After a rampant New Zealand skittled their fierce rivals out for just 152, the majority of a packed-out partisan crowd could have been forgiven for thinking an easy victory was on its way for their side.

That did not prove to be the case however as the Kiwis collapsed from 131-4 to 146-9, before the impressive Kane Williamson, who finished unbeaten on 45, struck a brutal six off the bowling of Pat Cummins to give his team their fourth consecutive win and a spot in the next round.

Australia, meanwhile, have three points from their opening three matches following their abandoned clash with Bangladesh due to rain, and the tournament favourites will be looking to bounce back from their demoralising defeat when they face Afghanistan in Perth on Wednesday (March 4).

There were some positives for the Aussies, though, as Mitchell Starc produced a magnificent spell of bowling to set up a nervy finale, eventually finishing with figures of 6-28 but they proved to be in vein as the Kiwis snuck over the line.

The match at Eden Park was another superb spectacle at a World Cup that has already provided many memorable matches and moments and, although this was a low-scoring affair, the contest certainly was not bereft of any drama.

Australia's Mitchell Starc produced a brilliant performance with the ball but he could not help his side avoid defeat to New Zealand in Auckland ©Getty Images



Batting first, the Australia's demonstrated an uncharacteristic tentativeness and despite welcoming back returning captain Michael Clarke, making his first competitive appearance since December, they lost wickets at regular intervals as they were bowled out for a meagre 152, in which Trent Boult claimed 5-27.

Testament to his style, New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum set about reaching his side's target in as few overs as possible as he reached his half-century off just 21 balls and, even when he was dismissed, it looked as though they would go on to clinch a dominant victory.

But the Aussies were having none of it as Starc got his team to within one wicket of snatching an unlikely win before Williamson sent the ball high over the ropes to seal a dramatic triumph for New Zealand.

Elsewhere, reigning champions India continued their impressive start to the tournament as they thrashed the United Arab Emirates by nine wickets in Pool B.

The UAE, who have defied their minnows tag with decent displays at the competition to date, were bowled out for just 102, a score that was never going to trouble a dominant India who clinched their third successive victory in just 18.5 overs, thanks largely to Rohit Sharma's 57 not out.

The tournament continues with a double-header tomorrow as England take on Sri Lanka in Wellington, before Pakistan entertain Zimbabwe in Brisbane.

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