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Sun, 29 March 2015
Clarke bows out on a high as Australia win 5th World Cup
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15:50 LIVE! Clarke bows out on a high as Australia win 5th World Cup
Aus 186-3 (33.1 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Australia crush New Zealand by seven wickets with 16.5 overs to spare to claim their fifth World Cup!
Smith finishes it off in some style as he pulls a short ball from Henry on the leg side for a four to take Australia to a deserved victory.
Smith finishes unbeaten on a good innings of 56 from 71 balls to continue his golden summer with the bat and deservedly he was the one to hit the winning runs for the Aussies.
Clarke bows out a high by winning the World Cup, his first as the captain and continue Australia's good record in the mega-event.
In the end, Australia proved to be too strong for New Zealand, who were perhaps outclassed with both bat and ball despite winning the toss.
Starc set the tone for Australia with the ball with the wicket of McCullum in the first over of the innings as New Zealand folded for a paltry 183.
The target was never enough for a talented batting line-up for Australia, who cruised to victory in the 34th victory for a one-sided victory.
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Aus 186-3 (33.1 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Australia crush New Zealand by seven wickets with 16.5 overs to spare to claim their fifth World Cup!
Smith finishes it off in some style as he pulls a short ball from Henry on the leg side for a four to take Australia to a deserved victory.
Smith finishes unbeaten on a good innings of 56 from 71 balls to continue his golden summer with the bat and deservedly he was the one to hit the winning runs for the Aussies.
Clarke bows out a high by winning the World Cup, his first as the captain and continue Australia's good record in the mega-event.
In the end, Australia proved to be too strong for New Zealand, who were perhaps outclassed with both bat and ball despite winning the toss.
Starc set the tone for Australia with the ball with the wicket of McCullum in the first over of the innings as New Zealand folded for a paltry 183.
The target was never enough for a talented batting line-up for Australia, who cruised to victory in the 34th victory for a one-sided victory.
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15:34
Aus 182-3 (33 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Southee to bowl his eighth over with Australia needing eight for victory. Watson takes a single from the third ball and Smith keeps out a yorker. He drives the last ball straight as the fielder at mid-on makes a diving stop to keep it down to one, leaving just two needed for victory.
Southee to bowl his eighth over with Australia needing eight for victory. Watson takes a single from the third ball and Smith keeps out a yorker. He drives the last ball straight as the fielder at mid-on makes a diving stop to keep it down to one, leaving just two needed for victory.
15:30 Clarke out for 74 but Australia close in on victory
Aus 180-3 (32 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Henry comes back and he provides New Zealand with a rare moment of cheer with the wicket of Clarke.
Clarke, who slammed 74 from 72 balls, inside edges one back on to his stumps and walks back to a standing ovation from the packed MCG.
Rival captain Brendon McCullum comes and shakes Clarke's hands before he makes his way back to the pavilion.
Clarke ends on a high with a superlative knock in his final ODI and must be disappointed at getting dismissed so close to a famous win.
Nine runs to win as Shane Watson makes his way to the middle.
Smith flicks the fifth ball through midwicket for two runs and steers the last ball past point for two to bring up his fifty from 66 balls, his fifty half-century in succession.
Henry comes back and he provides New Zealand with a rare moment of cheer with the wicket of Clarke.
Clarke, who slammed 74 from 72 balls, inside edges one back on to his stumps and walks back to a standing ovation from the packed MCG.
Rival captain Brendon McCullum comes and shakes Clarke's hands before he makes his way back to the pavilion.
Clarke ends on a high with a superlative knock in his final ODI and must be disappointed at getting dismissed so close to a famous win.
Nine runs to win as Shane Watson makes his way to the middle.
Smith flicks the fifth ball through midwicket for two runs and steers the last ball past point for two to bring up his fifty from 66 balls, his fifty half-century in succession.
15:24
Aus 174-2 (31 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Clarke lofts Southee over midwicket for a four and then crashes the next ball through the covers for the same result.
Southee drops short as Clarke smashes it through point to make it hat-trick of boundaries.
Clarke makes it four boundaries in a row as he smashes a short wide delivery through the point region again. The next ball is short and Clarke pulls it to fine leg for a single.
17 runs from the over leave Australia with 10 to get to win another World Cup title.
Clarke lofts Southee over midwicket for a four and then crashes the next ball through the covers for the same result.
Southee drops short as Clarke smashes it through point to make it hat-trick of boundaries.
Clarke makes it four boundaries in a row as he smashes a short wide delivery through the point region again. The next ball is short and Clarke pulls it to fine leg for a single.
17 runs from the over leave Australia with 10 to get to win another World Cup title.
15:20
Aus 157-2 (30 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Boult from round the wicket bowls a full toss to Clarke, who merely has to place in the huge gap on the off-side for another easy boundary.
McCullum still continues to attack but Clarke and Smith have had it relatively easy so far.
There is a fielder on the thirdman fence as Clarke steers one straight to the fielder for a single.
After 30 overs, Australia are 157 for two with another 27 needed for victory in 20 overs.
Clarke is getting ready to bow out on a high, having slammed 57 from 66 balls and Smith is on 47 from 63 balls.
Boult from round the wicket bowls a full toss to Clarke, who merely has to place in the huge gap on the off-side for another easy boundary.
McCullum still continues to attack but Clarke and Smith have had it relatively easy so far.
There is a fielder on the thirdman fence as Clarke steers one straight to the fielder for a single.
After 30 overs, Australia are 157 for two with another 27 needed for victory in 20 overs.
Clarke is getting ready to bow out on a high, having slammed 57 from 66 balls and Smith is on 47 from 63 balls.
15:14
Aus 151-2 (29 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Southee comes back as Smith steers the first ball through the off-side for two runs. He throws his bat at the next ball but gets a thick edge which goes past the slips through the vacant thirdman region for a four.
Clarke lofts the last ball over mid-off and gets two runs to make it 11 from the over and take Australia past the 150-run mark.
Southee comes back as Smith steers the first ball through the off-side for two runs. He throws his bat at the next ball but gets a thick edge which goes past the slips through the vacant thirdman region for a four.
Clarke lofts the last ball over mid-off and gets two runs to make it 11 from the over and take Australia past the 150-run mark.
15:11
Aus 140-2 (28 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Boult bowls a tight over conceding just a single to Smith with Clarke opting to see of the rest of the over.
Australia are 140 for two in 28 overs, needing another 44 runs from 22 overs for victory at an asking rate of exactly two per over.
The result is a foregone conclusion now and New Zealand are merely going through the motions.
Boult bowls a tight over conceding just a single to Smith with Clarke opting to see of the rest of the over.
Australia are 140 for two in 28 overs, needing another 44 runs from 22 overs for victory at an asking rate of exactly two per over.
The result is a foregone conclusion now and New Zealand are merely going through the motions.
15:07
Aus 139-2 (27 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Clarke shuffles across his crease and takes two runs square on the leg side before a single gets him his fifty, from 56 balls.
At the other end, Smith has quietly gone about his job with ones and twos and let his captain hog the limelight and rightly so.
Australia are not doing it in a flourish, they are content to cruise towards victory with some sensible batting and are taking their time to do the same.
Clarke shuffles across his crease and takes two runs square on the leg side before a single gets him his fifty, from 56 balls.
At the other end, Smith has quietly gone about his job with ones and twos and let his captain hog the limelight and rightly so.
Australia are not doing it in a flourish, they are content to cruise towards victory with some sensible batting and are taking their time to do the same.
15:05 Clarke hits fifty, Australia set for easy victory
Aus 134-2 (26 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Perhaps New Zealand's last throw of the dice as Boult comes back. He bowls five dot balls in a row to Clarke before the Australia captain spoils the over as he smashes the last ball down the ground for a cracking boundary, to take his score to 47.
Perhaps New Zealand's last throw of the dice as Boult comes back. He bowls five dot balls in a row to Clarke before the Australia captain spoils the over as he smashes the last ball down the ground for a cracking boundary, to take his score to 47.
14:59 Australia in control, set for easy victory
Aus 130-2 (25 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Henry gets a break after a long first spell of one for 36 in eight overs and he makes way for Vettori, who comes back for his third spell.
Clarke comes down the track and lofts the veteran down the ground as it goes all the way for a six.
11 runs from the over takes Australia to 130 for two in 25 overs with Clarke on 43 and Smith on 34.
Henry gets a break after a long first spell of one for 36 in eight overs and he makes way for Vettori, who comes back for his third spell.
Clarke comes down the track and lofts the veteran down the ground as it goes all the way for a six.
11 runs from the over takes Australia to 130 for two in 25 overs with Clarke on 43 and Smith on 34.
14:54
Aus 119-2 (24 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Left-arm pacer Corey Anderson comes into the attack. He starts with a wide down the leg side to Smith as the duo raise their 50-run stand for the third wicket from 68 balls.
Smith flicks the next on the leg side for one before Clarke slaps one through the covers for three runs.
Smith turns the fourth ball square on the leg side and gets two runs before the fine leg fielder can collect and send in the throw.
Left-arm pacer Corey Anderson comes into the attack. He starts with a wide down the leg side to Smith as the duo raise their 50-run stand for the third wicket from 68 balls.
Smith flicks the next on the leg side for one before Clarke slaps one through the covers for three runs.
