World Cup Final, Australia vs New Zealand as it happened: Australia crush New Zealand to lift the World Cup

Catches, falls and sixes: Australia win World Cup final against New Zealand http://t.co/DgJhJmpowx pic.twitter.com/oHejZqKjjQ

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) March 29, 2015

The entire Australian team takes a lap of honour around the MCG. They are having super fun. Brilliant scenes. #AUSvNZ http://t.co/1rTUkDB7AA

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) March 29, 2015

Man of the Series – Mitchell Starc – It’ s been an amazing tournament, some outstanding performances but to cap it off. New Zealand have set the standard all tournament but we led it home. I’ve worked really hard for a number of months now, a few series ago we sat down and to see it come to fruition it’s been phenomenal. (On being asked about the first over to McCullum) Little lucky, it was a plan McDermott and I had but good to see it executed. Brendon’s been fantastic all tournament. The fans have been fantastic, to win in front of this many people,there’s nothing like it.

Man of the Match – James Faulkner: It’s an amazing feeling, to play in front of 93000 and win a World Cup in amazing. What a performance today. It’s been a couple of wonderful years in the Australian ODI outfit, we brought out A game today.

Clarke: I am Over the moon. what a tournament, Brendon and New Zealand deserve a lot of credit, always a tough team to beat, whenever we play them in any sport – so well done to McCullum and his team, especially personally, he had an amazing performance. Thanks to every Australian and cricket supporter out there who’ve been behind us. The team and support staff, the support I’ve had since coming back into the team, they deserve to stand there with the trophy.   It’s been an honour to represent Australia in ODIs, T20 and Tests. I will keep playing Tests. (On being asked about the Black arm bands) It’s got PH on it, I’ll wear it every time I play for Australia. Been a really tough few months and everyone would say we played this World Cup with 16 players. Tonight is dedicated to our little brother Hughes. Hughesy used to party as well as any of them. We’re really proud, it’s a wonderful achievement, to win in our own backyard in front of family and friends.

McCullum: It’s been one hell of a ride for us. We have played some outstanding cricket and we ran into an oustanding Australian team. They thoroughly deserve to win. To take 7/33 at the end, they put us under a lot of pressure. In the end, we were the second best team on the day. No regrets, this is the greatest stage that you can ask for as a cricketer. We are obviously not able to lift the trophy, but the brand of cricket we have played, we’ve entertained everyone and we walk away with our heads held high.

That winning moment #CWC15Final pic.twitter.com/2gQX6iSBk8

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) March 29, 2015

#CWC15
Winners: Aus
Runner-Ups: NZ
Most Runs: Guptill 547
Most Wkts: Starc & Boult 22
Highest inns: 237* Guptill
Best bowling: 7/33 Southee

— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) March 29, 2015

Yes, @stevesmith49! #GoGold http://t.co/Rurg00v0S5 #cwc15 #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/Ee6meIIczp

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 29, 2015

Starc: (On McCullum’s dismissal) It was something me and McDermott were working on and nice to see it come off.

Finch: You always dream about this as a kid and to happen in front of the home crowd makes it special.

The Australian pacers set the platform nicely bundling the Kiwis out for 183. Elliott and Taylor had done a good rebuilding job but then they lost it in the Batting Powerplay and lost 7/33 in the last 10 overs. Chasing the target, Boult got Finch early but then Smith and Warner steadied the ship and from then on it never looked like the Kiwis were in the match. A crushing win and Australia are deserved World Champions.

Back to back World Cup Final wins for the home team. Before 2011, no home team had ever won it. #CWC15Final

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) March 29, 2015

Steve Smith's last five scores in the tournament: 95, 72, 65, 105, 56 not out. The leader in waiting.

— richard hobson (@richardjhobson) March 29, 2015

That’s it! Australia crush New Zealand by 7 wickets to lift the World Cup!

Smith pulls it to deep square leg for a boundary and sets off in celebrations. The entire Australian team runs onto the field. The crowd has gone berserk. Smith can’t control his emotions. 5th time World Champions!

After 33 overs, Australia 182/3 (Smith 52, Watson 2)

A good over from Southee. He conceded just two runs and bowled in the blockhole consistently.

After 32 overs, Australia 180/3 (Smith 51, Watson 1)

Six runs and a wicket off the Henry over. Australia need just 4 runs to win.

OUT! Clarke departs! M Clarke b Henry 74 (72b 10×4 1×6), After 31.1 overs, Australia 175/3 (Smith 48)

Henry gets the wicket. Clarke gets a standing ovation as he walks off, McCullum runs over to congratulate him. It’s a good length delivery outside off, Clarke stays back and looks to guide but gets an inside edge onto the stumps. 

Shane Watson strides out to the middle.

After 31 overs, Australia 174/2 (Smith 47, Clarke 74)

Clarke in sumptuous form. He lofts one over mid on for a four, then cracks one through extra cover, he then smashes a couple through point for four fours in the over. He takes a single to fine leg to make it 17 runs from the over. Australia need just 10 runs now.

After 30 overs, Australia 157/2 (Smith 47, Clarke 57)

Clarke drives one through extra cover for a boundary and then slashes it to third man for a single. 6 runs off the over.

