World Cup 2023: New Zealand showcase their never-give-up attitude despite Australia defeat

So close, yet so far. That has been the story for New Zealand when it comes to marquee clashes at a major ICC tournament. Their latest heartbreak came on Saturday against Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup match in Dharamsala.

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What sets New Zealand apart from the other teams in the World Cup is their never-say-die attitude, even in the most pressure situations where there is only a slim chance of winning, or surviving.

Once again, New Zealand, as a collective unit, displayed courage in their run-chase of 389. By the end, the Kiwis tried their best, but failed, as they succumbed to a five-run defeat.

Travis Head announces his arrival at the global stage

On Saturday, Australia finally got to know whom they had been missing in the first half of the tournament — Travis Head. Head had missed the first half of the World Cup after sustaining a finger injury during the ODI series against South Africa in September, and much was expected from the opener.

And he delivered in style. Making his World Cup debut, Head hardly seemed as though that was the case. He took on the opposition with freedom and aggression, going onto amass 109 runs from just 67 deliveries, at a strike-rate of 162.68.

Travis Head celebrating a century on CWC debut