Mitchell Starc brought Australia to the door-step of victory in a low-scoring match against New Zealand but admitted his team didn’t deserve to win given the all-round performance of the team in a Group ‘A’ game

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“To get so close and miss out by only one wicket is a bit disappointing,” said the left-arm pacer after landing here on Sunday, ahead of Australia’s match against Afghanistan on Wednesday. “…But we didn’t do enough throughout the course of the match. We got close but the way we performed all-round, I don’t think we deserved to win,” he offered.

Chasing Australia’s modest 151 all out, New Zealand were reduced to 146 for nine as Starc returned figures of six for 28. Kane Williamson finished off the chase with a six off Pat Cummins to seal the match but Starc gave the hosts a mighty scare with his left-arm fast swing bowling. Starc is now looking forward to Afghanistan game here on the bouncy WACA pitch where he has two five-for hauls.  

“To be honest we were looking for a win but looking forward to Wednesday now to hopefully get a win and with it get some momentum. The fast and bouncy WACA wicket will be nice, we have a couple of training days to get used to what will hopefully be a fast and bouncy wicket for us bowlers. We’re just looking forward to get in there and win another game,” he remarked.

Mitchell Johnson didn’t have particularly good day against New Zealand with Brendon McCullum tearing into the left-arm quick who went for 68 from his six overs. Starc, however, felt bowling at his home ground would help Johnson regain his rhythm.

 “Mitchell Johnson is back home now, it’s his home ground so he will be up for it. He’ll be up for a good performance. He’s done really well for us in the last couple of years so I have no doubt he’ll do the job for us again on Wednesday.”