australian men’s cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team – match scorecard

The rivalry between Australia and New Zealand in cricket is one of the most exciting contests in international sports.

Both teams have consistently delivered high-quality matches filled with thrilling performances. Their latest encounter in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final was no different, as fans witnessed an intense battle between bat and ball. Held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, the match saw both teams giving their best to secure a spot in the final. Australia showcased their batting prowess, while New Zealand fought hard with their disciplined bowling and determined batting.

In the end, Australia emerged victorious in a close contest, setting up an exciting final ahead.

Match Summary and Scorecard

Match Details:

• Event: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – Semi-Final
• Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia
• Date: March 4, 2025
• Toss: New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first

Australia Innings:

• David Warner – 72 (85)
• Travis Head – 46 (52)
• Steve Smith – 91 (98)
• Glenn Maxwell – 58 (30)
• Marcus Stoinis – 22* (12)
• Extras – 12
• Total: 312/6 in 50 overs
• Fall of Wickets: 84/1 (Head), 156/2 (Warner), 198/3 (Smith), 220/4 (Maxwell), 270/5 (Green), 295/6 (Carey)

New Zealand Bowling:

• Trent Boult – 2/52 (10 overs)
• Tim Southee – 1/60 (10 overs)
• Lockie Ferguson – 2/55 (10 overs)
• Mitchell Santner – 1/40 (10 overs)

New Zealand Innings:

• Devon Conway – 67 (78)
• Kane Williamson – 54 (63)
• Daryl Mitchell – 32 (40)
• Glenn Phillips – 42 (28)
• James Neesham – 28* (20)
• Extras – 10
• Total: 295/8 in 50 overs
• Fall of Wickets: 80/1 (Conway), 132/2 (Williamson), 178/3 (Mitchell), 225/4 (Phillips), 250/5 (Latham), 268/6 (Santner), 275/7 (Southee), 285/8 (Boult)

Australia Bowling:

• Mitchell Starc – 3/55 (10 overs)
• Pat Cummins – 2/48 (10 overs)
• Adam Zampa – 2/42 (10 overs)
• Josh Hazlewood – 1/50 (10 overs)

Match Highlights and Key Moments:

Steve Smith’s Masterclass:

Smith’s 91 off 98 balls was a crucial innings that anchored Australia’s total. He built partnerships with key players, ensuring that the momentum stayed in Australia’s favor. His classic stroke play and ability to handle pressure were on full display, as he manipulated the field to find gaps and rotated the strike brilliantly. Smith’s knock was the backbone of Australia’s innings, providing a solid platform for the middle order to capitalize on.

Glenn Maxwell’s Quickfire Knock:

Maxwell’s blistering 58 off just 30 balls provided the much-needed acceleration in the final overs. Coming in at a crucial juncture, Maxwell wasted no time in taking on the bowlers. His aggressive hitting included four sixes and five boundaries, leaving the New Zealand bowlers scrambling for answers. His ability to clear the ropes with ease ensured that Australia crossed the 300-run mark, setting up a competitive total that proved difficult for New Zealand to chase.

Trent Boult’s Early Breakthroughs:

Boult’s disciplined bowling put pressure on Australia right from the start. His ability to swing the new ball made it challenging for the Australian openers to settle in. He dismissed Travis Head early, breaking a threatening opening partnership. Later, he returned to claim another crucial wicket, keeping Australia from running away with the game. Boult’s variations and tight lines restricted scoring opportunities, keeping New Zealand in the contest.

New Zealand’s Fighting Spirit:

Despite losing wickets at crucial moments, Conway and Williamson’s partnership kept New Zealand in the chase. They built a solid 100+ run stand, mixing caution with aggression. Conway played a controlled innings, ensuring the required run rate didn’t get out of hand, while Williamson expertly maneuvered the field to keep the scoreboard ticking. Even after their dismissals, New Zealand continued to fight, with Glenn Phillips and James Neesham playing crucial cameos that nearly took the game to the wire.

Mitchell Starc’s Crucial Wickets:

Starc once again proved why he is one of the best death-over bowlers in the world. His three wickets came at crucial moments, breaking the backbone of New Zealand’s middle order. He dismissed the dangerous Phillips just when New Zealand seemed to gain momentum, and later, his pinpoint yorkers in the final overs ensured that New Zealand fell short of the target. His mix of pace, swing, and accuracy made him the standout bowler in the match. Wickets: Starc’s three-wicket haul ensured Australia defended their total successfully.

FAQs

1. Who won the match between Australia and New Zealand?

Australia won the match by 17 runs.

2. Who was the top scorer in the match?

Steve Smith was the highest scorer with 91 runs.

3. Which bowler took the most wickets?

Mitchell Starc took 3 wickets for Australia.

4. What was Australia’s total score?

Australia scored 312/6 in 50 overs.

5. How many sixes were hit in the match?

A total of 14 sixes were hit in the match.

6. Who was named Player of the Match?

Steve Smith won the Player of the Match award for his 91 runs.

7. How did New Zealand perform in the chase?

They fought hard but fell short, scoring 295/8 in 50 overs.

8. Which New Zealand batsman scored the most runs?

Devon Conway top-scored with 67 runs.

9. What was the turning point of the match?

Glenn Maxwell’s late-innings burst and Mitchell Starc’s crucial wickets turned the game in Australia’s favor.

10. Where will Australia play the final?

Australia will play the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Conclusion

The semi-final clash between Australia and New Zealand was a classic battle, filled with breathtaking moments and exceptional performances.

Australia’s strong batting display, led by Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell, helped them set up a competitive total. New Zealand fought valiantly, with Conway and Williamson playing crucial knocks, but Australia’s bowling attack, especially Starc and Zampa, ensured they held on for a hard-fought win.

With this victory, Australia secures a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, setting the stage for another thrilling contest. Cricket fans now eagerly await the grand showdown as Australia eyes the coveted trophy.