After 29 overs, Australia 151/2 (Smith 46, Clarke 52)

Australia are looking to finish it off now. Smith punches one through covers for a couple and then gooes for a drive but gets an outside edge to third man for a streaky four. He then goes for a wild swing but gets an inside edge to the leg side for a couple. Clarke then lofts one over mid off for a couple. 11 runs off the over. 33 required off 21.

After 28 overs, Australia 140/2 (Smith 37, Clarke 50)

Tight over from Boult. Just a single off it. Australia need 44 more from 22 overs.

Boult continues….

LIVE 139/2 (27) | That's 50 for @MClarke23 and he receives a standing ovation! #AUSvNZ #CWC15 #WWOS pic.twitter.com/7C5rNTsjrk

— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) March 29, 2015

Boult contnues…..

After 27 overs, Australia 139/2 (Smith 36, Clarke 50)

Clarke all at ease and Australia are cruising. 5 runs off the over and Clarke got to his fifty in that Vettori over.

FIFTY for Clarke!

Clarke gets to his 58th fifty in his last ODI. He’s leading from the front on the biggest stage! Five fours and a six so far in his innings.

After 26 overs, Australia 134/2 (Smith 34, Clarke 47)

Clarke showing his class. After playing out 5 dots, Clarke smashes oen straight back past Boult for four.

Probably last throw of the dice? McCullum brings back Boult.

After 25 overs, Australia 130/2 (Smith 34, Clarke 43)

Clarke looking ominous now. After a couple of singles, he clips one through mid-wicket for a couple and then he charges down the track and lofts it over long off for a six. 9 runs off the over.

Vettori continues…..

After 24 overs, Australia 119/2 (Smith 33, Clarke 33)

As expected, McCullum brings Anderson into the attack. Australia upping the ante. Clarke cracks one through covers for three. Smith then tucks one to square leg for a couple. One single and one wide makes it 7 runs from the over.

After 23 overs, Australia 112/2 (Smith 30, Clarke 30)

McCullum still giving it his all. Clarke punches it through covers, McCullum chases, slides and pulls it back inside. Saves a run. Clarke then thumps one over mid on for a boundary. 9 runs off the over. Boult has lost his pace, Vettori looks unfit and nothing much happening for Henry. McCullum needs to bring on Anderson.

After 22 overs, Australia 103/2 (Smith 28, Clarke 23)

Three singles off the Vettori over. He isn’t getting turn and it’s all too easy for the Aussie batsmen.

After 21 overs, Australia 100/2 (Smith 26, Clarke 22)

Nothing much happening. Just two singles off Henry. 84 needed off 29 overs now.

Henry continues……

After 20 overs, Australia 98/2 (Smith 25, Clarke 21)

Just three singles off the Vettori over. He seems to be having problems with his left leg. 86 needed off 30 overs.

Vettori back on..

After 19 overs, Australia 95/2 (Smith 24, Clarke 19)

Clarke living at the ‘EDGE’. He slashes at one but gets a top edge over slip cordon for a boundary. He then slashes at the next and it goes just over gully for consecutive fours. Smith had driven Henry through covers earlier for three. 12 runs off the over.

After 18 overs, Australia 83/2 (Smith 21, Clarke 10)

Clarke not looking too confident as he looks to drive one but gets an outside edge to third man for a streaky boundary. He finally gets one off the middle off the last ball as he clips one through square leg for a couple. 7 runs off the over. Nothing happening for the Kiwi bowlers.

After 17 overs, Australia 76/2 (Smith 20, Clarke 4)

A good tight over from Henry, just two runs off it. But the Kiwis need wickets now. This seems all too easy for the Australia batsmen.

After 16 overs, Australia 74/2 (Smith 19, Clarke 4)

Southee was a touch wide in that over. Clarke and Smith took four singles in the over. Clarke looked a tad restless in that over.

After 15 overs, Australia 69/2 (Smith 17, Clarke 3)

A big moment in the match? Smith is very lucky to survive. Good length delivery on off, nips back. Smith looks to defend but gets an inside edge, the ball rolls over to the stumps but doesn’t clip the bails off. Smith then tucks one to the leg side for a single. Just the one run off the over.

After 14 overs, Australia 68/2 (Smith 16, Clarke 3)

A good over from Boult. He mixed his lengths really well, Yorker, full and short. Clarke got a leading edge just wide of the fielder through covers for three. A couple of singles make it five runs off the over. Clarke didn’t look comfortable with the short stuff.

.@mstarc56 #CWC15 record: 22w at 10.18, 3.5rpo. Has 12 bowled, beating @wasimakramlive WC record of 9 in 1992. Nine of his 12 were yorkers.

— Jesse Hogan (@Jesse_Hogan) March 29, 2015

After 13 overs, Australia 63/2 (Smith 14, Clarke 0)

A very good over from Henry. He was smacked for four off a short ball but he fought back to get his man off the next ball. 4 runs and a wicket off the over.

OUT! Henry strikes! D Warner c Elliott b Henry 45 (46b 7×4 0x6), After 12.2 overs, Australia 63/2 (Smith 14)

Just the previous ball, Warner had pulled him for a four at deep square leg, McCullum sends out a fielder there, Henry bowls another short ball, Warner again goes for a pull but gets a top edge to deep squae leg where Elliott takes a good low catch. 

