World Cup 2019, Australia vs New Zealand – as it happened: Khawaja, Starc power Aussies to big win

1:40 am: Australian captain Aaron Finch – “Great partnership to get us to a competitive total by Khawaja and Carey. It was important that we get time in the middle. It was a difficult surface to play strokes, and for Alex to get the ball off the middle was impressive. It was also a good surface for Lyon to bowl. Important to bowl the part-timers too. It helps the team so much to get wickets in the middle-overs.”

1:36 am: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson – “It was a challenging surface if you can hit the wicket hard. The nature of the slope here always brings about movement. We were in a position of strength in the first half. Credit to the way they rebuilt and got themselves to a competitive total. We weren’t able to break that partnership and Carey came and took the game away – a brilliant innings on that surface. I think Australia adapted better than we did. It’s important that we move on quickly from this game. We need to do better on the next surface. The wickets haven’t been what most people expected, and they’re getting tired towards the end of the tournament.”

1:28 am: Player of the match Alex Carey – “It wasn’t the start we wanted. Uzi (Khawaja) was out there and for me it was to assess the conditions. There was lots of time to bat. It did play a little on the slower side, and they were bowling really well. I stuck to my strengths, to drive when it wasn’t short. Credit to Usman Khawaja as well, and Starc with the ball.”

1:21 am: Mitchell Starc gets his second five-for of this World Cup as Australia complete a thumping win over their great rivals New Zealand. Starc is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 24 wickets. Santner is the last man to be dismissed as he pulls one straight to fine-leg.

Santner c Behrendorff b Starc 12 (29)

AUSTRALIA WIN BY 86 RUNS!

After 43 overs, New Zealand are 157/9 – Santner 12, Boult 2

Big over! Santner slog-sweeps a tossed up delivery by Lyon for six. Australia then concede four byes. 13 runs come from that over. That’s the end of Lyon’s spell, the off-spinner finishes with figures of 1/36 from his 10 overs. His control today was outstanding.

After 42 overs, New Zealand are 144/9 – Santner 5, Boult 0

Boult plays out the hat-trick ball! How cool would it have been if Starc would’ve ended the New Zealand innings with a hat-trick, just the way Boult ended Australia’s innings. Boult was never going to let that happen, though. A maiden-wicket for Starc, nonetheless. He has one over left.

After 41.1 overs, New Zealand are 144/9 – Lockie Ferguson out!

Full, at the stumps and at pace – one wonders if top-order batsmen could have played that out, leave alone a tailender. Starc is on a hat-trick and yet again, takes four wickets. He can finish with a five-for.

After 40 overs, New Zealand are 141/8 – Santner 4

WICKET! New Zealand batsmen keep walking out to the middle and walking back in. This time it’s Ish Sodhi who gets trapped in front off a sharp delivery from Mitchell Starc. The left-hander has figures of 3/26 from 7 overs. The end is near for the Kiwis.

Sodhi lbw Starc 5 (4)

After 38.1 overs, New Zealand are 131/7 – Santner 2

WICKET! Aaand another one bites the dust for New Zealand. James Neesham, after his impressive knock in the previous game, has almost thrown away his wicket here. He attempts a slog-sweep against the off-spin of Nathan Lyon but ends up getting a top-edge. Lyon completes the catch to get his first wicket.

Neesham c&b Lyon 9 (22)

After 38 overs, New Zealand are 131/6 – Neesham 9, Santner 2

Just a single from Mitchell Starc’s seventh over. He’s bowling around the 90 mph mark and strikes Santner on the helmet. Tough times for the Kiwis.

After 37 overs, New Zealand are 130/6 – Neesham 8, Santner 2

Four runs come from Nathan Lyon’s seventh over. The off-spinner has figures of 0/19 at the moment. Mitchell Santer is the new man at the crease. New Zealand need 114 runs off 18 balls.

After 35.3 overs, New Zealand are 125/6 – Neesham 5

WICKET! WHAT. A. CATCH. Steve Smith, take a bow! Mitchell Starc returns to the attack and gets his second wicket. Tom Latham flicks one hard and Smith flies to his right at mid-wicket to take a sensational catch. That was pure instinct. Wow! The Aussies are running away with this match.

Latham c Smith b Starc 14 (28)

After 34 overs, New Zealand are 121/5 – Latham 13, Neesham 2

Just a single from Nathan Lyon’s sixth over. James Neesham is the new man at the crease. He played a fine knock for New Zealand in their last game. The left-hander will need to dig deep today as well. Aussies on top at Lord’s!