Smith turns the fourth ball square on the leg side and gets two runs before the fine leg fielder can collect and send in the throw.
14:50
Aus 112-2 (23 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Clarke slaps a wide delivery from Henry through the covers for three runs as McCullum puts in a superb drive and saves it inches from the ropes.
The last ball is lofted over mid-on by the Australian captain who is gaining in confidence with every passing over.
Interestingly, both Clarke and Smith are on 30 each from 42 and 45 balls respectively.
Clarke slaps a wide delivery from Henry through the covers for three runs as McCullum puts in a superb drive and saves it inches from the ropes.
The last ball is lofted over mid-on by the Australian captain who is gaining in confidence with every passing over.
Interestingly, both Clarke and Smith are on 30 each from 42 and 45 balls respectively.
14:48
Aus 103-2 (22 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Vettori to continue. Smith drives the second ball through the off-side for two runs and Clarke comes down the track and lofts it down the ground half-heartedly for a single on the bounce to long on.
Smith calmly drives it down the ground for a single to make it three runs from the over.
Vettori to continue. Smith drives the second ball through the off-side for two runs and Clarke comes down the track and lofts it down the ground half-heartedly for a single on the bounce to long on.
Smith calmly drives it down the ground for a single to make it three runs from the over.
14:45 Smith, Clarke take Australia past 100
Aus 100-2 (21 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Henry continues, to bowl his seventh over on the trot. He concedes just two singles as Australia cruise past the 100-run mark, in the 21st over.
Slowly but steadily the match is slipping away from New Zealand's grasp and it would take more than a wicket or two to turn the match.
Australia are firmly in control and are content to play it safe and cruise to victory.
Henry continues, to bowl his seventh over on the trot. He concedes just two singles as Australia cruise past the 100-run mark, in the 21st over.
Slowly but steadily the match is slipping away from New Zealand's grasp and it would take more than a wicket or two to turn the match.
Australia are firmly in control and are content to play it safe and cruise to victory.
14:39
Aus 98-2 (20 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
The injured Vettori comes back for his second spell. Clarke takes a single from the second ball and Smith comes down the track before he flicks it on the leg side for one.
Clarke defends the next three balls before he takes a single from the last ball to keep strike.
Australia in total control on 98 for two in 20 overs with another 86 needed from 30 overs for victory.
Smith has quietly moved to 25 from 38 balls, while Clarke is on 21 from 31 balls.
The injured Vettori comes back for his second spell. Clarke takes a single from the second ball and Smith comes down the track before he flicks it on the leg side for one.
Clarke defends the next three balls before he takes a single from the last ball to keep strike.
Australia in total control on 98 for two in 20 overs with another 86 needed from 30 overs for victory.
Smith has quietly moved to 25 from 38 balls, while Clarke is on 21 from 31 balls.
14:35 Smith, Clarke put Australia in control
Aus 95-2 (19 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Smith drives Henry through the covers and sprints across for three runs. Three balls later Clarke upper cuts a short ball from the pacer and gets it over the slips for a boundary.
The next ball is short and wide as Clarke smashes it through the point region for another four with the gully fielder making a valiant effort.
He turns the last ball on the leg side for a single to retain strike.
Smith drives Henry through the covers and sprints across for three runs. Three balls later Clarke upper cuts a short ball from the pacer and gets it over the slips for a boundary.
The next ball is short and wide as Clarke smashes it through the point region for another four with the gully fielder making a valiant effort.
He turns the last ball on the leg side for a single to retain strike.
14:31
Aus 83-2 (18 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Clarke finally loses patience as he slices one over the slips for a four, the first after more than five overs.
Two balls later he pulls a short ball and gets two runs square on the leg side to get seven runs from the over.
Clarke finally loses patience as he slices one over the slips for a four, the first after more than five overs.
Two balls later he pulls a short ball and gets two runs square on the leg side to get seven runs from the over.
14:27
Aus 76-2 (17 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
A battle of attrition out in the middle. While New Zealand are attacking and look to take wickets, Australia's batsmen are content to play it safe and see off the frontline bowlers.
Henry in midst of a good spell as he concedes just two runs in his fifth over. He has good figures of one for 13 in five with Australia on 76 on two in 17 overs.
A battle of attrition out in the middle. While New Zealand are attacking and look to take wickets, Australia's batsmen are content to play it safe and see off the frontline bowlers.
Henry in midst of a good spell as he concedes just two runs in his fifth over. He has good figures of one for 13 in five with Australia on 76 on two in 17 overs.
14:24
Aus 74-2 (16 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Southee comes back. Smith is content to play the singles which NZ also don't mind as it gives them the chance to attack Clarke.
Southee bowls consecutive wides to Clarke, including a high bouncer before Clarke takes a single on the leg side and Smith retains strike with a single from the last ball.
Southee comes back. Smith is content to play the singles which NZ also don't mind as it gives them the chance to attack Clarke.
Southee bowls consecutive wides to Clarke, including a high bouncer before Clarke takes a single on the leg side and Smith retains strike with a single from the last ball.
14:17 Warner falls for 45 but Australia in control
Aus 69-2 (15 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Henry started his spell with a four but has made a good comeback since then. Smith inside edges the first ball which slowly rolls back on to the stumps but the bails are unmoved. That's unlucky for New Zealand.
Smith takes a single from the third ball before Clarke sees off the rest of the over.
A Test match field for Clarke with only one fielder outside the 30-yard circle, at fine leg. But the Aussie captain is content to bide his time.
Henry started his spell with a four but has made a good comeback since then. Smith inside edges the first ball which slowly rolls back on to the stumps but the bails are unmoved. That's unlucky for New Zealand.
Smith takes a single from the third ball before Clarke sees off the rest of the over.
A Test match field for Clarke with only one fielder outside the 30-yard circle, at fine leg. But the Aussie captain is content to bide his time.
14:14
Aus 68-2 (14 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Boult will continue as he comes on to bowl his seventh over. Another wicket here could give New Zealand a glimmer of hope and perhaps the Kiwis have no choice with Vettori unable to bowl.
Smith turns Boult on the leg side for one and Clarke gets off the mark courtesy of a leading edge which finds the gap in the covers for three runs.
Three slips, a gully and a short cover in place for Clarke as New Zealand looking to attack.
It's all or nothing for the Kiwis at the moment!
Boult will continue as he comes on to bowl his seventh over. Another wicket here could give New Zealand a glimmer of hope and perhaps the Kiwis have no choice with Vettori unable to bowl.
Smith turns Boult on the leg side for one and Clarke gets off the mark courtesy of a leading edge which finds the gap in the covers for three runs.
Three slips, a gully and a short cover in place for Clarke as New Zealand looking to attack.
It's all or nothing for the Kiwis at the moment!
14:08 Warner falls for 45, Australia lose 2nd wicket
Aus 63-2 (13 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Warner pulls Henry over square leg for a four but the bowler gets revenge off the very next delivery.
Warner attempts the same shot but this time there is a fielder in the deep and he completes an easy catch.
The left-hander walks back after a good innings of 45 from as many balls, having hit seven fours in total.
Australia captain Michael Clarke walks out to a standing ovation in his final ODI. He is content to defend the first four deliveries he faces and rightly so because Australia are in control as far as the asking rate is concerned.
Warner pulls Henry over square leg for a four but the bowler gets revenge off the very next delivery.
Warner attempts the same shot but this time there is a fielder in the deep and he completes an easy catch.
The left-hander walks back after a good innings of 45 from as many balls, having hit seven fours in total.
Australia captain Michael Clarke walks out to a standing ovation in his final ODI. He is content to defend the first four deliveries he faces and rightly so because Australia are in control as far as the asking rate is concerned.
14:00
Aus 59-1 (12 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Warner survives a huge shout for LBW against Boult with the umpire indicating it might have been slipping down the leg side.
After four dot balls, Warner taps it on the off-side and gets off the strike with a single.
Australia would most likely see of Boult and look to be positive against the other bowlers.
Just three runs from the last two overs take Australia to 59 for one in 12 overs.
Warner survives a huge shout for LBW against Boult with the umpire indicating it might have been slipping down the leg side.
After four dot balls, Warner taps it on the off-side and gets off the strike with a single.
Australia would most likely see of Boult and look to be positive against the other bowlers.
Just three runs from the last two overs take Australia to 59 for one in 12 overs.
13:58
Aus 58-1 (11 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
With Vettori likely to unable to bowl, New Zealand are desperate for Boult to make a few strikes in his next couple of overs to stay afloat.
Henry bowls a tidy over, conceding just two singles in his second over but Australia seem content to play it safe after the Powerplay though one can be sure that Warner won't hold back.
With Vettori likely to unable to bowl, New Zealand are desperate for Boult to make a few strikes in his next couple of overs to stay afloat.
Henry bowls a tidy over, conceding just two singles in his second over but Australia seem content to play it safe after the Powerplay though one can be sure that Warner won't hold back.
13:53
Aus 56-1 (10 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Warner plays another crunching drive through the covers, giving a half-volley from Boult the full treatment for his sixth four of the innings.
That four brings up the 50-run partnership for the second wicket, from just 49 balls as Australia look to be sprinting towards the title.
A short wide delivery is cut over point by Warner and has enough time to come back for two and defends the last ball to end the first Powerplay.