Michael Clarke strides out to the middle for the one last time in ODIs and gets a standing ovation…….

After 12 overs, Australia 59/1 (Warner 41, Smith 14)

A very good over from Boult. Warner looks to slash at one but gets a bottom edge onto the ground. Boult then brings one back in and it rips through Warner’s defenses and hits him on the back pad, the umpire turns down the LBW appeal. Replays show it was clipping leg and would have been umpire’s call. Warner then takes a single to cover. Just that one run off the over.

After 11 overs, Australia 58/1 (Warner 40, Smith 14)

A good disciplined over from Henry, just two singles off it.

Henry continues……

After 10 overs, Australia 56/1 (Warner 39, Smith 13)

This is slowly starting to get away from New Zealand. Warner thumps one through extra cover for a boundary. Boult then bring soe back in and beats Warner’s defense but the umpire turns down a stifled appeal. Looked like drifting down leg. Boult then drops one short, Warner cuts it to third man for a couple. 7 runs off the over.

Aus 49-1. WI were 50-1 chasing 184 in 1983. Then 50-2. Then 76-6. "NZ need wickets" - International Society For Sporting Understatements

— Andy Zaltzman (@ZaltzCricket) March 29, 2015

After 9 overs, Australia 49/1 (Warner 33, Smith 12)

Henry starts off with a loosener, Warner pulls it just wide of long leg fielder for a boundary. Henry hits back to bowl 5 dot balls in the over. Not much swing available for Henry too. 4 runs off the over.

Matt Henry into the attack now…..

After 8 overs, Australia 45/1 (Warner 29, Smith 12)

Seems like Boult has lost a bit of swing. He resorts to round the wicket to Smith. Smith drives one through covers for a couple and then takes a single. Warner then takes a single wide of mid on to make it 4 runs off the over.

After 7 overs, Australia 41/1 (Warner 28, Smith 9)

A good first over from Vettori, after a couple of dots, Smith punches a short delivery through point for three. But then Vettori changes his pace a bit and gets it quicker. Warner sweeps a couple but straight to the backward square leg fielder. Just the three runs off the over.

Daniel Vettori into the attack now.

After 6 overs, Australia 38/1 (Warner 28, Smith 6)

Resorting to short stuff against Smith is not a good idea from the Kiwi bowlers. Against India, he hammered Umesh and now he cracks a pull off Boult for a boundary. 5 runs off the over.  New Zealand need a wicket now.

Clive Lloyd's watching this and wishing he had a David Warner in 1983 #AUSvNZ #WorldCupExpress #CWC15Final #CWC15

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) March 29, 2015

After 5 overs, Australia 33/1 (Warner 28, Smith 1)

Warner attacking now but he’s living dangerously. He thumps one through extra cover for a boundary. He then mistimes his pull over mid on but it still runs away for four. Southee nearly gets close to getting his wicket off the next ball as Warner edges it but it flies jsut wide of the first slip fielder. A big over for Australia, 15 runs off it.

After 4 overs, Australia 18/1 (Warner 15, Smith 0)

Warner getting into the groove now. He pulls a short of a good length delivery outside off wide of mid on for a couple and then cracks a cover drive for a boundary. Boult then fluffs his lines and drifts one down the leg side, Warner misses his flick and they run through for three leg byes to fine leg. 9 runs off the over. Warner moves on to 15 off 17 balls. Kiwis need to get his wicket as soon as possible else, he can take it away at the blink of an eye!

After 3 overs, Australia 9/1 (Warner 9, Smith 0)

Warner looking confident. He at first punches one through point for a couple and then flicks one to long leg for another couple. He then again punches one through covers for another couple before taking a single off the last ball. 7 runs off the over. Southee not looking as threatening as Boult.

This could turn out to be a close one!! #pressure

— Brian Lara (@BrianLara) March 29, 2015

After 2 overs, Australia 2/1 (Warner 2, Smith 0)

A brilliant first over from Boult. 1 run and a wicket off it. He’s getting good swing and that will boost New Zealand’s confidence.

OUT! Boult strikes early! A Finch c & b Boult 0 (5b 0x4 0x6), After 1.4 overs, Australia 2/1 (Warner 2)

It’s full on off, swinging in, Finch stays in his crease and looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto his pads, the ball loops to Boult who takes a dolly. Just the start Kiwis wanted! 

Steven Smith is the new batsman.

Four slips to Warner, a 7-2 field. McCullum on an all out attack……..

Trent Boult will take the 2nd new ball.

After 1 over, Australia 1/0 (Warner 1, Finch 0)

A good start from Southee. He got the ball to swing away. Some extra bounce too. He beats Finch’s outside edge with a lovely outswinger off the fourth ball and then again beats him with the next ball to end the over.

Right! Back after the break! The Aussie openers – David Warner and Aaron Finc have made their way out to the middle. Tim Southee will start off proceedings for New Zealand.

Trent Boult & Tim Southee are the best new ball opening pairs in #CWC15. 36 Wickets in 8 matches & a wicket in every 24 balls.#CWC15Final

— Dillip Mohanty (@dkmohanty) March 29, 2015

Interestingly, Australia is the only WC winner that did not win the WC in their first ever appearance in a final. WI, Ind, Pak, SL did.