After 32.1 overs, New Zealand are 118/5 – Latham 12

WICKET! The Aussies have another one and it’s Steve Smith who gets the wicket! Would you believe it?! Colin de Garndhomme walks out to the crease and attempts an ariel shot off his first delivery but the ball goes straight to long-off. New Zealand are imploding.

de Grandhomme c Khawaja b Smith 0 (1)

After 31.4 overs, New Zealand are 118/4 – Latham 12

WICKET! Oh dear, New Zealand have lost Ross Taylor! An inexplicably poor shot from the veteran. He attempts an unnecessary slog off Pat Cummins but gets a top edge, the ball goes high up and ‘keeper Alex Carey takes a good catch. The Kiwis are in trouble.

Taylor c Carey b Cummins 30 (54)

After 29 overs, New Zealand are 107/3 – Taylor 23, Latham 8

Tom Latham survives! He tries to sneak a single and has to dive full-length in as Maxwell gets a direct hit on the run from square-leg. The replay shows that he was inches in. Four runs come from that Nathan Lyon over.

After 28 overs, New Zealand are 104/3 – Taylor 22, Latham 6

Another gun over from Starc. The pacer is slightly short of a length but no risks taken from Latham. Just a single from the fifth ball of the over. The required run rate is steadily creeping up.

After 27 overs, New Zealand are 103/3 – Taylor 22, Latham 5

Nervous start for Latham, who has been out of sorts all tournament. Three singles from him. Five runs from the Lyon over. The off-spinner is getting turn.

After 25.4 overs, New Zealand are 97/3 – Taylor 21

WICKET! Australia have the big wicket of Kane Williamson! Aaron Finch brings Mitchell Starc back into the attack and the premier pacer doesn’t disappoint. He gets one to angle away from Williamson, the right-hander tries to tap it to third-man but gets an edge, and Carey takes a simple catch. Big moment in the game! Tom Latham is the new man at the crease.

Williamson c Carey b Starc 40 (51)

After 25 overs, New Zealand are 92/2 – Williamson 36, Taylor 20

The fifty run-partnership comes up in 73 balls! New Zealand’s two best batsmen are taking their team towards the total with ease at the moment. Williamson gets to 6,000 ODI runs before hitting a lovely drive off Maxwell for four. The right-hander is showing why he’s rated as one of the best in the world.

After 24 overs, New Zealand are 85/2 – Williamson 31, Taylor 18

SIX! First maximum of the New Zealand innings and it comes from Kane Williamson’s bat. Marcus Stoinis angles it in and the right-hander whips it away into the stands behind square-leg. Top shot. The Kiwis are surely getting a move on.

After 23 overs, New Zealand are 77/2 – Williamson 23, Taylor 18

Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell join the Australian attack and slip in a could of quiet overs. New Zealand will be confident of their chances as long as Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor are at the crease. The senior pros are looking comfortable at the moment.

After 21 overs, New Zealand are 68/2 – Williamson 19, Taylor 14

Four! Aaron Finch comes on to have a bowl and pitches it on the leg stump, Ross Taylor accepts the gift and sweeps it away for four. A boundary for New Zealand after nine overs.

After 20 overs, New Zealand are 61/2 – Williamson 18, Taylor 8

Behrendorff wraps Taylor on the pad and goes up in appeal but the umpires says not-out. The replay shows that the ball had pitched outside leg. Meanwhile, the required rate has gone over six. New Zealand need to get going.

After 19 overs, New Zealand are 57/2 – Williamson 17, Taylor 7

Steve Smith has just bowled an over. Yes, you read that right. We have no explanation to offer for that. The part-time leg-spinner concedes four singles as Ross Taylor fails to put away a juicy full-toss. Strange tactics from Aaron Finch.

After 18 overs, New Zealand are 53/2 – Williamson 15, Taylor 5

Taylor survives! He pokes at a cutter from Behrendorff and gets a tick edge, Carey dive full length and gets a hand to it but can’t hold on. Behrendorff has figures of 2/27 from 8 overs at the moment.

After 17 overs, New Zealand are 49/2 – Williamson 12, Taylor 4

Nathan Lyon is bowling with what looks like a Test match field. There’s a slip, a short-leg and a catching mid-wicket. The Australians are piling on the pressure. This has been a strange batting performance by New Zealand so far. They’ve shut shop because of the small target. Could prove to be dangerous.

