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    Host nations locking horns - Aussies to learn from history, New Zealand in hunt for glory

    Prediction of ICC World Cup Final Match: Australia vs New Zealand

    Written by: Mirza Salam Ahmed
    Posted on: March 28, 2015 |

    ICC World Cup Final - Australia vs New Zealand

    As we draw the last breaths before the big finale, we take a look back at all the drama leading up to a potentially dramatic final between the two hosting nations of the ICC 2015 World Cup: Australia and New Zealand. Overall, the World Cup has had rather predictable results, close to most realistic appraisals. But there have been performances by some players that, while they may not have led to the final prize, have won the hearts of many.

    Sri Lanka, for example, was bold and brilliant. Their veteran batsmen dismantled all kinds of bowling attacks throughout the tournament, but they finally ran out of luck against South Africa in the quarterfinals. On the other hand, the Proteas were one of the teams that were tipped to make a surprise entry in the World Cup final, but the ‘chokers’ lost to the dark horses, New Zealand, in the last-minutes of an exhilarating semi-final.

    India, the defending champions, looked destined to enter the final. While they impressed in the bowling department, their strong batting line-up failed to deliver when they were needed the most. Their arch-rivals, Pakistan, have a very different story to tell. They entered the tournament with the dream of replicating their glorious trophy run of 1992, but the dream turned into a nightmare. Apart, from a few members of the Shaheens there were no high-flyers in the club.

    Prediction of ICC World Cup Final Match: Australia vs New Zealand

    The West Indies have a similar tale to tell. Their team solely depended upon the batting power of Chris Gayle, and the man delivered like a furious hurricane throughout the tournament. However, the one-many finally faltered as the burden was too much for one man to lift alone. England, a well-reputed name in the echelons of cricket were abysmal throughout the tournament. Sadly, for them they had neither one-man shows nor unity in a team that barely bared fangs or claws in any encounter. As a matter of fact, teams like Ireland, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan made a better impact in the World Cup than the English did.

    As predicted at the start of the tournament, the mighty Australian team has reached the World Cup final once more, and is facing off against New Zealand, a team that has impressed fans far beyond their wildest expectations.

    Australia has dominated on all fronts throughout the tournament; taking advantage of the bouncy pitches their fast bowlers have demolished batting line-ups and their batsmen have benefitted from the short boundaries. With the likes of Mitchel Star and Mitchel Johnson leading the pace attack and Steve Smith, Glen Maxwell and Shane Watson spearheading the batting, the Aussies are probably the strongest team in the world right now. However, the Kangaroos do need to look before they leap. They have shown weaknesses in this tournament, and against none other than New Zealand.

    Prediction of ICC World Cup Final Match: Australia vs New Zealand

    The underdogs have proven they have an impressive arsenal of attack in all departments. Above all, it’s the aggressive psychology of their skipper Brendon McCullum that has brought them this far in the World Cup. However, the limelight cannot be stolen away from his men. Tim Southee and Trent Boult have been magical with the ball in their hands. Meanwhile, Martin Guptill, McCullum, Ken Williamson and Grant Elliot have left on-lookers with their jaws agape many a times throughout the tournament.

    These men will be the key once more in the final, although Australia will have learnt from their past mistakes and will show more resilience and prudence in the second encounter. The game could take a slow turn, but after seeing what the dark horses have done thus far, it will turn interesting towards the end. My Prediction – Australia to lift the trophy once more!


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021