London: It was another inspired World Cup 2019 campaign by Australia as the defending champions maintained their dominance in the points-table and registered their seventh win in the tournament.
After being reduced to 92/5, it was Usman Khawaja’s 88 and stumper Alex Carey’s valiant 71 which propelled the Aussies to a fighting total of 243 against New Zealand at Lord’s on Saturday before their bowlers also stepped up to wrap up their opponents on 157, setting up a comfortable 86 run win.
Aussie skipper Aaron Finch was all praise for his batsmen — Khwaja and Carey — and said that despite the wicket being difficult for batting, the duo’s sensible effort took his side to a respectable total.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Finch said: “From 5 for 92, a great partnership from Alex Carey and Usman Khawaja on a wicket we knew would turn. I think it was important that we got some time in the middle, but not in the way we did. It was a difficult wicket to start on, and the way Alex came in and hit the ball was excellent.”
“It was not easy to time the ball,” he added. IANS