After 15 overs, New Zealand are 46/2 – Williamson 11, Taylor 2

DROPPED! Big reprieve for the Kiwis as Steve Smith drops Kane Williamson. The New Zealand skipper attempts a drive off Nathan Lyon but gets a thick edge. The ball hits Carey on his knee and flies to Smith at first slip and he can’t hold on to it. Tough chance but this could come back to haunt the Aussies.

After 13.1 overs, New Zealand are 42/2 – Williamson 10

WICKET! Australia strike again as Jason Behrendorff gets his second! The left-arm pacer bowls an in-swinger that hits Martin Guptill on his front pad. The Aussies go up in appeal and the umpire raises his finger. The end to an uncharacteristic innings from Guptill.

Guptill lbw Behrendorff 20 (43)

After 13 overs, New Zealand are 42/1 – Guptill 20, Williamson 10

Aaron Finch introduces spin in the attack as Nathan Lyon comes on to have a bowl. The ofiie bowls a good line to the right-handers and Finch decides to stand at short-leg himself. Just two singles come from that over. Australia will need Lyon to get wickets today.

After 12 overs, New Zealand are 40/1 – Guptill 19, Williamson 9

Shot! Jason Behrendorff pitches it short and Kane Williamson punches it off the back foot for a much-needed boundary. That was all class from the New Zealand skipper, both his feet were in the air when he made contact with the ball. Good over for the Kiwis, seven runs come from it.

After 11 overs, New Zealand are 33/1 – Guptill 18, Williamson 3

Another good over for Australia, just two singles from it. Pat Cummins conceded four runs off the first ball of his spell and has conceded just three runs from his 23 deliveries after that. Top stuff.

After 10 overs, New Zealand are 31/1 – Guptill 17, Williamson 2

Kane Williamson is the new man at the crease. The New Zealand skipper has been the main man for his team in this World Cup. He’d want to settle in and take his team over the line today. A wicket and just two runs from Jason Behrendorff’s fourth over.

After 9.2 overs, New Zealand are 29/1 – Guptill 17

WICKET! Australia get the breakthrough as Jason Behrendorff strikes! Henry Nicholls has to walk back after an unfortunate dismissal. He attempts a pull to a ball down the leg side but gets a faint edge through to the ‘keeper. This is the result of all the good work Australia have done over the past few overs.

Nicholls c Carey b Behrendorff 8 (20)

After 9 overs, New Zealand are 29/0 – Guptill 17, Nicholls 8

Maiden over for Pat Cummins! New Zealand have got just two singles in the last three overs. The Australian pacers are bowling with discipline as a unit. The required-rate isn’t high but pressure is surely being built.

After 8 overs, New Zealand are 29/0 – Guptill 17, Nicholls 8

Guptill survives! Behrendorff bowls a lovely in-swinger that wraps the right-hander on his pads, it looks close but the umpire says not-out. Australia don’t take DRS but replays show that the ball pitched in line, impact was in line and wickets was umpire’s call. Just a single comes from that over. Australia are not letting the Kiwi openers get away.

After 7 overs, New Zealand are 28/0 – Guptill 16, Nicholls 8

Good over from Pat Cummins. Martin Guptill takes a single off the first ball and the right-arm pacer bowls five dot balls to Henry Nicholls. No room offered to the left-hander.

After 6 overs, New Zealand are 27/0 – Guptill 15, Nicholls 8

Back-to-back boundaries for Henry Nicholls! The left-hander gets off the mark in some style. Mitchell Starc pitches it up Nicholls plays a delightful on-drive for four. He follows that up with a clip off his hips past square-leg for another boundary. Starc touched 153.8 kmph in that over. Australia need him to strike soon.

After 5 overs, New Zealand are 18/0 – Guptill 15, Nicholls 0

Pat Cummins joins the attack and bowls a poor delivery first up. The right-arm pacer drifts on to the leg-stump and Martin Guptill clips it to the fine-leg fence for four. But Cummins comes back well to bowl five dot balls. Meanwhile, five overs have been bowled and Henry Nicholls is yet to open his account.

After 4 overs, New Zealand are 14/0 – Guptill 11, Nicholls 0

Just a wide and a leg bye from that Mitchell Starc over. The left-hander is hovering around the 90 mph mark and swinging the ball as well. The New Zealand batsmen don’t seem keen to attack Starc and rightly so.