Australia have raced to 56 for one in 10 overs with Warner on 39 from 36 balls and Smith on 13 from 19 balls. They need another 128 runs for victory from remaining 40 overs at just over three runs per over.
Warner plays another crunching drive through the covers, giving a half-volley from Boult the full treatment for his sixth four of the innings.
That four brings up the 50-run partnership for the second wicket, from just 49 balls as Australia look to be sprinting towards the title.
A short wide delivery is cut over point by Warner and has enough time to come back for two and defends the last ball to end the first Powerplay.
Australia have raced to 56 for one in 10 overs with Warner on 39 from 36 balls and Smith on 13 from 19 balls. They need another 128 runs for victory from remaining 40 overs at just over three runs per over.
13:50
Aus 49-1 (9 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
It looks like Vettori is not fit enough to bowl and is taken off after just one over. Matt Henry comes into the attack and he starts with a short ball which Warner pulls behind square on the leg side for a four to race to 33 from 27 balls.
But the young pacer manages to restrict the left-hander for the rest of the over as just four come from Henry's first over.
It looks like Vettori is not fit enough to bowl and is taken off after just one over. Matt Henry comes into the attack and he starts with a short ball which Warner pulls behind square on the leg side for a four to race to 33 from 27 balls.
But the young pacer manages to restrict the left-hander for the rest of the over as just four come from Henry's first over.
13:45
Aus 45-1 (8 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
For the first time in the tournament McCullum went on the backfoot and paid the price as Warner's edge flew past Taylor, the lone fielder in the slips. And the NZ captain seems to have learnt from his mistake and has packed in three fielders in the slip cordon for Boult bowling the eighth over.
Meanwhile, Smith is warming up nicely as he drives a full delivery through the covers for two runs and takes a single from the next ball.
Warner gets another single from the fifth ball to make it four runs from the over.
For the first time in the tournament McCullum went on the backfoot and paid the price as Warner's edge flew past Taylor, the lone fielder in the slips. And the NZ captain seems to have learnt from his mistake and has packed in three fielders in the slip cordon for Boult bowling the eighth over.
Meanwhile, Smith is warming up nicely as he drives a full delivery through the covers for two runs and takes a single from the next ball.
Warner gets another single from the fifth ball to make it four runs from the over.
13:42
Aus 41-1 (7 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Daniel Vettori seems to be struggling with some sort of injury but he is called in to bowl very early in the innings.
The third ball is a bit slow which Smith steers past point for three runs and Warner defends the rest of the over.
Vettori does not look all that comfortable with his bowling action especially with his left foot before delivering the ball, observes Rahul Dravid in commentary.
Daniel Vettori seems to be struggling with some sort of injury but he is called in to bowl very early in the innings.
The third ball is a bit slow which Smith steers past point for three runs and Warner defends the rest of the over.
Vettori does not look all that comfortable with his bowling action especially with his left foot before delivering the ball, observes Rahul Dravid in commentary.
13:40
Aus 38-1 (6 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Smith get his first boundary as he pulls a short ball from Boult square on the leg side for a four. He keeps strike with a single from the last ball.
Australia firmly in control despite the early wicket and Warner looks keen to take charge with regular boundaries.
If New Zealand don't get him out in the next few overs, the match could be as good as over.
Smith get his first boundary as he pulls a short ball from Boult square on the leg side for a four. He keeps strike with a single from the last ball.
Australia firmly in control despite the early wicket and Warner looks keen to take charge with regular boundaries.
If New Zealand don't get him out in the next few overs, the match could be as good as over.
13:39 Warner's attack lifts Australia after early wicket
Aus 33-1 (5 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Warner is on the charge. A wide half-volley from Southee is sent crashing through the covers for a four and pulls the next ball back over the bowler's head for the same result.
Southee finally gets the edge but it flies past Taylor at first slip for the third four in a row.
15 runs from the over takes Australia to 33 for one in five overs with Warner racing to 28 from 21 balls and Smith on one.
Warner is on the charge. A wide half-volley from Southee is sent crashing through the covers for a four and pulls the next ball back over the bowler's head for the same result.
Southee finally gets the edge but it flies past Taylor at first slip for the third four in a row.
15 runs from the over takes Australia to 33 for one in five overs with Warner racing to 28 from 21 balls and Smith on one.
13:35
Aus 18-1 (4 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Four slips in place but Boult strays on the pads as Warner turns it past mid-on for a couple. Two balls later a short wide delivery is driven through the covers for a four as Australia look to fight back with some boundaries after the early dismissal of Finch.
Warner misses the flick but the ball strikes the pads and goes fine for three leg byes.
Four slips in place but Boult strays on the pads as Warner turns it past mid-on for a couple. Two balls later a short wide delivery is driven through the covers for a four as Australia look to fight back with some boundaries after the early dismissal of Finch.
Warner misses the flick but the ball strikes the pads and goes fine for three leg byes.
13:26
Aus 9-1 (3 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Southee offers Warner a bit of width which the left-hander hits through point for a couple and picks two more from the next ball to the right of the fine leg fielder.
Warner then drives one straight back past the bowler for two more runs and retains strike with a single from the last ball.
Southee offers Warner a bit of width which the left-hander hits through point for a couple and picks two more from the next ball to the right of the fine leg fielder.
Warner then drives one straight back past the bowler for two more runs and retains strike with a single from the last ball.
13:21 Finch out for a duck, Australia lose early wicket
Aus 2-1 (2 ovs) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Left-armer Trent Boult to bowl the second over. Four slips in place as McCullum opts for an attacking field like he has throughout the World Cup but this time it's a bit more desperate with early wickets needed for the Kiwis.
Boult strikes in his very first over with the wicket of Finch. The right-hander gets an inside edge which goes off his pads and lobs back to the bowler, who has a lot of time in hand to complete the simplest of catches.
Steven Smith defends the last two balls as Boult starts off with a wicket.
Left-armer Trent Boult to bowl the second over. Four slips in place as McCullum opts for an attacking field like he has throughout the World Cup but this time it's a bit more desperate with early wickets needed for the Kiwis.
Boult strikes in his very first over with the wicket of Finch. The right-hander gets an inside edge which goes off his pads and lobs back to the bowler, who has a lot of time in hand to complete the simplest of catches.
Steven Smith defends the last two balls as Boult starts off with a wicket.
13:16
Aus 1-0 (1 ov) vs NZ 183 | SCORECARD
Tim Southee to open the bowling for New Zealand with the visitors needing a few early wickets to get back into the contest.
David Warner to face first up and he defends the first ball before guiding the next ball to fine leg for one.
Aaron Finch is beaten off the fifth ball as he pokes at one outside the off-stump which moves away before he pulls out of another poke off the last delivery.
A good first over from Southee.
Tim Southee to open the bowling for New Zealand with the visitors needing a few early wickets to get back into the contest.
David Warner to face first up and he defends the first ball before guiding the next ball to fine leg for one.
Aaron Finch is beaten off the fifth ball as he pokes at one outside the off-stump which moves away before he pulls out of another poke off the last delivery.
A good first over from Southee.
12:33 New Zealand bowled out for 183 in final
NZ 183-all out (45 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Southee shuffles across and looks to pull a short ball fine on the leg side but is beaten and Johnson doesn't look too impressed with that.
He gets a single from the third ball down to long-on before Henry is again beaten outside the off-stump.
Johnson switches to round the wicket and bowls a full toss which Henry hits straight to Starc at covers to walk back for a duck.
Johnson tries a short ball to lastman Trent Boult but it slips down the leg side and is called a wide.
The last ball is again short and on the body which Boult fends on the leg side but out of nowhere Maxwell pulls out a smart run out at the non-striker's end from short midwicket as Southee is lazy to turn back and get to his crease.
New Zealand fold for a paltry 183 in 45 overs in the final for a disappointing batting performance.
The left-arm pacers did the trick for Australia claiming eight wickets for 86 runs in a combined of 26 overs between them.
Faulkner registered figures of three for 36 in 10 overs, Johnson took three for 30 and Starc bagged two for 20.
New Zealand's batting started with a horror display by McCullum at the top order as he fell for a duck in the very first over, attempting some outrageous shots against Starc even without getting his eye in.
Elliott steadied the innings somewhat with his fluent knock of 83 from 82 balls as he put on 111 runs for the fourth wicket with Taylor, who made 40.
New Zealand do have the bowling firepower but on such a good batting wicket it would take more than a miracle to stop the Australians from winning their fifth World Cup.
Southee shuffles across and looks to pull a short ball fine on the leg side but is beaten and Johnson doesn't look too impressed with that.
He gets a single from the third ball down to long-on before Henry is again beaten outside the off-stump.
Johnson switches to round the wicket and bowls a full toss which Henry hits straight to Starc at covers to walk back for a duck.
Johnson tries a short ball to lastman Trent Boult but it slips down the leg side and is called a wide.
The last ball is again short and on the body which Boult fends on the leg side but out of nowhere Maxwell pulls out a smart run out at the non-striker's end from short midwicket as Southee is lazy to turn back and get to his crease.
New Zealand fold for a paltry 183 in 45 overs in the final for a disappointing batting performance.
The left-arm pacers did the trick for Australia claiming eight wickets for 86 runs in a combined of 26 overs between them.
Faulkner registered figures of three for 36 in 10 overs, Johnson took three for 30 and Starc bagged two for 20.