— Well Pitched (@WellPitched) March 29, 2015

In WC semis or finals, Aus only hve had to chase a total of 200+ once.This is the 2nd highest total they are ever chasing in 14 semis/finals

— Rehan Ulhaq (@Rehan_ulhaq) March 29, 2015

There have been 18 totals of 183 by teams batting 1st in ODIs: won 4, lost 14http://t.co/rQHezFjMQd One of the wins in a shortened game

— S Rajesh (@rajeshstats) March 29, 2015

NZ semi final: 5 of top 6 score at least 30. NZ in final: 2 of 11 score more than 15. A spectacular bowling performance by Aus.

— Andy Zaltzman (@ZaltzCricket) March 29, 2015

New Zealand lost 7 wickets for 33 runs in the alst 10 overs. An incredible collapse after Elliott and Taylor had put on a century stand to resusticate the Kiwis. Starc, Faulkner and Johnson bowled brilliantly.

That’s it! New Zealand all out for 183!

OUT! That sums up New Zealand’s innings. Southee caught day dreaming! TG Southee run out 11 (11b 0x4 1×6) 

Southee fends it to short leg where Maxwell shows good reflexes, he knocks down the stumps at the bowler’s end and Southee, who is lazy in getting back is caught short. Brilliant fielding from Maxwell.

OUT! Johnson gets another one. M Henry c Starc b Johnson 0 (7b 0x4 0x6), After 44.5 overs, New Zealand 182/9 (Southee 11) 

Full outside off, Henry gives himself room and looks to go over the top but doesn’t get elevation and hits it straight to the cover fielder. 

Trent Boult is the last man in.

After 44 overs, New Zealand 181/8 (Southee 10, Henry 0)

After four dot balls, Southee finally gets going as he lofts one over covers for three. Henry looks to crak one through covers but hits it straight to the fielder. 3 runs off the over. These two would be looking to add some crucial runs, they can still make a match out of it.

After 43 overs, New Zealand 178/8 (Southee 7, Henry 0)

Southee smacks the first ball over long on for a six and then takes a single. Johnson then resorts to short stuff and Henry does well to sway away off couple of them.

After 42 overs, New Zealand 171/8 (Southee 0, Henry 0)

A successful over for Australia. Elliott pulls one over mid-wicket for a boundary and then departs. Just the 4 runs and a wicket off the over. Faulkner has figures of 8-1-33-3.

OUT! Faulkner is bowling a dream spell here. He gets the BIG ONE – Elliott departs. G Elliott c †Haddin b Faulkner 83 (82b 7×4 1×6), After 41.5 overs, New Zealand 171/8 (Southee 0)

Slower and full outside off, Elliott gets down and looks to heave but is done in by the change of pace. He gets an outside edge to the keeper. A very good innings comes to an end.

Matt Henry is the new batsman.

Faulkner continues….

After 41 overs, New Zealand 167/8 (Elliott 79, Southee 0)

A very good comeback over from Johnson. Just two runs and a wicket off it. He’s bowled really well today.

OUT! Johnson strikes! D Vettori b Johnson 9 (21b 1×4 0x6), After 41 overs, New Zealand 167/7 (Elliott 79)

This was coming. Vettori just wasn’t moving his feet. It’s very full on middle, Vettori stays in his crease and looks to flick but missses. The ball hits his pads and crashes onto the stumps. 

Tim Southee is the new batsman.

The Sri Lankans in MCG go wild as Kumar Dharmasena gets a decision right #AUSvNZ #CWC15Final

— Nilenth Selvaraja (@Nilenth) March 29, 2015

After 40 overs, New Zealand 165/6 (Elliott 78, Vettori 8) 

Elliott is playing a crucial innings so far. Faulkner is bowling well. Good contest. The umpire turns down ta big LBW appeal off the first ball of the over. Australia take the review but it was high and missing the stumps. Elliott then guides one to third man for a nicely placed boundary. Two more runs make it 6 fromt he over. A good Batting Powerplay for Australia – 15/3 during that period.

“@BLACKCAPS: Australian record crowd here, above 91,000K. Heaps of Kiwis by the sound #superwork ^RI”#MCGsobig it can fit 91 million?

— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) March 29, 2015

FACT: Brad Haddin (37 years and 157 days) is oldest Australian to play World Cup Final, beating Glenn McGrath (37y 78d) in 2007. #CWC15Final

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) March 29, 2015

After 38 overs, New Zealand 157/6 (Elliott 73, Vettori 5) 

A decent over for New Zealand. Vettori drives one straight down the ground for the four and then, a couple of more singles make it 6 runs from the over.

STAT – Faulkner has taken 30% of his wickets in the Batting Powerplays since 2011.

Australia has only managed to score 152 or higher against NZ once in the past 4 years.

— Michael Wagener (@Mykuhl) March 29, 2015

After 37 overs, New Zealand 151/6 (Elliott 73, Vettori 0) 

Another cracking over from Starc. Elliott nearly walked back to pavilion the first ball as he dabbed one to point and set off for a non-existent single. Smith missed the direct hit at the bowler’s end. Elliott was a goner. Starc then removes Ronchi the next ball and then troubles Vettori off the next four balls. 1/3 in the two overs of the Batting Powerplay so far.