After 3 overs, New Zealand are 12/0 – Guptill 11, Nicholls 0

Big over for the Kiwis! Jason Behrendorff pitches it full and wide, Martin Guptill frees his arms and drives it square on the off side for four. He gets a two and a three as well as New Zealand get ten runs from that over.

After 2 overs, New Zealand are 2/0 – Guptill 2, Nicholls 0

Mitchell Starc joins the attack and cranks up the pace immediately. The left-arm pacer gets the ball to swing back in to Martin Guptill but the right-hander defends it well. Just the one run comes from that over.

After 1 over, New Zealand are 1/0 – Guptill 1, Nicholls 0

Good start by by Jason Behrendorff. Martin Guptill gets a single off the first ball but the left-arm pacer bowls five dot balls to Henry Nicholls. Not a lot of movement but a disciplined line from Behrendorff.

10:04 pm: We’re ready for the chase at Lord’s. Martin Guptill and Henry Nicholls will open the batting for New Zealand. Jason Behrendorff has the new ball in hand for Australia. This match could go down to the wire. Here we go!

9:36 pm: Nathan Lyon attempts an audacious scoop off the last ball but misses. Pat Cummins remains stranded at the other end in the last over and doesn’t get to face a single delivery.

But more importantly, Trent Boult finishes a magical final over. Three wickets and just two runs came from it. Take a bow!

AUSTRALIA FINISH WITH 243/9 IN 50 OVERS!

After 49.5 overs, Australia are 243/9 – Cummins 23

WICKET! HAT-TRICK FOR TRENT BOULT!

Jason Behrendorff is out LBW off the first ball. This is the 11th hat-trick in World Cup history and the first by a New Zealand player. Wow, simply wow!

Behrendorff lbw Boult 0 (1)

After 49.4 overs, Australia are 243/8 – Cummins 23

WICKET! Trent Boult gives Mitchell Starc a dose of his own medicine. A sizzling yorker and the left-hander had no answer for it. Boult is on a hat-trick!

Starc b Boult 0 (1)

After 49.3 overs, Australia are 243/7 – Cummins 23

WICKET! Clutch from Trent Boult! He bowls a superb yorker to rattle Usman Khawaja’s stumps. And that brings to an end a fine knock from the left-hander.

Khawaja b Boult 88 (129)

After 49 overs, Australia are 241/6 – Khawaja 87, Cummins 22

Four! Pat Cummins gets the boundary Australia needed! Lockie Ferguson does well to concede just four runs off the first five balls but Cummins slogs the last one, a high full-toss, past covers for four. Nine runs come from the penultimate over. Australia will take it. Will they be able to get past 250?

After 48 overs, Australia are 232/6 – Khawaja 85, Cummins 15

Usman Khawaja gets lucky! He steps out to Trent Boult and gets an inside edge for four. Australia manage to pick up eight runs from that over. Lockie Ferguson will bowl the penultimate over and Boult the last one. Australia will be desperate to get past the 250-run mark.

After 47 overs, Australia are 224/6 – Khawaja 80, Cummins 12

Bizarre over that. Pat Cummins ends up taking nine runs from Ish Sodhi’s sixth over when he should’ve been out twice. The right-hander mistimes two slogs and they both land safely. Usman Khawaja didn’t get strike in that over but a decent one for Australia, nonetheless.

After 46 overs, Australia are 215/6 – Khawaja 80, Cummins 3

Shot! Usman Khawaja presses on the front foot and cuts it hard over backward-point to get his fourth boundary. That was off the first ball and then he takes a single. Lockie Ferguson does brilliantly after that to bowl three dot balls to Pat Cummins and concede a single off the last ball. The Australian camp must be frustrated.

After 45 overs, Australia are 209/6 – Khawaja 75, Cummins 2

Ish Sodhi returns to the attack and gives away seven runs in his fifth over. Usman Khawaja hits a superb reverse-sweep for four. The left-hander is having to bat out of his comfort zone at the moment. Australia need him to keep going.

After 44 overs, Australia are 202/6 – Khawaja 69, Cummins 1

Another good over for New Zealand as Lockie Ferguson concedes just three singles in his eighth. Pat Cummins has joined Usman Khawaja at the crease. Australia will need the pacer to use the long handle. They have to get as close to 250 as possible to challenge the Kiwi batting line-up.

After 43 overs, Australia are 199/6 – Khawaja 67

WICKET! Kane Williamson has broken the partnership! Would you believe it?! The New Zealand skipper kept coming back for one more over and has finally struck off the last ball of his seventh. This is a big blow for Australia. They were looking good for a strong finish. It’s all up to Usman Khawaja now. Also, Martin Guptill has taken another catch. This time a simple one at covers. That man has been everywhere today.

