Champions Trophy Match 2: New Zealand vs Australia

Champions Trophy Match 2: New Zealand vs Australia: Scorecard

Whether or not the rain saved Australia or thwarted New Zealand in their Champions Trophy clash, two things are for certain. Firstly, Australia's bowling plans need to be re-assessed after a dreadful opening session where the best intentions should have been examined from very early on. Secondly, the washed out match now hinders both combatants chances of reaching the semi-finals while it runs in complete favour of England.

Depending on what side of the Tasman you are from, you could argue that it was either sensational batting from New Zealand or that they had plenty of fortune in getting away to being 2/216 after 34 overs. Luke Ronchi had that fortune, but also struck the ball cleanly in his innings. Australia's bowlers in their pursuit of swing over pitched often, and were dispatched to and over the boundary as a result. From the lounge chair it called out for just bringing their length back a bit to stop the easy front foot drives, but only John Hastings appeared capable of this in the first half of the innings. As it turned out, the Black Caps hit a bit of a hurdle, and their final total of being bowled out for 291 looked to be 30-40 short of what they should have made. Kane Williamson again made batting look easy to reach another century, but the middle order and tail fell away disappointingly. If Australia is to continue to play the four pace men they will need to look at their method of attack on these wickets. The Edgbaston wicket did look like a road.

After more rain, Australia's target was given the Duckworth/Lewis treatment to become a chase for 235 runs off 33 overs. Certainly no easy task. Warner threw his wicket away despite scoring freely, while Finch was painful and unable to break away before being dismissed. Henriques looked good before falling to what became the final ball of the match, as the teams left the ground with Australia at 3/53 off 9 overs.

Both teams now need to win both of their remaining group matches to make the semi-finals, and the result heavily benefits England in their cause.