New Zealand's batting started with a horror display by McCullum at the top order as he fell for a duck in the very first over, attempting some outrageous shots against Starc even without getting his eye in.
Elliott steadied the innings somewhat with his fluent knock of 83 from 82 balls as he put on 111 runs for the fourth wicket with Taylor, who made 40.
New Zealand do have the bowling firepower but on such a good batting wicket it would take more than a miracle to stop the Australians from winning their fifth World Cup.
12:21
NZ 181-8 (44 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Faulkner to continue as he comes on to bowl his ninth over. Southee tries to steer the third ball past point but can't beat the fielder and the next ball is slower and the batsman is beaten as he tries to have a swing.
He lofts the fifth ball over the off-side for three runs before Henry drives the last ball to the fielder to end another good over from Faulkner.
Faulkner to continue as he comes on to bowl his ninth over. Southee tries to steer the third ball past point but can't beat the fielder and the next ball is slower and the batsman is beaten as he tries to have a swing.
He lofts the fifth ball over the off-side for three runs before Henry drives the last ball to the fielder to end another good over from Faulkner.
12:16 Elliott falls for 83 as New Zealand collapse in final
NZ 178-8 (43 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Tim Southee will look to use the long handle and score some quick runs. He lofts a full delivery from Johnson straight down the ground over long-on for a six, to get off the mark in grand style from the first ball he faces.
He drives the third ball down to long-on for one before Matt Henry has an ugly swipe at a short ball from Johnson but misses it completely.
The last ball is again short and directed on the body and Henry has another play and miss.
Tim Southee will look to use the long handle and score some quick runs. He lofts a full delivery from Johnson straight down the ground over long-on for a six, to get off the mark in grand style from the first ball he faces.
He drives the third ball down to long-on for one before Matt Henry has an ugly swipe at a short ball from Johnson but misses it completely.
The last ball is again short and directed on the body and Henry has another play and miss.
12:12 Elliott falls for 83, New Zealand continue to slip
NZ 171-8 (42 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Elliott continues his positive approach despite wickets falling from the other end. Faulkner drops one short and Elliott pulls it through midwicket for a four.
But the pacer gets revenge a few deliveries later as he looks to heave it on the leg side but is beaten by the slower ball. That was a wild swing of the bat but he is completely deceived by the change of pace and gets an edge which is gleefully accepted by Haddin behind the stumps.
A huge round of applause for Elliott as he walks after a superb knock of 83 from 82 balls, having hit seven fours and a six.
The big question now is if New Zealand can even get 200?
Elliott continues his positive approach despite wickets falling from the other end. Faulkner drops one short and Elliott pulls it through midwicket for a four.
But the pacer gets revenge a few deliveries later as he looks to heave it on the leg side but is beaten by the slower ball. That was a wild swing of the bat but he is completely deceived by the change of pace and gets an edge which is gleefully accepted by Haddin behind the stumps.
A huge round of applause for Elliott as he walks after a superb knock of 83 from 82 balls, having hit seven fours and a six.
The big question now is if New Zealand can even get 200?
12:06 New Zealand lose 7th wicket, Australia in control
NZ 167-7 (41 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Johnson comes back as Clarke decides to keep the remaining two overs from Starc for the end.
Vettori walks across his stumps and takes a single from the second ball to bring Elliott back on strike.
Clarke is on the attack even against Elliott as he positions himself at first slip. The right-hander looks to steer it to thirdman but Clarke himself dives and stops to save a run before he takes a single from the fifth ball.
The last ball is full and on the stumps as Vettori plays all over it and is bowled for nine.
Johnson comes back as Clarke decides to keep the remaining two overs from Starc for the end.
Vettori walks across his stumps and takes a single from the second ball to bring Elliott back on strike.
Clarke is on the attack even against Elliott as he positions himself at first slip. The right-hander looks to steer it to thirdman but Clarke himself dives and stops to save a run before he takes a single from the fifth ball.
The last ball is full and on the stumps as Vettori plays all over it and is bowled for nine.
12:03
NZ 165-6 (40 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Faulkner has a huge appeal for LBW against Elliott turned down as Clarke decides to take the DRS.
The television umpire decides to stick with the on-field umpire's call as Elliott, on 73, gets another reprieve.
He then plays the late cut and steers a wide delivery from Faulkner fine on the off-side for a four and then takes a single on the off-side.
Vettori plays out the last three balls for another tight over from Faulkner.
The Batting Powerplay has turned out be a disaster for New Zealand as they managed just 15 runs in the five overs while losing three wickets in the process.
Can New Zealand get past the 250-run mark? They will need Elliott to stay as long as possible to post a competitive total and give their bowlers something to bowl at.
Faulkner has a huge appeal for LBW against Elliott turned down as Clarke decides to take the DRS.
The television umpire decides to stick with the on-field umpire's call as Elliott, on 73, gets another reprieve.
He then plays the late cut and steers a wide delivery from Faulkner fine on the off-side for a four and then takes a single on the off-side.
Vettori plays out the last three balls for another tight over from Faulkner.
The Batting Powerplay has turned out be a disaster for New Zealand as they managed just 15 runs in the five overs while losing three wickets in the process.
Can New Zealand get past the 250-run mark? They will need Elliott to stay as long as possible to post a competitive total and give their bowlers something to bowl at.
11:58
NZ 159-6 (39 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Vettori turns Starc on the leg side for two runs but is unable to get a run from the rest of the over.
Australia continue to build the pressure with some tight overs despite the Powerplay being in operation.
Just nine runs have come from the first four overs of Powerplay while three wickets have already fallen.
Vettori turns Starc on the leg side for two runs but is unable to get a run from the rest of the over.
Australia continue to build the pressure with some tight overs despite the Powerplay being in operation.
Just nine runs have come from the first four overs of Powerplay while three wickets have already fallen.
11:53
NZ 157-6 (38 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
The flurry of wickets seems to have had an effect on Elliott, who is right now looking to play it safe and bat as long as possible.
Vettori breaks the shackles as he punches a full delivery down the ground past mid-on for the first boundary of the Powerplay.
A single from the last ball makes it six runs from the over as Vettori retains strike.
The flurry of wickets seems to have had an effect on Elliott, who is right now looking to play it safe and bat as long as possible.
Vettori breaks the shackles as he punches a full delivery down the ground past mid-on for the first boundary of the Powerplay.
A single from the last ball makes it six runs from the over as Vettori retains strike.
11:50
NZ 151-6 (37 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
New Zealand are looking in totally disarray at the moment. Elliott taps it to point and has a huge misunderstanding with Ronchi but Smith misses the direct hit from point.
But Starc strikes with the next ball as Ronchi flashes at a wide ball but gets an edge which is caught by Clarke at first slip.
Ronchi falls for a duck as New Zealand lose three wickets in seven balls to be reduced to 151 for six in 36.2 overs.
Daniel Vettori plays out four dot balls to end the over as New Zealand struggle in the Powerplay, losing three wickets for one run in the first two overs of Powerplay.
New Zealand are looking in totally disarray at the moment. Elliott taps it to point and has a huge misunderstanding with Ronchi but Smith misses the direct hit from point.
But Starc strikes with the next ball as Ronchi flashes at a wide ball but gets an edge which is caught by Clarke at first slip.
Ronchi falls for a duck as New Zealand lose three wickets in seven balls to be reduced to 151 for six in 36.2 overs.
Daniel Vettori plays out four dot balls to end the over as New Zealand struggle in the Powerplay, losing three wickets for one run in the first two overs of Powerplay.
11:41 Faulkner's double strike cripples New Zealand
NZ 150-5 (36 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Faulkner is called up to bowl the first over of the Batting Powerplay. Taylor throws his bat at the first ball, which is full and wide and moves away, but gets an edge which is brilliantly caught by wicketkeeper Haddin diving full length to his right.
The decision is referred to the television umpire who takes a few look at the replays and rules it in the favour of Australia.
Taylor walks back after a struggling knock of 40 from 72 balls. He put on 111 runs for the fourth wicket with Elliott but it was the latter who did the bulk of the scoring.
A perfect start for Australia in the Powerplay as they strike with the very first delivery of the 36th over.
Two balls later, Faulkner makes it worse for New Zealand with the wicket of Corey Anderson. A quick yorker which the left-hander fails to keep out to be bowled for a duck. Infact, Anderson played down the wrong line, outside the line while leaving a huge gap between the bat and pads and had to pay the price.
Faulkner switches to round the wicket to Luke Ronchi before he decides to go back to over the wicket after a couple of balls.
A double-wicket maiden for Faulkner has put Australia back in control as New Zealand are reduced to 150 for five in 36 overs.
Faulkner is called up to bowl the first over of the Batting Powerplay. Taylor throws his bat at the first ball, which is full and wide and moves away, but gets an edge which is brilliantly caught by wicketkeeper Haddin diving full length to his right.
The decision is referred to the television umpire who takes a few look at the replays and rules it in the favour of Australia.
Taylor walks back after a struggling knock of 40 from 72 balls. He put on 111 runs for the fourth wicket with Elliott but it was the latter who did the bulk of the scoring.
A perfect start for Australia in the Powerplay as they strike with the very first delivery of the 36th over.
Two balls later, Faulkner makes it worse for New Zealand with the wicket of Corey Anderson. A quick yorker which the left-hander fails to keep out to be bowled for a duck. Infact, Anderson played down the wrong line, outside the line while leaving a huge gap between the bat and pads and had to pay the price.