Carey c Guptill b Williamson 71 (72)

After 42 overs, Australia are 194/5 – Khawaja 64, Carey 69

Century partnership! What a stand this has been between Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey. They’ve brought their team back into the game from a hopeless position. Trent Boult comes on to bowl his eighth over and gives away four runs.

After 41 overs, Australia are 190/5 – Khawaja 63, Carey 66

Kane Williamson concedes just two singles in his sixth over. Despite having two spinners in the XI, the New Zealand has bowled a length spell here. Hard to say if it’s the right decision. Anyway, a good start to the final powerplay for the Kiwis. Australia would want to up the ante soon.

After 40 overs, Australia are 188/5 – Khawaja 62, Carey 65

Boult nearly traps Carey leg before but the left-hander replies in style, cutting Boult through point for four. He is looking in fluent touch and we go into the final powerplay.

After 39 overs, Australia are 182/5 – Khawaja 62, Carey 60

Oooh...Carey gets a thick edge off Williamson and nearly finds the gloves of Tom Latham. Meanwhile, Khawaja continues to thread the ball into the gaps. Frustrating partnership for New Zealand. Ferguson returned to bowl just a solitary over. Boult will make a comeback.

After 37 overs, Australia are 172/5 – Khawaja 59, Carey 53

Kane Williamson is slipping in his overs at a rapid pace. The off-spinner concedes just two singles in his fourth over after bowling four dots in a row to Usman Khawaja.

After 36 overs, Australia are 170/5 – Khawaja 58, Carey 52

FIFTY for Alex Carey! He gets to his third ODI half-century off just 47 deliveries. The left-hander pulls one with both feet in the air for four, before getting an inside edge for another boundary. Ten runs came from that James Neesham over.

After 35 overs, Australia are 160/5 – Khawaja 57, Carey 43

Usman Khawaja survives! The left-hander hits it towards covers and sets off for a single, Martin Guptill (surprise, surprise) dives full length and releases a quick throw. Luckily for the Australian, the ball misses the stumps by inches. Khawaja was a gonner if that had hit. Four runs come from Kane Williamson’s third over.

After 34 overs, Australia are 156/5 – Khawaja 55, Carey 41

Four! Colin de Grandhomme pitches it short with no pace and Alex Carey says thank you very much. The left-hander pulls it away to get his seventh boundary. The runs are flowing for the Australians. This partnerships is starting to look really dangerous for New Zealand.

After 33 overs, Australia are 150/5 – Khawaja 54, Carey 36

Kane Williamson resumes play after the drinks break and gives away just three singles in his second over. Australia have added 58 runs for the sixth wicket. If these two batsmen can take them past 200, this match will get really interesting.

After 32 overs, Australia are 147/5 – Khawaja 53, Carey 34

FIFTY for Usman Khawaja! The left-hander gets to his 12th ODI half-century in 80 balls. This has been an impressive knock from the 32-year-old. He has copped a fair share of criticism lately but he’s putting his hand up when his team needs him the most. Six runs come from Colin de Grandhomme’s seventh over. Time for a drinks break.

After 31 overs, Australia are 141/5 – Khawaja 49, Carey 32

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson brings himself into the attack and almost breaks the partnership with his second ball. The part-time off-spinner gets one to turn sharply, Usman Khawaja throws his bat at it and gets a thick outside edge but there’s no slip in place. Carey then plays a loose shot that lands just in front of backward point. Impressive stuff from Williamson. Five runs come from that over.

After 30 overs, Australia are 136/5 – Khawaja 45, Carey 31

Entertaining over that. Colin de Grandhomme beats Alex Carey’s bat with a wonderful delivery that nipped away slightly. The left-hander responds by thumping the next ball down the ground for four. Carey’s attitude has been mighty impressive since he has come out to the middle.

After 29 overs, Australia are 131/5 – Khawaja 44, Carey 27

Shot! Alex Carey gets his fifth boundary. Lockie Ferguson pitches one up on the pads and the left-hander whips it away stylishly to the square-leg fence. Five runs come from that over.

After 28 overs, Australia are 126/5 – Khawaja 43, Carey 23

Colin de Grandhomme, after opening the bowling with four overs, returns to the attack and concedes two runs in his fifth. The right-arm medium-pacer doesn’t look threatening in general as a bowler but he has done a good job for his team so far today. He has figures of 0/12 at the moment.

