Australia Team. (Photo Source: X/Cricket Australia)
In a nail-biting showdown on day four, Australia faced the daunting task of chasing down 202 runs with just six wickets in hand against New Zealand. The match had all the makings of a thrilling encounter, with both outcomes hanging in the balance.
The day kicked off with overnight batters Mitchel Marsh and Travis Head taking charge. However, Head’s quick dismissal added a twist to the tale. Enter Alex Carey, the wicketkeeper-batter, who joined forces with Marsh in a remarkable partnership. Together, they stitched a formidable 140-run stand, steering Australia closer to victory.
Mitchell Marsh’s brilliant 80-run knock set the tone, but the drama continued as Mitchell Starc departed very soon after Marsh. On the flip side, Carey stood firm, showcasing his resilience and composure. Pat Cummins, joining Carey on the crease, played a crucial role in steering the ship as Australia clinched the win by three wickets, with Carey remaining unbeaten at 98, and Cummins scoring 32 runs.
Despite a shaky start where none of the top five batters managed to cross 20 runs, Australia showcased their determination in chasing down the target of 279. The initial struggle, with the team stuttering at 34/4, seemed a distant memory as Marsh and Carey orchestrated a remarkable turnaround.
Reflecting on the victory, winning captain Pat Cummins admitted, “Pretty tense, everyone was nervous the last couple of hours. Amazing win. (On winning runs) Anyway possible to win, I had no idea he (Carey) was on 98. The toss helped, it was funny how quickly the match moved on Day 1. First innings leads are always key.”
The triumph underscored Australia’s resilience and ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Here’s how fans reacted on ‘X’ after Australia’s thrilling series victory over New Zealand:
New Zealand against Australia is much like Pakistan against India, always predictable 😑😑. #NZvsAUS
— That-Cricket-Girl (@imswatib) March 11, 2024
Australia won the last 10 Tests against NZ in New Zealand 🤯🔥#NZvsAUS pic.twitter.com/sljLrvvgMH
— Faishal Khan (@faishal6447) March 11, 2024
Can’t believe my eyes what I am seeing. This is proper bazball. 😋#NZvsAUS #NZvAUS
— Rohet S Pandey (@mniROHIT) March 11, 2024
New Zealand remains win-less against Australia at home in Tests since 1993.
AUS vs NZ in the last 10 Tests in New Zealand:
– Australia won
– Aus won
– Aus won
– Aus won
– Draw
– Aus won
– Aus won
– Aus won
– Aus won
– Aus won#NZvsAUS #NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/1DTc31N1XZ— CR17 (@_CR0717) March 11, 2024
New Zealand – 162 & 372
Australia – 256 & 281/7Australia won by 3 Wickets.#AUSvsNZ #NZvAUS#NZvsAUS
— SAM1604 (@CricketNews1604) March 11, 2024
Pat Cummins is a true fighter.#NZvsAUS
— Dr Shaun (@Drakshay006) March 11, 2024
From 34/4 to chasing 279 in the 4th innings of a test match. The Australian team is just built different.#NZvsAUS
— Johnpaul•fitness coach (@_getfitwithj) March 11, 2024
Carey 98*(123) & Marsh 80(102) guided AUS to a 3 wics win vs NZ in 2nd test & won the series 2-0.
NZ 162 & 372
AUS 256 & 281/7
Sears 4/90
Henry 2/94 #NZvsAUS #GreatestOfAllTime— 😎G.O.A.T😎Arun (@Arunk2802) March 11, 2024
Test batting average in the fourth innings:
33.57 – Pat Cummins
33.26 – Steve Smith
29.78 – Usman Khawaja
29.77 – Marnus Labuschagne
25.00 – Cameron Green
19.17 – Mitchell Marsh#NZvsAUS pic.twitter.com/UakvFpt2AS— Cricket Insider (@occ_2o) March 11, 2024