Last match between #AUSvNZ , Kiwis lost 5 for 15 (131 to 146)

Today so far, 3 for 1 (150 to 151)#CWC15Final

— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) March 29, 2015

OUT! Ronchi departs for a duck! L Ronchi c Clarke b Starc 0 (4b 0x4 0x6), After 36.2 overs, New Zealand 151/6

A tremendous turnaround from Australia. It’s full and outside off from Starc, Ronchi stays glued to his crease and looks to drive but gets an outside edge, Clarke at first slip takes a brilliant catch. It went straight to him but was blinded by the keeper. 

Daniel Vettori walks out to bat in what might be his last ODI!

After 36 overs, New Zealand 150/5 (Elliott 72, Ronchi 0) 

An absolute brilliant over. A double wicket-maiden from Faulkner in the Batting Powerplay.

OUT! Faulkner is turning it around for Australia. C Anderson b Faulkner 0 (2b 0x4 0x6), After 35.3 overs, New Zealand 150/6 (Elliott 72) 

It’s very full on middle and off, Anderson stays in his crease and plays down the wrong line. He misses and the ball shatters the timber. 

Luke Ronchi is the new batsman.

OUT! Worst time to get out! Faulkner breaks the stand. R Taylor c Haddin b Faulkner 40 (72b 2×4 0x6), After 35.1 overs, New Zealand 150/4 (Elliott 72) 

It’s the first ball of the Batting Powerplay. Faulkner bowls a slower back-of-the-hand delivery full and outside off, Taylor looks to guide but gets an outside edge, Haddin dives to his right and takes a brilliant low catch. The umpire’s are not sure whether it’s a bump ball or not and whether Haddin has taken the catch cleanly. They refer it to third umpire and replays show that everything is clean. Taylor walks back.

Corey Anderson is the new batsman.

After 35 overs, New Zealand 150/3  (Taylor 40, Elliott 72)

Elliott playing those late dabs really well. After four runs off the first four balls, he guides one uppishly just wide of the keeper for a boundary. Another 8 run over. This is good stuff from the Kiwis.

After 34 overs, New Zealand 142/3  (Taylor 37, Elliott 68)

The 100-run stand comes up! This has been a crucial partnership. Elliott is playing cleverly. He guides one through third man, fine for a boundary. Another four singles make it 8 runs off the over.

Hazlewood back on.

After 33 overs, New Zealand 134/3  (Taylor 35, Elliott 62)

Good tight over from Watson. Just two runs off it. Earlier, he was on the shorter side but this time he bowled good length and a stump to stump line.

Shane Watson back on…

After 32 overs, New Zealand 132/3  (Taylor 34, Elliott 61)

Four Singles and one two off the Maxwell over. Elliott lofted one over cover, a risky but effective shot. 6 runs off the over.

If Ross Taylor ends up on the edge of his seat later, he'll nick it and fall safely onto the floor. #CWC15

— Geoff Lemon Sport (@GeoffLemonSport) March 29, 2015

After 31 overs, New Zealand 126/3  (Taylor 32, Elliott 57)

Good stuff from the Kiwis, 5 singles off the Johnson over. Elliott not scared of playing aerial shots as he slices one over backward point for a single. These two would be looking accelerate in the Batting Powerplay rather than attacking right now.

Grant Elliott: No ODIs in 2014. Had a good but not extraordinary pre-CWC 2015. Played a crucial hand in the semi. Now steering #CWC15 final.

— Aashish Chandorkar (@c_aashish) March 29, 2015

Johnson continues…..

After 30 overs, New Zealand 121/3  (Taylor 30, Elliott 54)

Maxwell beats Elliott’s outside edge with a straighter one. He’s used that straighter one well and torubled the batsmen. 3 runs off the over again.

After 29 overs, New Zealand 118/3  (Taylor 30, Elliott 51)

Just three runs off the Johnson over. He was too much on the shorter side in that over. These two have done a good rebuilding job so far. Taylor, however needs to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Johnson back on.

After 28 overs, New Zealand 115/3  (Taylor 29, Elliott 50)

After five singles and a wie. Elliott looks to loft one but luckily, it falls short of the the third man fielder. He brings up his fifty and what a crucial innings this has been so far! 7 runs off the over.

FIFTY for Elliott!

A crucial innings under pressure. Elliott bring up 50 off just 51 balls. He came in at a precarious situation and has paced his innings well. Three fours and a six in his innings so far.

After 27 overs, New Zealand 108/3  (Taylor 26, Elliott 47)

The 100 comes up for the Kiwis and a huge cheer rings out at the MCG. Taylor isn’t playing with fluency and still looks a bit out of touch. He looks to drive one off Watson but gets an outside edge wide of the keeper for a streaky boundary. Elliott then looks to slash at one but gets an outside edge to third man where the fielder does well to save a couple of runs. 9 runs of the over. A good one for the Kiwis.

After 26 overs, New Zealand 99/3  (Taylor 21, Elliott 44)

Elliott playes a cracking cover drive wide of extra cover for a four. Runs starting to come easily now. A couple of more singles make it 6 runs from the over.