Faulkner switches to round the wicket to Luke Ronchi before he decides to go back to over the wicket after a couple of balls.
A double-wicket maiden for Faulkner has put Australia back in control as New Zealand are reduced to 150 for five in 36 overs.
11:32
NZ 150-3 (35 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Taylor top edges the pull shot but it falls safely for two runs to the right of the fielder on the fine leg fence.
Elliott uses the ramp shot against to good effect as he gets it wide of the keeper for a four to bring up New Zealand's 150.
He charges the last ball but is unable to beat the fielder at midwicket as eight come from the over.
New Zealand are 150 for three in 35 overs with Elliott on 69 from 72 balls and Taylor on 40 from 71 balls.
With the Batting Powerplay coming into effect from the next over, New Zealand would be looking to go on an all-out attack.
Taylor top edges the pull shot but it falls safely for two runs to the right of the fielder on the fine leg fence.
Elliott uses the ramp shot against to good effect as he gets it wide of the keeper for a four to bring up New Zealand's 150.
He charges the last ball but is unable to beat the fielder at midwicket as eight come from the over.
New Zealand are 150 for three in 35 overs with Elliott on 69 from 72 balls and Taylor on 40 from 71 balls.
With the Batting Powerplay coming into effect from the next over, New Zealand would be looking to go on an all-out attack.
11:28
NZ 142-3 (34 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Hazlewood comes back for his second spell. He starts with a short ball outside the off-stump which Elliott steers over the vacant slip region for a boundary fine on the off-side.
He gets a single from the next ball to bring up the 100-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Three more singles make it eight from the over, just what New Zealand as they look to up the ante with the Batting Powerplay just round the corner.
Hazlewood comes back for his second spell. He starts with a short ball outside the off-stump which Elliott steers over the vacant slip region for a boundary fine on the off-side.
He gets a single from the next ball to bring up the 100-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Three more singles make it eight from the over, just what New Zealand as they look to up the ante with the Batting Powerplay just round the corner.
11:21 Elliott hits fifty to lead New Zealand's recovery
NZ 134-3 (33 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Watson comes back after a couple of overs from Johnson in his second spell. He keeps it tight, starting with four dot balls in a row to Taylor, who finally gets off strike with a single on the leg side.
Elliott gets one from the last ball to retain strike as just two come from Watson's third over.
Interestingly, Elliott has stroked 62 from 64 balls, while Taylor has managed just 35 from the same number of deliveries.
Watson comes back after a couple of overs from Johnson in his second spell. He keeps it tight, starting with four dot balls in a row to Taylor, who finally gets off strike with a single on the leg side.
Elliott gets one from the last ball to retain strike as just two come from Watson's third over.
Interestingly, Elliott has stroked 62 from 64 balls, while Taylor has managed just 35 from the same number of deliveries.
11:16
NZ 132-3 (32 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Maxwell doing a pretty good job with the ball. Elliott lofts the first ball over the off-side for a couple and then takes one to short thirdman.
Taylor punches the fourth ball down to long-on for a single and Elliott does the same off the next.
Two more singles make it six runs from the over as Maxwell figures read: one for 37 in seven overs.
Maxwell doing a pretty good job with the ball. Elliott lofts the first ball over the off-side for a couple and then takes one to short thirdman.
Taylor punches the fourth ball down to long-on for a single and Elliott does the same off the next.
Two more singles make it six runs from the over as Maxwell figures read: one for 37 in seven overs.
11:13
NZ 126-3 (31 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Johnson comes on to bowl his sixth over. Three singles from the first three balls before Taylor throws his bat at a wide one but gets an edge which falls short of the fielder at thirdman.
Elliott opens the face and slaps the last ball to sweeper cover for a single as five runs come from the 31st over.
Johnson comes on to bowl his sixth over. Three singles from the first three balls before Taylor throws his bat at a wide one but gets an edge which falls short of the fielder at thirdman.
Elliott opens the face and slaps the last ball to sweeper cover for a single as five runs come from the 31st over.
11:11
NZ 121-3 (30 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Elliott comes down and turns Maxwell square on the leg side for a couple but is beaten by the next ball as he tries to drive it through the off-side.
A single from the fourth ball takes New Zealand to 121 for three in 30 overs.
Elliott has stroked 54 from 57 balls, having three fours and a six, while Taylor has struggled to 30 from 53 balls.
Even if New Zealand double their score in the last 20 overs they would struggle to cross the 250-run mark. It would be interesting to see when they change their approach and what score they are looking at from their 50 overs.
Elliott comes down and turns Maxwell square on the leg side for a couple but is beaten by the next ball as he tries to drive it through the off-side.
A single from the fourth ball takes New Zealand to 121 for three in 30 overs.
Elliott has stroked 54 from 57 balls, having three fours and a six, while Taylor has struggled to 30 from 53 balls.
Even if New Zealand double their score in the last 20 overs they would struggle to cross the 250-run mark. It would be interesting to see when they change their approach and what score they are looking at from their 50 overs.
11:08
NZ 118-3 (29 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Johnson comes back as Clarke continues to rotate his bowlers around. Taylor is struggling to break free as he plays three dot balls from Johnson before getting a single to take score to 30 from 51 balls.
Elliott's fluent innings has boosted New Zealand as he retains strike with a single from the last ball.
Johnson comes back as Clarke continues to rotate his bowlers around. Taylor is struggling to break free as he plays three dot balls from Johnson before getting a single to take score to 30 from 51 balls.
Elliott's fluent innings has boosted New Zealand as he retains strike with a single from the last ball.
11:03 Elliott hits fifty to rally New Zealand in final
NZ 115-3 (28 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Clarke using Maxwell smartly and has brought him back for another short spell.
Taylor instantly gets down to play the paddle for one and Elliott gets it on the opposite side for one to thirdman. Kiwis keep the scoreboard moving in the over with singles off over delivery and are helped with a wide down the leg side.
Elliott mistimes the last ball as he looks to loft it over the off-side but it falls safely and goes on the bounce to long-off. That single brings up Elliott's fifty from 51 balls as NZ reach 115 for three in 28 overs.
Clarke using Maxwell smartly and has brought him back for another short spell.
Taylor instantly gets down to play the paddle for one and Elliott gets it on the opposite side for one to thirdman. Kiwis keep the scoreboard moving in the over with singles off over delivery and are helped with a wide down the leg side.
Elliott mistimes the last ball as he looks to loft it over the off-side but it falls safely and goes on the bounce to long-off. That single brings up Elliott's fifty from 51 balls as NZ reach 115 for three in 28 overs.
10:59
NZ 108-3 (27 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Watson gets Taylor to edge one but it flies through the vacant slip region for a four. The pacer then attempts a quick short ball which flies over the batsman and is called a wide for height.
Elliott also edges the last ball which goes fine on the off-side for two more runs as Hazlewood makes a good diving stop on the thirdman fence.
Watson gets Taylor to edge one but it flies through the vacant slip region for a four. The pacer then attempts a quick short ball which flies over the batsman and is called a wide for height.
Elliott also edges the last ball which goes fine on the off-side for two more runs as Hazlewood makes a good diving stop on the thirdman fence.
10:58
NZ 99-3 (26 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Elliott is batting with supreme confidence now. An overpitched delivery wide the off-stump is firmly driven through the covers for a four to take Elliott into the 40s.
He is beaten off the next ball outside the off-stump before he gets one from the fifth ball.
Elliott is batting with supreme confidence now. An overpitched delivery wide the off-stump is firmly driven through the covers for a four to take Elliott into the 40s.
He is beaten off the next ball outside the off-stump before he gets one from the fifth ball.
10:51 Elliott, Taylor steady New Zealand after poor start
NZ 93-3 (25 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Starc is taken off after just a couple of overs in his second spell, his figures so far read: one for 17 in six overs.
He makes way for Shane Watson, who starts with three dot balls to Elliott, who hits the fourth ball on the off-side for two runs. The last ball again just evades the point fielder as it goes over him for two more runs to thirdman.
At the halfway stage, New Zealand have recovered 93 for three in 25 overs with Elliott on 39 and and Taylor on 20.
Starc is taken off after just a couple of overs in his second spell, his figures so far read: one for 17 in six overs.
He makes way for Shane Watson, who starts with three dot balls to Elliott, who hits the fourth ball on the off-side for two runs. The last ball again just evades the point fielder as it goes over him for two more runs to thirdman.
At the halfway stage, New Zealand have recovered 93 for three in 25 overs with Elliott on 39 and and Taylor on 20.
10:46
NZ 89-3 (24 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Elliott is looking to be a bit positive as he lofts a wide delivery from Faulkner over the covers for a four. A single from the next ball raises the 50-run stand for the fourth wicket from 69 balls with Elliott having contributed 35 of the runs.
Taylor shuffles across but is beaten but looks to have been saved by an inside edge or maybe the ball was pitched outside the leg stump.
Elliott is looking to be a bit positive as he lofts a wide delivery from Faulkner over the covers for a four. A single from the next ball raises the 50-run stand for the fourth wicket from 69 balls with Elliott having contributed 35 of the runs.
Taylor shuffles across but is beaten but looks to have been saved by an inside edge or maybe the ball was pitched outside the leg stump.
