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Australia
Australia celebrate after they defeated New Zealand during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final at MCG. [Getty]

What an end to the 2015 ICC World Cup. Tw0 co-hosts in the final and Australia went on to win it in front of their home fans. This has been one of the most entertaining World Cup ever. Hope you have enjoyed our live blog throughout the tournament. Thank you for joining us and we will say Good Bye for the last time. See you in England for the 2019 ICC World Cup.

Read IBTimes UK's match report between Australia and New Zealand by clicking here.

Australia celebrate after they defeated New Zealand during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final at MCG.

Australia
Australia celebrate after they defeated New Zealand during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final at MCG. [Getty]

Michael Clarke

"Over the moon, what a tournament, Brendon and NZ deserve a lot of credit, always a tough team to beat, whenever we play them in any sport - so well done to Baz 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. Said we were ready mentally and we managed to get it all together physically.

"[No23 shirt?] Might give it back to Warney... Haven't given it much though, time is right to walk away from one-day criclket, I'll still be playing Test cricket. [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. 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."

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum

"It's been one hell of a ride for us, right the way through, we played some outstanding cricket. We ran into an outstanding team in Australia, they continue to set the standard. Michael Clarke bows out on a high note, they deserved to win.

"Probably unfolded not as planned, but we got ourselves back in the game at 3 for 150. With 180, you still dare to dream could have ended up differently with a couple of things going our way.

"This is what you ask for as a cricketer, we've had the opportunity. We've forged memories and friendships that will last forever. Didn't lift the trophy but no regrets, the brand of cricket we've played and we walk away with our heads held high.

"It's the greatest time of our lives and that's how we tried to play the game, with a free spirit and heart. Still think we can be very proud of our achievements in this tournament."

Mitchell Starc was Man of the tournament of this 2015 ICC World Cup

Amazing tournament, some outstanding performances but to cap it off. NZ 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.

Little lucky, it was a plan Craig and I had but 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. Going to enjoy this one now.

James Faulkner on his Man of the Match performance

Pretty amazing feeling, in front of 90,000 at the MCG. We've had an amazing journey the last couple of years. The skipper tosses you the ball and it works out like that sometimes. I thought I might not be here today, so this is an amazing feeling.

Australia bowler Mitchell Starc is named Man of the Series for picking 22 wickets.

James Faulkner is named Man of the Match for his bowling figures of 3/36.

Michael Clarke acknowledges the crowd after he was dismissed during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and New Zealand at MCG.

Michael Clarke
[Getty]

Back the Black Caps

Australia's Mitchell Starc and New Zealand's Trent Boult finished as the joint top wicket takers in this World Cup, with 22 wickets.

New Zealand were exceptional throughout the World Cup, but were short in the finals.

The celebration has already started at MCG

The winning moment

Australia are the new World Champions after defeating New Zealand in the final at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Over 34: Australia 186 for 3: Shane Watson 2 (5), Steven Smith 56 (71)

Henry continues and FOUR, Smith flicks it to behind square for a boundary off the first ball. Australia win the tie and they are the new World Champions.

Over 33: Australia 182 for 3: Shane Watson 2 (5), Steven Smith 52 (70)

Southee continues and Watson starts the over with two dot balls. A quick single off the next ball and despite the direct hit, he was already safe. A dot ball from Smith is follwoed by one more Yorker. A single off the last ball and Smith retains the strike.

Over 32: Australia 180 for 3: Shane Watson 1 (2), Steven Smith 51 (67)

Henry replaces Boult and strikes off the first ball. OUT, a short delivery and takes a thick inside edge off Clarke's bat. He gets a standing ovation from the crowd and there is a huge appreciation from the crowd.

Shane Watson replaces his skipper and takes a single to square leg off the second ball. Smith finds the gap on the leg side and gets two runs, which helps him move on to 49. He then takes a double off the next ball, which brings SMITH's 50. Smith to face the last ball and tucks it back down to end the over.