After 25 overs, New Zealand 93/3  (Taylor 20, Elliott 39)

Elliott playing some audacious shots now. He punches one through extra cover for a couple and then cuts one uppishly just over the leaping Smith at point for another couple. Watson bowled on the shorter side in that over.

Shane Watson into the attack now.

After 24 overs, New Zealand 89/3  (Taylor 20, Elliott 35)

Elliott growing in confidence now. After the six off a pull off Starc, He lofts one off Faulkner over extra cover for a boundary. A couple of more singles make it 6 runs off the over.

Faulkner back on….

After 23 overs, New Zealand 83/3  (Taylor 19, Elliott 30)

An action-packed over from Starc. A couple of fiery yorkers which Elliott digs out. Starc then bowls a bouncer, Elliott goes for a pull but gets a top edge over fine leg for a six. It’s the second six that has traveled into the stands off a top edge. Just that 6 off the over.

Starc continues…..

After 22 overs, New Zealand 77/3  (Taylor 19, Elliott 24)

Elliott getting a bit aggressive now. He rocks back and cuts Maxwell for the first BOUNDARY IN 10 OVERS. Three singles off the next five balls make it 7 runs from the over. They need to keep the scoreboard ticking this way.

After 21 overs, New Zealand 70/3  (Taylor 18, Elliott 18)

Elliott in constant action. He at first looks to drive an outswinger but misses and then he finally connects one and drives it through extra cover for three. Starc still ramping up good pace in his comeback over. 4 runs off the over.

Elliott was given out but on review the decision is overturned. More here: http://t.co/mw7IzAlkqP #CWC15 #fireitup pic.twitter.com/jr6foNh3z1

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) March 29, 2015

Starc back into the attack now.

After 20 overs, New Zealand 66/3  (Taylor 18, Elliott 15)

Elliott survives an LBW appeal as he takes a successful review! Length delivery outside off, spinning back in. Elliott gets down for a sweep but misses and they all go up in a huge appeal, Dharmasena, after a long ponder, lifts his finger. Elliott goes for a review and replays show it was missing leg. Earlier in the over, Elliott has played a back-of-the-bat reverse sweep for a couple. 4 runs off the over.

LIVE 61/3 (18.5) @JamesFaulkner44 bowls one in four of his deliveries as slower balls. #AUSvNZ #CWC15 #WWOS pic.twitter.com/UBYMukJiwD

— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) March 29, 2015

Maxwell continues….

After 19 overs, New Zealand 62/3  (Taylor 17, Elliott 12)

These two are running well between the wickets. It’s a rare occasion with Taylor at the crease. Elliott steers it wide of third man for a couple and then he pushes one to mid off and they scamper through for a quick single. Just 3 runs off the Fualkner over.

After 18 overs, New Zealand 59/3  (Taylor 17, Elliott 9)

New Zealand did well to milk singles and rotate strike in that over. But Maxwell beat Elliott’s outside edge too. Taylor took a couple off a sweep to make it 5 runs from the over.

Maxwell is brought back into the attack….

After 17 overs, New Zealand 54/3  (Taylor 14, Elliott 7)

Just three singles off the Faulkner over. He didn’t get much movement in the air or off the pitch.

James Faulkner into the attack now.

After 16 overs, New Zealand 51/3  (Taylor 10, Elliott 4)

50 up for the Kiwis, something to cheer about. It’s not been a good start for them! Another good over from Hazlewood but good to see Taylor connecting one well as he flicks it through mid-wicket for three. Elliott is looking confident out in the middle and he takes a single to third man to make it 4 runs from the over.

Hazlewood continues…..

After 15 overs, New Zealand 47/3  (Taylor 10, Elliott 4)

Good contest between bat and ball. A couple of sharp bouncers from Johnson and Elliott sways away from the line. But he makes good connection on the full deliveries as he drives one through covers for three and then again off the last ball for a couple. 6 runs off the over.

After 14 overs, New Zealand 41/3  (Taylor 7, Elliott 1)

Clarke going for the kill. Brings back Hazlewood and he bowls a fantastic over. 5 good length deliveries and Taylor defends them cautiously but then the last one is full and swinging away. Taylor goes for a drive but is beaten by the away movement. Another maiden from Hazlewood.

After 13 overs, New Zealand 41/3  (Taylor 7, Elliott 1)

Johnson has bowled brilliantly so far and deserved the wicket of Williamson. Just 3 runs and a wicket off that over. New Zealand are in trouble and they need a big partnership now.

OUT! Johnson strikes now! K Williamson c & b Johnson 12 (33b 1×4 0x6), After 12.1 overs, New Zealand 39/3 (Taylor 5)

A big wicket for Australia. It’s a length delivery on middle and leg, nisp away and also holds on the surface. Williamson looks to turn it to the leg side but gets a leading edge back to Johnson who makes no mistake. This is a huge wicket for the Aussies and Williamson flops again! 

Grant Elliott is the new batsman.

After 12 overs, New Zealand 38/2  (Williamson 12, Taylor 5)

A successful over from Maxwell, he took the wicket of Guptill but then gave a friendly full toss to Ross Taylor who drove it through extra cover for a boundary. 5 runs and a wicket off the over.