After 27 overs, Australia are 124/5 – Khawaja 42, Carey 22

Another splendid cover-drive from Alex Carey for four! Jeez, he hits that shot well. Lockie Ferguson returns to the attack and concedes six runs in his sixth over. This has been a decent partnership for the Australians so far.

After 26 overs, Australia are 118/5 – Khawaja 41, Carey 17

What a shot! James Neesham ends his fifth over by pitching it full and wide, Alex Carey leans forward and plays a gorgeous cover-drive for four. There was a fielder in the deep but he had no chance. The Australian ‘keeper-batsman has looked impressive almost each time he has come out to bat in this World Cup. Six runs come from that over.

After 25 overs, Australia are 112/5 – Khawaja 40, Carey 12

Four runs come from that Mitchell Santner over. Both batsmen aren’t hesitating in playing cross-batted shots against the left-arm spinner. There’s hardly any turn in the pitch.

After 24 overs, Australia are 108/5 – Khawaja 37, Carey 11

James Neesham is in the middle of a superb spell. The right-arm medium-pacer concedes three runs in his fourth over and has figures of 2/12 at the moment. Despite losing half their side, Australia still have two good batsmen at the crease now. A decent total can be achieved if Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey fight it out.

After 23 overs, Australia are 105/5 – Khawaja 35, Carey 10

Alex Carey comes to the crease and plays an audacious reverse-sweep for four. The left-hander had gotten off the mark in the previous over with a cracking cover-drive for four off James Neesham. Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja survives a close LBW shout. Eight runs come from that Mitchell Santner over.

After 21.3 overs, Australia are 92/5 – Khawaja 32

WICKET! Maxwell departs! This is turning into a nightmare for Australia. James Neesham has his second wicket. Maxwell mistimes a pull and Neesham does brilliantly to take the return catch. New Zealand are all over the Aussies. We could be in for an early finish at Lord’s.

Maxwell c&b Neesham 1 (5)

After 21 overs, Australia are 92/4 – Khawaja 32, Maxwell 1

Big over for Australia! Mitchell Santner joins the attack and drops one short, Usman Khawaja strectches and cuts it away for four. The left-arm spinner then concedes five-wides. Glenn Maxwell is the new man at the crease. The Aussies need him to play a special knock to get back into the contest.

After 20 overs, Australia are 81/4 – Khawaja 27

WICKET! Australia lose another as Marcus Stoinis is gone! James Neesham gets one to straighten a bit slightly after pitching, Stoinis offers, almost a blind, forward defence and the ball takes a thin edge to the ‘keeper. New Zealand are reaping the rewards of bowling in a disciplined manner as a unit.

Stoinis c Latham b Neesham 21 (26)

After 19 overs, Australia are 77/3 – Khawaja 26, Stoinis 20

Ish Sodhi isn’t getting much turn on this Lord’s pitch, but he’s varying his flight well to not concede boundaries. Of course, he’s being aided by the fact that the Australian batsmen are circumspect at the moment.

After 18 overs, Australia are 73/3 – Khawaja 24, Stoinis 18

Good start from James Neesham as he concedes just a single in his first over. Kane Williamson keeps a tight field on the off side for Usman Khawaja and the left-hander ends up playing five dot balls. Disciplined line and length from Neesham.

After 17 overs, Australia are 72/3 – Khawaja 24, Stoinis 17

Ish Sodhi resumes play after the drinks break and concedes four runs in his third over. The leg-spinner bowls a googly and wraps Marcus Stoinis on the pad as the right-hander fails to read it. James Neesham is coming on to bowl from the other end.

That catch from Martin Guptill will surely be hard to forget...

After 16 overs, Australia are 68/3 – Khawaja 21, Stoinis 16

Stoinis survives, again! Another loose shot from the right-hander and this time the ball falls just short of Kane Williamson at covers. The New Zealand skipper is quick to signal that it was a one-bounce catch. Lockie Ferguson concedes just a single in his fourth over. The right-arm pacer has figures of 2/14 at the moment. Time for a drinks break.

After 15 overs, Australia are 67/3 – Khawaja 20, Stoinis 16

Stoinis survives! The right-hander tries to loft a full delivery from Sodhi but mistimes it, the ball flies inches over mid-on. That was a poor shot under the circumstances from the right-hander. Australia need to dig deep here. One more wicket and a real collapse might be on.

