Travis Head hits 109 to help Australia post 388 against New Zealand in CWC clash

New Zealand needed to overhaul a target of 389 runs, in order to beat their Trans-Tasman rivals, Australia, in the Cricket World Cup.

Head scored 109 from just 67 deliveries in what was his first match of the tournament as Australia put their trans-Tasman rivals to the sword by posting 388 in good batting conditions.

Australia were also helped by late over contributions from Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis and Pat Cummins, whose quickfire knocks helped the side garner 96 runs in the final Powerplay.

A number of missed chances highlighted the New Zealand effort, though Trent Boult gave them something to cheer about late in the innings, with a three-wicket over.

Returning to the Australia side after recovering from a fractured hand, Head combined with fellow opener David Warner (81 from 65 balls) as Australia put on 175 for the opening wicket on their way to the massive total.

Head and Warner punished anything loose from the usually reliable Kiwi bowlers and had smashed 10 sixes within the first Powerplay alone as they amassed 118 without loss to take control of the contest.

It took some clever bowling from Trent Boult (3/77) and Glenn Phillips (3/37) to ensure Australia did not post an even bigger total, with the Kiwis also hurt by the absence of tearaway quick Lockie Ferguson.

Ferguson conceded 38 runs through three expensive overs, but was taken from the field after his spell after he experienced pain in his right Achilles.

It meant the likes of Rachin Ravindra (0/56) and Jimmy Neesham (1/32) had to fill the void with the ball and the likes of Glenn Maxwell (41), Josh Inglis (38) and Pat Cummins (37) landed some lofty late blows to help Australia close to 400.

(With UNI inputs)