling off the biggest successful run chase in World Cup history.

Australia appeared in the box seat after an 175-run opening partnership from the newly fit Travis Head and an in-form David Warner propelled them to a formidable total of 388 in Dharamshala. But a second World Cup century from Rachin Ravindra (116) kept the Black Caps on track, before their last recognised batter Jimmy Neesham (58 off 39 balls) stepped up for a furious cameo.