WICKET...!!! Michael Clarke 74 (72) b Henry

Over 31: Australia 174 for 2: Michael Clarke 74 (71), Steven Smith 47 (64)

Southee continues and FOUR, Clarke smashes it over long on boundary off the first ball. FOUR, a wide delivery and Clarke slashes it through deep cover for a boundary. FOUR, third consecutive boundary from Clarke and this time it is towards backward point.

FOUR, Clarke smashes it over point and that's fourth consecutive boundary off this over. A short ball and it he pulls it to fine leg for a single. A dot ball from Smith to end the over.

Over 30: Australia 157 for 2: Michael Clarke 57 (66), Steven Smith 47 (63)

Boult continues to bowl and is in search of a wicket. He starts with a dot ball, followed by a single from Smith. FOUR, low full toss and Clarke punches it away towards extra cover boundary. Single off the fifth ball, is followed by a dot ball from Smith.

Over 29: Australia 151 for 2: Michael Clarke 52 (63), Steven Smith 46 (60)

Tim Southee is brought back into the attack. Smith finds the gap through point and gets a double off the first ball. FOUR, a thick outside edge and the ball races to the boundary towards third man. AN inside edge helps Smith takes another double.

A dot ball and he flicks a full toss to square leg for one. Clarke smashes it over mid off and gets a double off the last ball. That brings AUSTRALIA's 150.

Over 28: Australia 140 for 2: Michael Clarke 50 (62), Steven Smith 37 (55)

Boult continues and starts with a dot ball to Smith, who then takes a single. Four more dot balls from Clarke to end the over.

Over 27: Australia 139 for 2: Michael Clarke 50 (58), Steven Smith 36 (53)

Vettori continues and Smith takes a single off the first ball. He then flicks it to the leg side and gets a double, which takes him to 49. A single off the next ball and that brings CLARKE's 50. A single off the next ball is followed by two dot balls to end the over.

Over 26: Australia 134 for 2: Michael Clarke 47 (54), Steven Smith 34 (51)

Boult is brought back into the attack, hoping that he produces a magical spell now. No run from first three deliveries. Two more dot balls and FOUR, Clarke smashes it over the bowler's head for a boundary off the last ball.

Over 25: Australia 130 for 2: Michael Clarke 42 (48), Steven Smith 34 (51)

Vettori replaces Henry and starts with two singles off the first two balls. Smith flicks it to square leg and a quick running between the wickets help him take two runs. SIX, mid-off was up and Clarke hits with the turn into the stands and gets maximum. Ends the over with a single.

Over 24: Australia 119 for 2: Michael Clarke 33 (43), Steven Smith 33 (50)

Corey Anderson is introduced into the attack and he starts with a wide off the first ball, followed by a single from Smith. Clarke puts it to deep extra cover and gets three runs and then a double from Smith towards behind point. He ends the over with a dot ball.

Over 23: Australia 112 for 2: Michael Clarke 30 (42), Steven Smith 30 (45)

Henry continues and Smith takes a single off the first ball. Clarke then takes three run following a cover driver. A single from Smith is followed by two dot balls from Clarke. FOUR, Clarke ends the over by smashing over long on for a boundary.

Over 22: Australia 103 for 2: Michael Clarke 23 (38), Steven Smith 28 (43)

Vettori continues and starts his over with a dot ball. Smith then takes a single to backward point. Smith lofts it over mid on and falls ahead of ling on and takes a single. Smith places it to long on and takes one more single, followed by two dot balls.

Over 21: Australia 100 for 2: Michael Clarke 22 (35), Steven Smith 26 (40)

Henry continues from the other. After two dot balls, Clarke takes a single. A dot ball is followed by a single from Smith to fine leg. That brings AUSTRALIA's 100. One more dot ball to end the over.