OUT! Maxwell strikes straightaway! M Guptill b Maxwell 15 (34b 1×4 1×6), After 11.2 overs, New Zealand 33/2 (Williamson 12)

This was the last thing the Kiwis wanted! Gifting away a wicket to the fifth bowler. Length delivery on off, spins back in a tad. Guptill stays in his crease and plays a nothing shot, he misses it and finds his stumps shattered. Haddin is ecstatic and has a couple of words to say to Guptill. 

Ross Taylor is the new batsman.

Glenn Maxwell into the attack.

After 11 overs, New Zealand 33/1  (Guptill 15, Williamson 12)

A pretty good over from Johnson. The first one is a sharp bouncer, Williamson goes for a pull but is beaten by the pace. Johnson then beats him him with a couple of beautiful outswingers. Williamson then finally gets bat to ball as he drive it to cover for a single. Just two runs off the over.

WC Final 2011: Sri Lanka 31-1 after 10 overs

WC Final 2015: New Zealand 31-1 after 10 overs#CWC15Final

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) March 29, 2015

After 10 overs, New Zealand 31/1  (Guptill 14, Williamson 11)

Williamson slowly getting into the groove. He smacks the first ball straight back, Hazlewood does well to get a hand to it and make half a stop. The next one is full from Hazlewood, Williamson drives it through mid off for a boundary. Williamson then pulls one wide of fine leg for a couple. A single more makes it 7 runs from the over. The mandatory powerplay belongs to Australia.

After 9 overs, New Zealand 24/1  (Guptill 14, Williamson 4)

Johnson starts off in his trademark style. A bouncer on the body, Guptill looks to fend but gets hit on the body. The next five are dots as Johnson resorts to good length deliveries. A good start frm Johnson, just one run off it.

Starc has bowled 12 of his 21 victims in this WC. The 2nd most bowled victims in one WC is 9 by Wasim Akram in 1992. #bbccricket

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) March 29, 2015

Mitchell Johnson into the attack now.

After 8 overs, New Zealand 23/1  (Guptill 14, Williamson 4)

A very good over from Hazlewood. He’s done well to build pressure from one end. He bowls a maiden here. He too is ramping up good pace and bowls a ferocious bouncer and Williamson sways away from the line at the last moment.

Starc is a boy band version of Wahab, who is the sweaty, underground, four guitarists all doing solos band version of Starc.

— Ahmer Naqvi (@karachikhatmal) March 29, 2015

After 7 overs, New Zealand 23/1  (Guptill 14, Williamson 4)

Another cracking over from Starc. He bowls the first one wide but gets his lines right off the next six balls. He beats Guptill’s outside edge on the drive and then ends with a fiery bouncer which Guptill ducks under at the last moment. Just the one run off the over. The Kiwis would be looking to see off Starc as he’s bowling brilliantly so far.

After 6 overs, New Zealand 22/1  (Guptill 14, Williamson 4)

Williamson finally plays a confident shot as he flicks one behind square leg for a couple. A couple of more singles make it 4 runs from the over. Hazlewood is bowling in good channel and has been disciplined so far.

Hazlewood continues…..

Mitchell Starc has been just outstanding in this WC.He is bowling aggressive,swinging the ball& bowling the right length.V.Impressed.#CWC15

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 29, 2015

After 5 overs, New Zealand 18/1  (Guptill 13, Williamson 1)

Brilliant bowling from Starc. A fiery over. Starc is getting good movement. He beats Williamson’s outside edge off consecutive deliveries. Starc then bowls a sharp bouncer and Williamson ducks under it. The next one is full and swinging away, Williamson goes for a drive but gets an outside edge uppishly wide of backward point for a single to finally get off the mark off the 12th ball. Just one run off the over.

After 4 overs, New Zealand 17/1 (Guptill 13, Williamson 0)

Hazlewood bowls four good length balls, Guptill defends then cautiously. Hazlewood then bowls short, Guptill goes for a pull but gets a top edge over the keeper for a six. There was much said about the adaptation to the size of the MCG but Guptill has hit a top-edge six. 7 runs off the over.

LIVE 10/1 (2.4) | "21 wickets at 9.8 is terrific!" - Taylor as @mstarc56 is leading wicket taker. #AUSvNZ #CWC15 pic.twitter.com/eaor0kJSad

— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) March 29, 2015

After 3 overs, New Zealand 11/1 (Guptill 7, Williamson 0)

Guptill looking confident out in the middle and that’s the key for the Kiwis. There is a big LBW shout against him off the first ball off Starc but Guptill had got an inside edge and Australia rightly didn’t review it. Starc then bowled one full and Guptill cracked it through covers for a boundary. A single off the last ball makes it 5 runs from the over.

1, 1, 4, 7, 12, 12, 21: Opening partnerships against Australia in World Cup finals http://t.co/UtnAtKzGvY#CWC15 #AUSvNZ

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 29, 2015

After 2 overs, New Zealand 6/1 (Guptill 2, Williamson 0)

A very good over from Hazlewood. He got good away swing. But he fluffed his lines on a couple of occasions. Guptill took a single to fine leg and then Williamson missed hid flick with the ballon the pads. It ran away for leg byes. 5 runs off the over.