10:43
NZ 83-3 (23 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Australia's fielding has been top notch today. Elliott gets a bottom edge which bounces off the pitch but wicketkeeper Brad Haddin leaps to his left to makes a top save, like a goalkeeper flying to his left top post to save a goal.
Starc attempts a quick bouncer and induces Elliott to play the pull which he top edges and again it carries all the way for a six over fine leg, the second time the edge has carried over the fence.
Elliott has had a couple of close shaves in the last couple of overs but he has managed to survive to score 30 from 32 balls, while Taylor is a bit more patience with 19 from 36 balls.
Australia's fielding has been top notch today. Elliott gets a bottom edge which bounces off the pitch but wicketkeeper Brad Haddin leaps to his left to makes a top save, like a goalkeeper flying to his left top post to save a goal.
Starc attempts a quick bouncer and induces Elliott to play the pull which he top edges and again it carries all the way for a six over fine leg, the second time the edge has carried over the fence.
Elliott has had a couple of close shaves in the last couple of overs but he has managed to survive to score 30 from 32 balls, while Taylor is a bit more patience with 19 from 36 balls.
10:40
NZ 77-3 (22 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Maxwell continues having nearly picked up a wicket in his previous over. The first ball is short and wide as Elliott cuts it behind square on the off-side for a four, the first after nearly nine overs. He drives the second ball down the ground to long-off for one and Taylor sweeps the fifth fine for one.
Elliott retains strike with a single from the last ball on the leg side.
Maxwell continues having nearly picked up a wicket in his previous over. The first ball is short and wide as Elliott cuts it behind square on the off-side for a four, the first after nearly nine overs. He drives the second ball down the ground to long-off for one and Taylor sweeps the fifth fine for one.
Elliott retains strike with a single from the last ball on the leg side.
10:37
NZ 70-3 (21 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Starc comes back as Australia look to make a breakthrough and cripple New Zealand further.
Taylor is struck on the pads from the second ball as he picks up a single. Elliott is beaten two balls later as he throws his bat at a wide one but he drives the next confidently past mid-off to get three.
Starc comes back as Australia look to make a breakthrough and cripple New Zealand further.
Taylor is struck on the pads from the second ball as he picks up a single. Elliott is beaten two balls later as he throws his bat at a wide one but he drives the next confidently past mid-off to get three.
10:33
NZ 66-3 (20 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Elliott reverse sweeps Maxwell with the back of the bat and picks up two runs fine on the off-side.
Maxwell looks to have dealt New Zealand another big blow with the wicket of Elliott, who looks to play the sweep but misses and is hit right in front of the stumps.
Umpire Kumara Dharmasena rules it out leg before wicket as Elliott decides to review the decision.
And it turns out to be a good review as the replays suggest the ball would have gone on to miss the leg stump.
And DRS has gone in favour of New Zealand and it could turn out to be a big moment in the match.
Elliott, on 15, survives a close shout for LBW and is lucky that New Zealand still had a DRS review in hand.
After 20 overs, New Zealand are 66 for three with Taylor on 18 from 30 balls and Elliott on 15 from 20 balls.
Elliott reverse sweeps Maxwell with the back of the bat and picks up two runs fine on the off-side.
Maxwell looks to have dealt New Zealand another big blow with the wicket of Elliott, who looks to play the sweep but misses and is hit right in front of the stumps.
Umpire Kumara Dharmasena rules it out leg before wicket as Elliott decides to review the decision.
And it turns out to be a good review as the replays suggest the ball would have gone on to miss the leg stump.
And DRS has gone in favour of New Zealand and it could turn out to be a big moment in the match.
Elliott, on 15, survives a close shout for LBW and is lucky that New Zealand still had a DRS review in hand.
After 20 overs, New Zealand are 66 for three with Taylor on 18 from 30 balls and Elliott on 15 from 20 balls.
10:29
NZ 62-3 (19 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Elliott steers the second ball of Faulkner's second over past point and picks up two runs as the thirdman fielder covers up. He then takes a single before Taylor plays out the last three balls of the over, which goes for just three.
Right now, New Zealand are content to play the ones and twos and rebuild their innings.
Elliott steers the second ball of Faulkner's second over past point and picks up two runs as the thirdman fielder covers up. He then takes a single before Taylor plays out the last three balls of the over, which goes for just three.
Right now, New Zealand are content to play the ones and twos and rebuild their innings.
10:24
NZ 59-3 (18 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Clarke ringing in the changes here as Maxwell comes back. And the part-time spinner rushes through his second over in a matter of couple of minutes.
Taylor paddle sweeps the second ball, a full toss, fine on the leg side for two runs and then takes one to long-on two balls later.
Elliott retains strike with a single from the last ball as five come from the over.
Clarke ringing in the changes here as Maxwell comes back. And the part-time spinner rushes through his second over in a matter of couple of minutes.
Taylor paddle sweeps the second ball, a full toss, fine on the leg side for two runs and then takes one to long-on two balls later.
Elliott retains strike with a single from the last ball as five come from the over.
10:23 New Zealand struggle with the bat, Australia on top
NZ 54-3 (17 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
James Faulkner comes into the attack after a fiery first spell from Johnson, taking one for 12 in four overs.
Elliott steers the first ball to thirdman for one and Taylor shuffles across and nudges the third ball to fine leg for a single.
Elliott takes another run from the fourth ball to get three runs from the over.
James Faulkner comes into the attack after a fiery first spell from Johnson, taking one for 12 in four overs.
Elliott steers the first ball to thirdman for one and Taylor shuffles across and nudges the third ball to fine leg for a single.
Elliott takes another run from the fourth ball to get three runs from the over.
10:21
NZ 51-3 (16 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Hazlewood continues as Australia decide to use him as much as possible with the new ball. Taylor flicks the third ball through midwicket for three runs before Elliott gets one to thirdman as New Zealand struggle past the 50-run mark, in the 16th over.
Taylor blocks the last two balls to end another tidy over from Hazlewood, who has bowled seven overs already.
Hazlewood continues as Australia decide to use him as much as possible with the new ball. Taylor flicks the third ball through midwicket for three runs before Elliott gets one to thirdman as New Zealand struggle past the 50-run mark, in the 16th over.
Taylor blocks the last two balls to end another tidy over from Hazlewood, who has bowled seven overs already.
10:12
NZ 47-3 (15 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Johnson continues to torment the Kiwis with sharp bouncers as Elliott gets out of the way.
He taps the third ball on the off-side for a single before Taylor drives a full delivery through the covers for three runs.
Another quick bouncer to Elliott which he leaves before driving the last ball through the off-side for two runs.
New Zealand have struggled against the new ball, losing wickets regularly, to reach 47 for three in 15 overs with Taylor on 10 and Elliott on four.
Johnson continues to torment the Kiwis with sharp bouncers as Elliott gets out of the way.
He taps the third ball on the off-side for a single before Taylor drives a full delivery through the covers for three runs.
Another quick bouncer to Elliott which he leaves before driving the last ball through the off-side for two runs.
New Zealand have struggled against the new ball, losing wickets regularly, to reach 47 for three in 15 overs with Taylor on 10 and Elliott on four.
10:06
NZ 41-3 (14 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Hazlewood comes back for a second spell despite Maxwell taking a wicket in his first over.
The young pacer bowls a good probing over to Taylor, who can only defend it. He is beaten off the last ball, trying to play away from the body without any footwork.
Another maiden over from Hazlewood, his second in six overs while giving away just 18 overs.
Hazlewood comes back for a second spell despite Maxwell taking a wicket in his first over.
The young pacer bowls a good probing over to Taylor, who can only defend it. He is beaten off the last ball, trying to play away from the body without any footwork.
Another maiden over from Hazlewood, his second in six overs while giving away just 18 overs.
10:01 Williamson falls for 12, New Zealand slip further
NZ 41-3 (13 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Johnson makes it worse for the Kiwis with the wicket of Williamson, who is caught and bowled for 12.
Williamson never looked settle out in the middle as he took 33 balls to score 12, hitting just one boundary.
He initially wanted to turn the ball on the leg side but deciding to check his shot at the last minute and ended up lobbing a simple catch back to the bowler.
His wicket leaves New Zealand in further strife as they slip to 39 for three in the 13th over.
New Zealand's hero of the semi-final Grant Elliott walks out the middle and he has a big task on hand.
He gets off the mark from the first ball with a single to thirdman and Taylor picks one after a misfield from the point fielder.
Johnson makes it worse for the Kiwis with the wicket of Williamson, who is caught and bowled for 12.
Williamson never looked settle out in the middle as he took 33 balls to score 12, hitting just one boundary.
He initially wanted to turn the ball on the leg side but deciding to check his shot at the last minute and ended up lobbing a simple catch back to the bowler.
His wicket leaves New Zealand in further strife as they slip to 39 for three in the 13th over.
New Zealand's hero of the semi-final Grant Elliott walks out the middle and he has a big task on hand.
He gets off the mark from the first ball with a single to thirdman and Taylor picks one after a misfield from the point fielder.
09:55 Guptill bowled for 15, New Zealand in trouble
NZ 38-2 (12 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Australia introduce spin in the form of part-time Glenn Maxwell, who strikes in his very first over.
Guptill goes on the backfoot, looks to play inside the line and hit the ball through the off-side but misses it and is bowled after a struggling knock of 15 from 34 balls.