After 14 overs, Australia are 61/3 – Khawaja 19, Stoinis 11

Four! Marcus Stoinis with the shot of the match so far! Lockie Ferguson pitches it full and wide, the right-hander takes a stride forward and crunches it past covers. That literally raced to the boundary like a tracer-bullet. Good, positive stroke. Six runs come from Ferguson’s third over.

After 13 overs, Australia are 55/3 – Khawaja 18, Stoinis 6

Kane Williamson brings Ish Sodhi into the attack and the leg-spinner concedes five singles in his first over. Marcus Stoinis has joined Usman Khawaja at the crease for Australia. Phew! This has been some start to this highly-anticipated match. New Zealand have been disciplined so far and the Aussies have struggled to find any sort of rhythm. The defending champions don’t have a lot of batting to follow.

After 11.2 overs, Australia are 46/3 – Khawaja 15

WICKET! WHAT. A. CATCH. Martin Guptill, you absolute beauty! He had dropped two catches earlier but he has more than made up for it. Steve Smith pulls one hard and Guptill, at a catching fine-leg (whatever that means), takes an absolute blinder. Smith is left stunned and so are the spectators at Lords. Lockie Ferguson has his second wicket. New Zealand are on fire!

Smith c Guptill b Ferguson 5 (8)

After 11 overs, Australia are 45/2 – Khawaja 14, Smith 5

Five runs come from Trent Boult’s sixth over. The left-arm pacer has figures of 1/32 at the moment. The first powerplay was won by New Zealand thanks to their impressive fast-bowling. Australia need to dig deep.

After 10 overs, Australia are 40/2 – Khawaja 12, Smith 2

A successful first over for Lockie Ferguson as he gets the big wicket of David Warner and concedes just two runs. Good pace from the right-arm fast-bowler. Steve Smith is the new man at the crease for Australia. He plays the first ball and does a l’il shimmy to leave the commentators in splits. The Australians need a big partnership, though. New Zealand are threatening to run away with this.

After 9.1 overs, Australia are 38/2 – Khawaja 12

WICKET! Huuuge blow for the Australians as David Warner departs! Lockie Ferguson joins the attack and bowls an absolute snorter first up. The ball climbs on the left-hander and he can’t get his gloves down on time. The ball takes a thin edge and ‘keeper Tom Latham takes a comfortable catch. New Zealand are on top at Lord’s. The Aussies are feeling the pressure.

Warner c Latham b Ferguson 16 (23)

After 9 overs, Australia are 38/1 – Warner 16, Khawaja 12

Usman Khawaja gets his first boundary. Trent Boult drifts on to the left-hander’s pads and he clips it past short-fine for four. Good over for Australia, eight runs from it. New Zealand need to get early wickets to give themselves the best chance of winning this match.

After 8 overs, Australia are 30/1 – Warner 16, Khawaja 4

First boundary conceded by Colin de Grandhomme. He pitches it full and David Warner drives it straight back for four. That was all class from the Australian opener. Despite the wicket and the dropped catches, Warner is moving along at a brisk pace. Five runs come from that over.

After 7 overs, Australia are 25/1 – Warner 12, Khawaja 3

David Warner survives! Trent Boult gets one to climb on the left-hander who almost tries to take evasive action, the ball takes the top-edge and flies over point. The left-hander follows that up with a pull for four. It’s all happening at the moment at Lord’s. New Zealand would want to get rid of Australia’s other opener, too. We know how dangerous Warner can be if he settles in.

After 6 overs, Australia are 19/1 – Warner 8, Khawaja 3

Colin de Grandhomme is doing a fine job for his team with the new ball. He concedes just three runs from his third over. The right-arm medium-pacer has figures of 0/5 at the moment. The Australians need a partnership here. They’ve decided to stick with Usman Khawaja at No.3 and the left-hander needs to deliver.

After 5 overs, Australia are 16/1 – Warner 8, Khawaja 1

DROPPED! And it’s that man Martin Guptill again! Usman Khawaja comes to the crease and drives away from his body off the second ball, it goes to Guptill at second slip but he can’t hold on to it. He had to dive but that should’ve been taken. Trent Boult is at the top of his game at the moment. Should’ve had his second wicket of the over. The Australians are under the pump at Lord’s.

