World Cup History: New Zealand vs Australia | Group Match, 2015, Auckland

February 28, 2015, Eden Park, Auckland.

The game had everything - perfect weather, a full house, a flurry of early boundaries followed by scarcely believable collapses, sensational swing bowling from Trent Boult and Mitchell Starc, clever spin bowling by the old fox Daniel Vettori, and a tense finish between the joint World Cup favourites and co-hosts.

Australia elected to bat on a drop-in pitch that regularly throws up high scoring thrillers with its short boundaries, but on that day, New Zealand’s attack was relentless and shot them out for just 151. It made for fluctuating drama as Australia wouldn't stop hitting and New Zealand wouldn't stop picking wickets to peg them down.

In reply, Brendon McCullum raced to 50 off just 24 balls, launching into Starc and Mitchell Johnson. After he fell, the Kiwis lost three wickets for one run and were 79 for 4 in the 9th over. Still, 151 should have been easy; but they almost lost it if it weren’t for the calm of Kane Williamson who added 52 runs with Corey Anderson. Then another mini-collapse led to 3 wickets in successive overs. New Zealand were 145/7 in the 23rd over. Starc then yorked Adam Milne and Tim Southee.

6 runs needed to win and a wicket in hand, Williamson was facing Pat Cummins. Six! Eden Park erupts. For a game that lasted just 55.3 overs, it was an emotional roller-coaster. The Kiwis won by a single wicket and bizarrely with 161 balls remaining. Played at hyper-kinetic speed, the Tasman neighbours mutually destructed each other and as a result, putting on World Cup classic that will be remembered for years to come with fondness.

Australia 151 all out (32.2 overs) | Brad Haddin 43(41), Trent Boult 5/27

New Zealand 152/9 (23.1overs) | Brendon McCullum 50(24), Mitchell Starc 6/28

New Zealand won by 1 wicket | Man of the Match: Trent Boult

Follow Sportskeeda for all the updates on World cup points table, news, live scores, World Cup schedule, most runs, most wickets and fantasy tips.