Australian team scripted history as they became the first team in the history of the ODI format to score three successive 350-plus totals. The Kangaroos achieved this feat when they posted 388 runs against New Zealand at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. The five-time World Cup winners earlier collected 367 for 9 against Pakistan in Bengaluru, and 399 for 8 against Netherlands in New Delhi before piling up 388 against the Kiwis.
It was David Warner and Travis Head who led a brutal assault, helping their team post a huge total of 388 runs in 49.2 overs. The Australian team recorded their highest-ever ODI World Cup score against New Zealand, breaking their previous record of 348 for 6 set back in 2007.
An outstanding stand of Warner and Head ended at 175 runs in just 19.1 overs, giving a solid base for what was to become a significant total. Warner played a solid hand of 81 runs off 65 balls before being dismissed. Head also went on to hit his century in just 59 balls, making a total of 109 off 67 before being departed in the 24th over.
Taking part in post-innings interaction, Travis Head said, “Back playing (pleased me the most), nice to be back with the boys. nice to contribute, nice to be back. It (hand) is going well, went well today, we are on track which is nice. Very good wicket, Davey and I forged that partnership, we tried to put as much pressure as we can, we were able to get away today, take our chances and then also go on and make a really big partnership to set that platform. “
“388 is a really good score. I felt, at the back end of my innings, it started to take a little bit more spin. They bowled really well, changed their pace. The boys will come with their plans, hopefully we can execute them really well”, he added.
Australia’s middle order also contributed with a few quick knocks against the Blackcaps. Maxwell made 41 runs off 24 balls, Josh Inglis hit 38 runs off 28 balls, while captain Pat Cummins smashed 37 runs off just 14 deliveries.