New Zealand in big trouble at 33 for two in the 12th over.
Ross Taylor is the new batsman and he gets a full toss first up which he drives through the covers for a four to get off the mark in some style.
He gets a single from the fifth ball before Williamson plays a good drive off the last ball which is stopped by the fielder on the off-side to save some runs.
Australia introduce spin in the form of part-time Glenn Maxwell, who strikes in his very first over.
Guptill goes on the backfoot, looks to play inside the line and hit the ball through the off-side but misses it and is bowled after a struggling knock of 15 from 34 balls.
New Zealand in big trouble at 33 for two in the 12th over.
Ross Taylor is the new batsman and he gets a full toss first up which he drives through the covers for a four to get off the mark in some style.
He gets a single from the fifth ball before Williamson plays a good drive off the last ball which is stopped by the fielder on the off-side to save some runs.
09:49
NZ 33-1 (11 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Johnson taking over the mantle from Starc and continues to bowl with aggression. The first ball is a quick bouncer to Williamson but slightly down the leg side.
He then bowls a beauty outside the off-stump as Williamson is drawn forward to have a poke at it. And he manages to repeat it with the next ball but the batsman is lucky to have missed the edge both times.
Williamson gets away from the strike with a single to the sweeper fielder on the off-side.
Guptill retains strike with a single to deep fine leg as just two runs come from the over.
Johnson taking over the mantle from Starc and continues to bowl with aggression. The first ball is a quick bouncer to Williamson but slightly down the leg side.
He then bowls a beauty outside the off-stump as Williamson is drawn forward to have a poke at it. And he manages to repeat it with the next ball but the batsman is lucky to have missed the edge both times.
Williamson gets away from the strike with a single to the sweeper fielder on the off-side.
Guptill retains strike with a single to deep fine leg as just two runs come from the over.
09:45 Williamson, Guptill steady NZ after early wicket
NZ 31-1 (10 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
It has been a struggle for New Zealand, whose lowest score in the Powerplay in this World Cup has been 57.
Williamson breaks the shackles as he plays Hazlewood on the up and drives him past mid-off for a four. The next ball is short which the right-hander pulls square on the leg side and picks up two runs.
He opens the face of the bat and steers it past point for a single to the thirdman region.
After 10 overs, New Zealand have reached 31 for one with Guptill on 14 from 31 balls and Williamson on 11 from 26 balls.
It has been a struggle for New Zealand, whose lowest score in the Powerplay in this World Cup has been 57.
Williamson breaks the shackles as he plays Hazlewood on the up and drives him past mid-off for a four. The next ball is short which the right-hander pulls square on the leg side and picks up two runs.
He opens the face of the bat and steers it past point for a single to the thirdman region.
After 10 overs, New Zealand have reached 31 for one with Guptill on 14 from 31 balls and Williamson on 11 from 26 balls.
09:41
NZ 24-1 (9 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Australia make the first bowling as Mitchell Johnson comes in to replace Starc, who bowled a splendid first spell of one for eight in four overs.
He is on the task right from the start, a short of good length which bounces a bit more than expected hitting Guptill on the gloves as he looks to defend. The next three deliveries are right up and Guptill can only defend on the off-side.
Johnson then drifts on the leg side to give away a wide but the last two deliveries are again on the spot and are blocked by Guptill.
Australia make the first bowling as Mitchell Johnson comes in to replace Starc, who bowled a splendid first spell of one for eight in four overs.
He is on the task right from the start, a short of good length which bounces a bit more than expected hitting Guptill on the gloves as he looks to defend. The next three deliveries are right up and Guptill can only defend on the off-side.
Johnson then drifts on the leg side to give away a wide but the last two deliveries are again on the spot and are blocked by Guptill.
09:36
NZ 23-1 (8 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Williamson is looking a bit shaky as he is beaten outside the off-stump by the outswinger from Hazlewood. Two balls later he turns it on the leg side as James Faulkner gets across and makes a good stop at mid-on.
Hazlewood surprises one and all with a quick bouncer as Williamson is caught by surprise with the extra bounce as he pulls out after initially thinking of the ramp shot.
The last ball comes in sharply as Williamson is beaten again as Hazlewood sends down the first maiden over of the final.
Williamson is looking a bit shaky as he is beaten outside the off-stump by the outswinger from Hazlewood. Two balls later he turns it on the leg side as James Faulkner gets across and makes a good stop at mid-on.
Hazlewood surprises one and all with a quick bouncer as Williamson is caught by surprise with the extra bounce as he pulls out after initially thinking of the ramp shot.
The last ball comes in sharply as Williamson is beaten again as Hazlewood sends down the first maiden over of the final.
09:33
NZ 23-1 (7 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Starc bowls a quick short ball to Guptill followed by a full delivery swinging away as the right-hander looks to drive but is beaten.
Guptill plays a good drive on the leg side where Mitchell Johnson makes a diving stop at midwicket to save some runs.
A good over from Starc as he concedes just a single.
Starc bowls a quick short ball to Guptill followed by a full delivery swinging away as the right-hander looks to drive but is beaten.
Guptill plays a good drive on the leg side where Mitchell Johnson makes a diving stop at midwicket to save some runs.
A good over from Starc as he concedes just a single.
09:27
NZ 22-1 (6 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Hazlewood not trying much but only keeping it single by looking to bowl in the right channel and keep things tight with Starc attacking from the other end.
Williamson gets another edge which goes to thirdman for a single and Guptill does the same two balls later.
The last ball is on the stumps as Williamson turns it square on the leg side for two runs.
Hazlewood not trying much but only keeping it single by looking to bowl in the right channel and keep things tight with Starc attacking from the other end.
Williamson gets another edge which goes to thirdman for a single and Guptill does the same two balls later.
The last ball is on the stumps as Williamson turns it square on the leg side for two runs.
09:24 New Zealand struggle after McCullum falls for a duck
NZ 18-1 (5 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Starc is bowling well. Williamson defends the first two balls before he nearly edges one slanting across him. The next ball is again on the same length and Williamson is beating again trying to play the drive.
Starc bowls a good short as the right-hander opts to duck under it. He goes after the last ball, which is wide and full, and somehow manages to get it over the point fielder for a single to thirdman.
New Zealand are 18 for one in five overs.
Starc is bowling well. Williamson defends the first two balls before he nearly edges one slanting across him. The next ball is again on the same length and Williamson is beating again trying to play the drive.
Starc bowls a good short as the right-hander opts to duck under it. He goes after the last ball, which is wide and full, and somehow manages to get it over the point fielder for a single to thirdman.
New Zealand are 18 for one in five overs.
09:19
NZ 17-1 (4 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Hazlewood starts with a wide outswinger but is unable to tempt Guptill who is content to watch it go. He slaps the next ball to point where the fielder stops it and almost collides with his colleagues in the covers.
Guptill top edges the pull shot as it goes behind the wickets and carries all the way for a six. That shot carried a long way, as much as 70 metres behind the wickets. A beating of leading edge from the final ball but it falls safely on the off-side.
Hazlewood starts with a wide outswinger but is unable to tempt Guptill who is content to watch it go. He slaps the next ball to point where the fielder stops it and almost collides with his colleagues in the covers.
Guptill top edges the pull shot as it goes behind the wickets and carries all the way for a six. That shot carried a long way, as much as 70 metres behind the wickets. A beating of leading edge from the final ball but it falls safely on the off-side.
09:16
NZ 11-1 (3 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Starc raps Guptill on the pads with the incoming delivery as the appeal for LBW is turned down. Australia captain Michael Clarke discusses with his players on whether to review it but in the end they decide against it.
Guptill defends the next two balls before he throws his bat at a wide one outside the off-stump and finds the gap in the covers for a four.
The next ball is quick and short as the right-hander sways out of the way. Superb stuff from the tall pacer.
Guptill turns the last ball to fine leg for a single to retain strike.
Starc raps Guptill on the pads with the incoming delivery as the appeal for LBW is turned down. Australia captain Michael Clarke discusses with his players on whether to review it but in the end they decide against it.
Guptill defends the next two balls before he throws his bat at a wide one outside the off-stump and finds the gap in the covers for a four.
The next ball is quick and short as the right-hander sways out of the way. Superb stuff from the tall pacer.
Guptill turns the last ball to fine leg for a single to retain strike.
09:12
NZ 6-1 (2 ovs) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Josh Hazlewood to bowl the second over. Guptill turns the first ball to fine leg for a single before Williamson gets the first boundary of the match, courtesy of a leg bye which goes fine on the leg side.
Williamson offers no shot to the last two deliveries as New Zealand are six for one in two overs.
Josh Hazlewood to bowl the second over. Guptill turns the first ball to fine leg for a single before Williamson gets the first boundary of the match, courtesy of a leg bye which goes fine on the leg side.
Williamson offers no shot to the last two deliveries as New Zealand are six for one in two overs.
09:11 Starc dismisses McCullum for a duck in first over
NZ 1-1 (1 ov) vs Aus | SCORECARD
Mitchell Starc to open the bowling and facing him will be Martin Guptill with McCullum at the non-striker end.
The first ball is outside the off-stump which Guptill leaves alone before he takes a single from the next ball on the off-side to get NZ off the mark.
McCullum not holding back as he goes after the first ball he faces, a full delivery which moves in a bit and goes past the outside edge of the bat.
