World Cup: Australia defeat New Zealand by 86 runs

With 244 runs to chase, the Kiwis were bowled out by a clinical performance by the Aussie bowlers, restricting them to a dismal 157 from 43.4 overs. (AFP Photo)

Mitchell Starc finished off the match with brilliant figures of 5-26 from his 9.4 overs. Starc is the highest wicket taker so far in the tournament, with an astonishing 24 scalps from just 8 matches. (Reuters Photo)

With a relatively modest target to defend, Jason Behrendorff gave Australia the perfect start as he dismissed openers Nicholls and Guptil with just 42 runs on the board. (Reuters Photo)

Kane Williamson was the top scorer for New Zealand, with 40 runs from 51 balls. But before he could make any significant difference in the match, he was dismissed by Mitchell Starc in the 26th over. (AFP Photo)

It wasn't long before skipper Finch called on Starc to bring the Aussies a hassle-free victory, as Starc dismissed Sodhi, Ferguson and Santner in his short, final spell. (AFP Photo)

Earlier, the trio of Ferguson, Boult and Neesham put the Aussies in a scampering state when Glenn Maxwell fell in the 22nd over, leaving Australia's score 92-5. In-form Warner (16), Finch (8) and Smith (5) all fell victim to the Kiwi pacers. (AP Photo)

Amidst the collapse, Khawaja scored a gritty 88 off 129 balls, after coming in at No. 3 in the 5th over and getting dismissed only in the final over of the innings. (Reuters Photo)

With a crucial 107-run 6th wicket partnership, Khawaja (88) and Carey (71) took Australia from 92-5 in the 22nd over to 199-6 in the 43rd over, before Pat Cummins played a handy 19-ball 23 to take the Aussies to 243/9. (Reuters Photo)

Boult dismissed Khawaja, Starc and Behrendorff with three perfect, swingin yorkers, but it didn't make much difference, as his side failed to chase down Australia's total by 86 runs. (Reuters Photo)