After 1 over, New Zealand 1/1 (Guptill 1, Williamson 0)

Terrific first over from Starc. He got some inswing going. Guptill left the first ball and then guided it to third man to get off the mark with a single. Starc beats McCullum’s inside edge with a terrific inswinger and the next ball, McCullum charges down the track, Starc follows him and beats him again. He then rattles McCullum’s stumps with a terrific yorker. Williamson faces the first ball and Starc drifts on the pads, Williamson misses hsi flick. The Umpire turns down an LBW appeal. Just one run and a wicket off the over.

Decent start: http://t.co/AnGAEEqFQ3 #cwc15 #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/P9CucpLy5C

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 29, 2015

OUT! Starc gets the BIG FISH! McCullum departs. BB McCullum b Starc 0 (3b 0x4 0x6). After 0.5 overs, New Zealand 1/1 (Guptill)

Starc beat McCullum off the first two balls he faced. He then bowled a brilliant yorker, it’s swinging in. McCullum looks to drive but misses and has his stumps rattled. He sets off in wild celebrations. What a start for Australia.

Kane Williamson is the new batsman.

Good toss 2 win for NZ.The way they have played in this WC I expect them 2 get a big score on the board and then can put pressure on Aus.

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 29, 2015

Right! The New Zealand openers – Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill have made their way out to the middle. Mitchell Starc will start off proceedings for Australia.

A lot of people love Clarke's and McCullum's 'attacking' captaincy, tho for me both get far too dogmatic to be called 'progressive'.

— Ahmer Naqvi (@karachikhatmal) March 29, 2015

Everyone wants to bat first untill they lose the toss and then the pitch becomes so good that it doesn't matter anymore. #AusvNz

— The Lying Lama 2.0 (@KyaUkhaadLega) March 29, 2015

The players have made their way out for the National Anthems.

Kumar Dharmasena - the first player to play in a World Cup final and umpire a World Cup final. #CWC15Final #AUSvNZ

— Nikhil Mane 🏏🇦🇺 (@nikhiltait) March 29, 2015

AUS XI: Finch, Warner, Smith, Clarke, Maxwell, Watson, Faulkner, Haddin, Johnson, Starc, Hazlewood

NZ XI: Guptill, McCullum, Williamson, Taylor, Anderson, Elliott, Ronchi, Vettori, Henry, Southee, Boult.

Kiwis to bat first, but those 6's won't come easy. Here's a comparison of Eden Park vs MCG pic.twitter.com/6OWEK8WPNW (v @st_hill)#BingPredicts

— Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) March 29, 2015

Advantage nz to have won the toss. More important for them than aussies

— Scyld Berry (@scyldberry) March 29, 2015

Teams batting 1st at the MCG in this World Cup have scored 300+ in each of the 4 games, and won by 90+ runs. http://t.co/MZmHkVal7q

— S Rajesh (@rajeshstats) March 29, 2015

TOSS – New Zealand have won the toss and ELECTED TO BAT.

World Cup final: Prodigal son Luke Ronchi returns to Australia with New Zealand – Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

 Ross Taylor has been dismissed three times by off-spinners in the tournament, more than any other player. He has also fallen once to leg-spin.

– 15 of Trent Boult’s 21 wickets in the tournament have been batsmen batting at numbers 1–4; this percentage of 71.4% is the highest of anyone taking at least 10 wickets.

– Michael Clarke (62.6) and Martin Guptill (61.1) have the respective third and sixth highest all-time World Cup averages, minimum 10 dismissals.

– Steve Smith’s last 12 ODI innings in Australia have produced 812 runs at an average of 81.2 and a strike rate of 96.4.

World Cup 2015 Final: It is Australia vs the World – Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

World Cup 2015: Here’s why Australia vs New Zealand final is too close to call – Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

– The Black Caps are attempting to record their 300th ODI victory. They have lost 339 and tied six.

– Shane Watson has scored 86 runs off the 85 balls Tim Southee has bowled to him in ODIs, without being dismissed.

– Brendon McCullum has scored 308 of his 329 tournament runs in the mandatory power play, hitting 59 boundaries in the 150 balls he has faced.

Here are some STATS AND FACTS. 

– New Zealand have reached their first World Cup final –- they are the seventh different team to make a final appearance.

– Australia are four-time champions winning the World Cup in 1987, 1999, 2003 and 2007.

– Australia have lost the toss in six of their last seven completed ODIs against New Zealand on home soil, but have won five of these seven meetings.

Australia, New Zealand set for grand World Cup finale at MCG – Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

Australia, the top-ranked side in one-day cricket bidding for a fifth title, will be considered favourites on home turf at the MCG where New Zealand last played a one-dayer in 2009.

Australian captain Michael Clarke said the Black Caps may struggle to adjust to conditions at the MCG after playing all their eight matches so far on their own grounds across the Tasman Sea.

Brendon McCullum’s men go into their first title clash in cricket’s 50-overs-a-side showpiece as the only unbeaten team in the tournament, having won eight games in a row.

One of those wins was against Australia in a low-scoring pool stage thriller in Auckland on February 28 when a Kane Williamson six off Pat Cummins helped them surpass a modest target of 152 with one wicket standing.

It’s the BIG one! The grand finale – Australia vs New Zealand in the World Cup final. Match starts at 9 am IST. Follow this space for live scores and updates.