He gives the charge to the next delivery but is unable to get his bat on a full delivery on his pads which comes in.
The next delivery is again full and swings but this time right on the mark, on the stumps and McCullum yet again fails to get his bat on it and is bowled for a duck. A dream start for Australia as the dangerous McCullum walks back without scoring a run in the first over of the innings.
That was the perfect yorker from Starc and to get it right in the first over with a brand new ball is unbelievable.
Kane Williamson walks in at No. 3 and sees out the last ball as Starc completes the first over to give Australia a perfect start in the final.
Mitchell Starc to open the bowling and facing him will be Martin Guptill with McCullum at the non-striker end.
The first ball is outside the off-stump which Guptill leaves alone before he takes a single from the next ball on the off-side to get NZ off the mark.
McCullum not holding back as he goes after the first ball he faces, a full delivery which moves in a bit and goes past the outside edge of the bat.
He gives the charge to the next delivery but is unable to get his bat on a full delivery on his pads which comes in.
The next delivery is again full and swings but this time right on the mark, on the stumps and McCullum yet again fails to get his bat on it and is bowled for a duck. A dream start for Australia as the dangerous McCullum walks back without scoring a run in the first over of the innings.
That was the perfect yorker from Starc and to get it right in the first over with a brand new ball is unbelievable.
Kane Williamson walks in at No. 3 and sees out the last ball as Starc completes the first over to give Australia a perfect start in the final.
08:55
The pitch looks loaded with runs and New Zealand would be keen to put up a big score batting first and put pressure on the long and in-form Australian batting line-up.
How New Zealand got about their batting depends on how their captain and opener McCullum does with the bat. The right-hander has set the tone for the Kiwis with his attacking batting up front and the rest of the batsmen have continued in the same vein.
Martin Guptill, who hit a record 237 not out against West Indies in the quarter-finals, will be another player to watch out for.
Veteran Daniel Vettori will hold the key with the ball with the impressive new ball duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult looking to continue their good run.
For Australia, David Warner would be looking to make his mark at the start of the innings with his attacking batting. Michael Clarke will be looking to make a mark in his final ODI match but all eyes will be on Glenn Maxwell, who has the ability to turn the course of the match in a matter of a few overs.
The bowling looks impressive as well with Mitchell Starc proving his mettle right through the World Cup and Mitchell Johnson coming back to some much-needed form with vital wickets in the semi-final against India.
The two teams have lined up in the middle as the national anthems of the two countries are being played.
How New Zealand got about their batting depends on how their captain and opener McCullum does with the bat. The right-hander has set the tone for the Kiwis with his attacking batting up front and the rest of the batsmen have continued in the same vein.
Martin Guptill, who hit a record 237 not out against West Indies in the quarter-finals, will be another player to watch out for.
Veteran Daniel Vettori will hold the key with the ball with the impressive new ball duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult looking to continue their good run.
For Australia, David Warner would be looking to make his mark at the start of the innings with his attacking batting. Michael Clarke will be looking to make a mark in his final ODI match but all eyes will be on Glenn Maxwell, who has the ability to turn the course of the match in a matter of a few overs.
The bowling looks impressive as well with Mitchell Starc proving his mettle right through the World Cup and Mitchell Johnson coming back to some much-needed form with vital wickets in the semi-final against India.
The two teams have lined up in the middle as the national anthems of the two countries are being played.
08:34 New Zealand win toss, elect to bat vs Australia in final
Both teams are unchanged from their semi-final matches. Check out how the two teams line up for the final match:
Australia: Michael Clarke (captain), Aaron Finch, David Warner, Steven Smith, Shane Watson, Glenn Maxwell, Brad Haddin(w), James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood.
New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (captain), Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi(w), Daniel Vettori, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.
Australia: Michael Clarke (captain), Aaron Finch, David Warner, Steven Smith, Shane Watson, Glenn Maxwell, Brad Haddin(w), James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood.
New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (captain), Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi(w), Daniel Vettori, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.
08:32 New Zealand win toss, elect to bat vs Aus in final
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has won the toss and elected to bat in the all-important final.
"The wicket looks outstanding and we will look to put runs on the board," he says at the toss.
Australia have also retained the same team which beat India in the semi-finals.
"We would have also batted first but the wicket looks good so it won't matter much," says Clarke.
"The wicket looks outstanding and we will look to put runs on the board," he says at the toss.
Australia have also retained the same team which beat India in the semi-finals.
"We would have also batted first but the wicket looks good so it won't matter much," says Clarke.
08:30
So, we all are set for the toss as the two captains Michael Clarke of Australia and Brendon McCullum of New Zealand walk out to the middle.
08:29
New Zealand's former cricket captain Martin Crowe, who is terminally ill with lymphoma, has penned a moving tribute to his countrymen ahead of Sunday's World Cup final.
In a heart-wrenching column published on Cricinfo, the 52-year-old said Sunday's match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground might be the last he ever sees.
"My precarious life ahead may not afford me the luxury of many more games to watch and enjoy," Crowe wrote.
"So this is likely to be it. The last, maybe, and I can happily live with that."
He was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma two years ago but it went into remission.
Late last year, however, a new, more aggressive form of the disease, double-hit lymphoma, developed and he said he had been told only five percent of sufferers survive more than 12 months.
Crowe said he had decided against chemotherapy and was instead trying natural treatments.
He was inducted into the international cricket Hall of Fame last month and is making the trip from New Zealand to watch the final live, cheering on the players he regards as the "sons I never had".
"I will hold back tears all day long. I will gasp for air on occasions. I will feel like a nervous parent," he wrote.
"Whatever happens, March 29 at the MCG will be the most divine fun ever."
Click to read more
In a heart-wrenching column published on Cricinfo, the 52-year-old said Sunday's match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground might be the last he ever sees.
"My precarious life ahead may not afford me the luxury of many more games to watch and enjoy," Crowe wrote.
"So this is likely to be it. The last, maybe, and I can happily live with that."
He was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma two years ago but it went into remission.
Late last year, however, a new, more aggressive form of the disease, double-hit lymphoma, developed and he said he had been told only five percent of sufferers survive more than 12 months.
Crowe said he had decided against chemotherapy and was instead trying natural treatments.
He was inducted into the international cricket Hall of Fame last month and is making the trip from New Zealand to watch the final live, cheering on the players he regards as the "sons I never had".
"I will hold back tears all day long. I will gasp for air on occasions. I will feel like a nervous parent," he wrote.
"Whatever happens, March 29 at the MCG will be the most divine fun ever."
Click to read more
08:27
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has beseeched the cricket-mad Indian fans to root for his team in the World Cup final.
"To every cricket fan in India, I know you understand the hunger for a World Cup. And I have already seen a wave of support from you guys towards us. Thank you!" McCullum wrote in his autographed letter released as a statement.
"To every cricket fan in India, I know you understand the hunger for a World Cup. And I have already seen a wave of support from you guys towards us. Thank you!" McCullum wrote in his autographed letter released as a statement.
08:18 Aggressive NZ face confident Australia in final
New Zealand will have a slight edge having gone unbeaten through the tournament so far, including a thrilling one-wicket victory against Australia in the group stages.
Australia will be feeling confident after their crushing 95-run victory against defending champions India in the semi-finals.
New Zealand had to battle hard as they clinched a a tight four-wicket victory with a ball to spare against South Africa in their semi-final at Eden Park.
Australia have already won four World Cups, in 1987, 1999, 2003 and 2007, while New Zealand have made it to the final for the first time in their history.
Australia will be feeling confident after their crushing 95-run victory against defending champions India in the semi-finals.
New Zealand had to battle hard as they clinched a a tight four-wicket victory with a ball to spare against South Africa in their semi-final at Eden Park.
Australia have already won four World Cups, in 1987, 1999, 2003 and 2007, while New Zealand have made it to the final for the first time in their history.
08:13 Unchanged New Zealand eye maiden title
Welcome to the coverage of the final of the ICC World Cup 2015 between Australia and New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, on Sunday.
New Zealand are sticking with the same team, and the same fearless approach, for the final.
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said the Black Caps would use the same lineup that beat South Africa in the semi-finals and the same bold tactics that have served them so well during the tournament.
Showing no signs of nerves or apprehension ahead of the biggest match in New Zealand cricket history, McCullum said his players had been told to go out and attack the Australians from the start.
Meanwhile, Australia's retiring one-day captain Michael Clarke has urged his players to put "skill over emotion" in their bid to down the Kiwis, though his swan-song is sure to imbue the match with extra sentiment.
Clarke announced his retirement from the one-day game on the eve of the match and will hope to wrap up his career in the 50-over format by leading Australia to a fifth world trophy.
New Zealand are sticking with the same team, and the same fearless approach, for the final.
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said the Black Caps would use the same lineup that beat South Africa in the semi-finals and the same bold tactics that have served them so well during the tournament.
Showing no signs of nerves or apprehension ahead of the biggest match in New Zealand cricket history, McCullum said his players had been told to go out and attack the Australians from the start.
Meanwhile, Australia's retiring one-day captain Michael Clarke has urged his players to put "skill over emotion" in their bid to down the Kiwis, though his swan-song is sure to imbue the match with extra sentiment.
Clarke announced his retirement from the one-day game on the eve of the match and will hope to wrap up his career in the 50-over format by leading Australia to a fifth world trophy.
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