After 4.3 overs, Australia are 15/1 – Warner 6

WICKET! Aaron Finch is gone! An absolute beauty from Trent Boult and the Australian skipper has to walk back. The left-arm pacer pitches it full and gets it to swing back in to the right-hander, Finch stays back in his crease and is caught plumb in front. No review taken. The Kiwis are on top!

Finch lbw Boult 8 (15)

After 4 overs, Australia are 11/0 – Warner 6, Finch 4

Another good over from Colin de Grandhomme, just the three singles from it. The right-arm medium-pacer is jogging in and bowling at around the 130 kmph mark. It’s, perhaps, this lack of pace that isn’t allowing David Warner and Aaron Finch to get him away. Could prove to be a brilliant gamble from Kane Williamson if CdG can slip in a few more quiet overs.

After 3 overs, Australia are 8/0 – Warner 5, Finch 3

Four! Australia get their first boundary of the day and it comes from David Warner’s bat. Trent Boult strays in line and pitches it on Warner’s pads, the left-hander whips it past square-leg for four. An erratic over from Boult after his maiden first up.

After 2 overs, Australia are 0/0 – Warner 0, Finch 0

DROPPED! A tough, tough chance for Martin Guptill and he can’t hold on to it. Kane Williamson makes a strange decision and hands the new ball to Colin de Grandhomme. Aaron Finch hits a drive in the air, Guptill dives for it at catching-cover but the ball doesn’t stick. Valiant effort, though. Back-to-back maiden overs to start for New Zealand!

After 1 over, Australia are 0/0 – Warner 0, Finch 0

Maiden over to start! Trent Boult steams in and bowls six dot balls to David Warner. The left-arm seamer gets some shape away from the left-handed opener and gets a leading edge that falls safely. Warner opens up again on the last ball and gets a thick edge but it falls in front of third slip. Top start from Boult. Bang on the money from the get-go.

5:59 pm: We’re done with the national anthems and are ready for cricket at Lord’s. David Warner and Aaron Finch will open the batting for Australia. Trent Boult has the new ball in hand for New Zealand. This game promises to be a cracker. Here we go!

5:48 pm: Australia’s victory in their last game, where they thumped hosts England at Lords, was a statement of sorts. As we’re heading towards the business end of the tournament, the defending champions are getting closer to their best. And the one man who is giving them the edge is the player of the tournament from the last World Cup – Mitchell Starc.

Read here.

5:43 pm: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson at the toss – “We would’ve liked to bat first as well. It’s important that we take some early wickets. Sodhi comes in for Henry, also Henry Nicholls comes in at the top of the order for Colin Munro. Today is a new day, a fresh start and it’s about putting up strong performances. They (matches against Australia) always bring in great crowds, it should be fun.”

5:39 pm: Australian skipper Aaron Finch at the toss – “It’s a used wicket and hopefully it will get slower later on. It’s a bit dry and might spin. No changes, everyone who contributed to the win has done really well. Everyone has played at some point, so it’s going well.”

5:35 pm: New Zealand’s playing XI – Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (w), James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.

5:33 pm: Australia’s playing XI – Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (w), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jason Behrendorff.

5:32 pm: TOSS – Aaron Finch has won the toss and Australia will BAT first! The Aussies are going in with an unchanged XI.

5:28 pm: We’re minutes away from the toss at Lord’s. New Zealand are a win away from making it to the semi-finals. Will they beat their great rivals at the ‘Home of Cricket’ today?

5.15 pm: Hello all and welcome to our live coverage of ICC World Cup 2019. It’s one of the marquee group stage clashes that we all have been waiting for! The Trans-Tasman rivalry resumes at cricket’s biggest stage, four years after the final at MCG. It’s another iconic venue for one of cricket’s biggest rivalries: Lord’s.

Peaking at the right time, Australia on Saturday will resume their Trans-Tasman rivalry at the World Cup stage four years after their title clash. The defending champions are back at Lord’s after taking care of their oldest rival England and now take on a New Zealand side that suffered their first defeat of the tournament.

Barring the defeat against India, Australia have been playing like a well-oiled machine in this tournament, becoming the first team to qualify for the semifinals. The Aaron Finch-led side is in roaring form and would look to continue the winning momentum.

New Zealand go into the match after suffering a defeat against Pakistan, which snapped their unbeaten streak in the tournament.

The Black Caps – who have amazingly retained the same side for all their seven matches – have secured 11 points and need at least a win from their remaining two outings – against Australia and England (July 3) – to be assured of a fourth straight World Cup semifinals berth.

(With agency inputs. Screengrabs in the blog courtesy Hotstar)