Kiwis survive Starc scare to beat Oz by one-wicket in high-octane WC tie

The high-octane match between Australia and New Zealand couldn't have been a better treat for spectators as well as cricket fans glued to their screens at home around the globe, as Michael Clarke's men defended their low 152-run target with fiery intentions of winning, only to be dodged by Kane Williamson's six at the last moment.

New Zealand rounded off Australia for a meagre 151 runs in just 32.2 overs after Clarke won the toss and opted to bat first.

New Zealand paceman Trent Boult was on fire as he delivered his career-best match-figures of 5-27, including three maidens, as he claimed the crucial wickets of Clarke (12), Glenn Maxwell (1) and Mitchell Marsh (duck).

The highest individual score for Australia came from wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin as he posted a significant 43 runs before falling prey to all-rounder Corey Anderson's pace delivery.

Openers Aaron Finch (14) and David Warner (34) were not able to get Australia off to a steady start as they choked under New Zealand bowlers' attack.

Australia's batting collapse was triggered after the 12th over, as they went from 80-2 to 106-9 within just eight overs, before Haddin came on the pitch to steer Clarke's men to a modest 151.

Chasing the target, New Zealand got off to a blistering start as skipper Brendon McCullum knocked a brisk 24-ball half-ton before he was trapped by rising speedster Pat Cummins' delivery.

New Zealand appeared to be in the driving seat as they were at 78-2 in the eighth over before Mitchell Starc unleashed havoc on McCullum's men with his menacing pace.

Starc claimed six wickets in the match, three of which were ducks -Grant Elliot, Adam Milne and Tim Southee. He gave impressive match-figures of 6-28, which also included crucial scalps of opener Martin Guptill (11), Ross Taylor (1) and wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi (6).

New Zealand batting-order stuttered for the second time in the match, as they went from 139-6 in the 21st over to 146-9 in the 23rd over. They were left needing six runs with 27 overs remaining.

Kane Williamson came to New Zealand's rescue as he smacked the winning six to guide McCullum's men to a one-wicket victory in the gripping match.

Boult was named the Player of the Match for his antics with the ball for the winning side. He said that they tied Australia down very nicely and in his mind was to come back in the second spell and take wickets, claiming that he didn't believe he would get five.

Clarke, who returned after recovering from a hamstring injury, said that it was very entertaining and added that they would have liked the match to go the other way. He admitted that their batting was horrendous, adding that Starc is a genius.

Clarke credited the groundsmen for the 'very good' pitch, and also lauded New Zealand for the way they bowled and their 'very well' skill execution.

Meanwhile, McCullum said that it was one hell of a game, adding that both teams showed what quality their bowlers are, insisting that it was Starc for Australia and Boult for New Zealand.

McCullum said that everyone wants to see 300 scores, but 150 is great as well, with only one wicket down.