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[Saba Sports News] The 26th match of the ODI World Cup 2023 unfolded at Dharamsala’s Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, featuring a showdown between Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand won the coin toss and opted to field.
Throughout the chase, New Zealand effectively maintained a grip on the game, controlling the required run rate for most of the match. However, the dismissal of Rachin Ravindra proved costly, as the other batters struggled under pressure.
James Neesham, the versatile all-rounder, exhibited unwavering determination and battled to the very end. At one juncture, it appeared as though he might almost single-handedly secure victory for his country with a brilliant 58-run innings from just 39 balls. Regrettably, he was run out on the penultimate ball of the final over, resulting in New Zealand falling short by five runs, and Australia emerging as the victors.
Following the defeat, an old tweet from Neesham resurfaced and gained widespread attention. In this tweet, he counseled young children against pursuing sports as a career choice. Instead, he suggested they explore other interests such as baking or something else that would allow them to enjoy a joyful and carefree life.
This tweet was posted in the aftermath of New Zealand’s heart-wrenching loss to England in the finals of the previous ODI World Cup in 2019, where England prevailed based on the boundary count rule.