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    Australia Pulverizes New Zealand to Bag World Cup 2015 Trophy

    Australia Pulverizes New Zealand to Bag World Cup 2015 Trophy

    Written by: Mirza Salam Ahmed
    Posted on: March 30, 2015 |

    Michael Clarke shows off the World Cup trophy to fans at Federation Square, Melbourne

    As captains of the two hosting nations, Australia and New Zealand, stepped onto Melbourne Cricket Ground for the toss of the ICC World Cup 2015 final, no one could claim that these two teams didn’t deserves a berth in the finale. Despite being the underdogs, Brendon McCullum’s side smashed through all opposition unbeaten to reach the final. On the other hand, Michael Clarke and Co. were no less impressive. The Aussies had been clinical and delivered results on all fronts.

    With high expectations from both sides, what ensued after the toss was unexpectedly lacklustre, and certainly not up to the standards of a World Cup final. New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first. The 93,000 strong crowd welcomed the openers onto the pitch, but their stay was cut short following magical spells from Australian bowlers Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson.

    Australia Pulverizes New Zealand to Bag World Cup 2015 Trophy

    The moment - Steven Smith and Shane Watson take off after the winning runs

    The aggressive skipper McCullum was the first to go, leaving his team standing at a measly 31-1 in 10 overs. Considering that the Black Caps had managed to set an average of 77 runs for the first 10 overs during the World Cup, it came as a shock how they were faltering. Things were no better at the 20-over mark, with the score reaching 66-3, and in-form Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson joining the skipper in the bleachers.

    Clearly, Australia had come out with a plan. They weren’t giving the aggressive New Zealand batsmen room to swing the bat. By the time Ross Taylor and Grant Elliot were on the pitch, the Kangaroos had the Kiwis in a corner. Nonetheless, the two batsmen managed to stabilize the situation by building a partnership of over a 100 runs, but as soon as Taylor fell, the rest of the batting line-up crumbled like falling dominoes. With the final score standing at 183, Elliot was the man of the hour for New Zealand once again, thanks to his 83 runs from 82 balls.

    Australia Pulverizes New Zealand to Bag World Cup 2015 Trophy

    Dejected New Zealand players look on during the presentation ceremony

    A lot rested on the shoulders of New Zealand bowlers, Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Daniel Vettori. Australia came out hitting hard, clearly in a hurry to end their wait to lift the crown. Their lack of patience resulted in Aaron Finch’s early dismissal, but David Warner compensated well for that. Steve Smith steered the Aussies into direction with his 50. After Warner’s dismissal, Clarke stepped onto the pitch and delivered a fine captain’s innings, scoring 74 runs of 72 balls. Upon his dismissal, the crowd gave him a much-deserved standing ovation, as it was the last ODI innings of his prolific career. Clearly, the captain had delivered once again for his country.

    Australia managed to acquire their target in 33.1 overs, with seven wickets remaining. Meanwhile, New Zealand mourned over their poor performance, but looked optimistic about their future. Still, as they return home, the memory of coming so close to the Cup and then losing it in such a mortifying way will haunt them for some time. On the other hand, hot-favourites from the start, Australia have lifted their 5th World Cup title, proving that their reign on the cricket field has not ended yet.

     

    All images taken from www.espncricinfo.com


    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.

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    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
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    January 2021