New Zealand edges Aussies by 1 wicket

New Zealand edges Aussies by 1 wicket AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) New Zealand scraped home in a thrilling finish against Australia in Saturday's clash of the Cricket World Cup co-hosts, Having bowled out Australia for just 151, New Zealand looked set to inflict a humiliating defeat on its neighbour when it cruised to 78-1 in the eighth over, but some superb bowling by Mitchell Starc (6-28) breathed new life into the contest. Williamson ended it when he clubbed a six from the first ball of the 24th over, delighting a packed Eden Park and leaving New Zealand unbeaten at the top of Pool A. Starc's magnificent bowling effort — he took three wickets for four runs from three overs in his final spell — meant Australia left the match with its pride and confidence intact just when both looked shot after a powerful performance by New Zealand's bowlers and batting top order. The result did, though, set up New Zealand to win the pool and to take an easier path than Australia through the quarterfinals. Starc claimed his wickets in two bursts, twice plunging New Zealand's innings into chaos. He first removed Black Caps skipper McCullum, who made a typically dashing 50 off 21 balls with seven fours and three sixes. That wicket precipitated a mini-collapse of three wickets in five balls around the innings break, reducing the hosts from 78-1 to 78-4.