Over 20: Australia 98 for 2: Michael Clarke 21 (31), Steven Smith 25 (38)

Vettori is brought back into the attack. Two singles off the first two balls, followed by a single off the last ball at the end off the over.

Over 19: Australia 95 for 2: Michael Clarke 19 (26), Steven Smith 24 (37)

Smith's cover drive helps him get three runs off the first ball. FOUR, Clarke plays the ramp shot and clears the slip and gets a boundary. FOUR, third man is inside the circle and Clarke beats the gull and the ball races to the boundary. Clarke takes a single off the last ball.

Over 18: Australia 83 for 2: Michael Clarke 10 (21), Steven Smith 21 (36)

A dot ball off the first ball from Southee's over is followed by a single to square leg. A dot ball off the third ball. FOUR, Clarke smashes it over third man for a boundary and one more dot ball. A couple off the last ball to Clarke. 7 runs from it.

Over 17: Australia 76 for 2: Michael Clarke 4 (17), Steven Smith 20 (34)

Henry continues to attack from the other end. One run off the first ball from Smith. A dot ball is followed by a wide and one more dot ball. Three more dot balls to end the over.

Over 16: Australia 74 for 2: Michael Clarke 4 (12), Steven Smith 19 (33)

Southee replaces Boult and Smith starts with a single off the first ball. Two wide balls is followed by a single from Clarke. Dot ball from Smith and he ends the over with a single to third man.

Over 15: Australia 69 for 2: Michael Clarke 3 (10), Steven Smith 17 (29)

Matt Henry continues and Smith taps the ball and hits the stumps. Luckily for Smith, the bails doesn't fall. One more dot ball is followed by a single from Smith. Three dot balls from Clarke and that is the end of the over.

Over 14: Australia 68 for 2: Michael Clarke 3 (7), Steven Smith 16 (26)

Boult continues and starts his new over with a dot ball. Smith then takes a single and brings Clarke is on strike. A dot ball is followed by three runs from Clarke. It goes in between the fielders and Clarke narrowly escapes and also gets off the mark. A single from Smith is followed by a dot ball to end the over.

Over 13: Australia 63 for 2: Michael Clarke 0 (4), Steven Smith 14 (23)

Henry in his third over and starts with a short delivery. FOUR, Warner pulls it to deep square leg boundary. OUT, Warner pulls it to square leg and Elliott takes a comfortable catch.

Michael Clarke is the new man in the middle to replace Warner. Starts with a dot ball and also ends with a dot ball.

WICKET...!!! David Warner 45 (46) c Elliott b Henry

Over 12: Australia 59 for 1: David Warner 41 (44), Steven Smith 14 (23)

Boult continues his sixth over. Starts with two dot balls, followed by one more dot ball off an inside edge. Boult's quicker delivery hits Warner's back pad and umpire is not interested in the appeal. Warner takes a quick single off the fifth ball. Smith ends the over with a dot ball.

Over 11: Australia 58 for 1: David Warner 40 (39), Steven Smith 12 (22)

Henry continues his second over. Smith and Warner takes two quick singles as only two runs come from this over.

End of mandatory Powerplay. Australia 56/1 after 10 overs.

Over 10: Australia 56 for 1: David Warner 39 (36), Steven Smith 12 (19)

Last over of the mandatory Powerplay. Boult is bowling his fifth over and Smith is on strike. Smith flicks it to third man and gets a single, which brings AUSTRALIA's 50. FOUR, a short ball and Warner flicks it through extra cover boundary.

Ball hits Warner's pads and it is missing leg stump. Umpire not interested in the appeal. He then places it to square of third man and gets a couple.

Over 9: Australia 49 for 1: David Warner 33 (32), Steven Smith 12 (17)

Matt Henry replaces Vettori and starts with a short delivery. FOUR, Warner pulls it to long leg and it just lands away from the fielder at fine leg, who was running to make an attempt. Five more dot balls to end the over.

Over 8: Australia 45 for 1: David Warner 29 (26), Steven Smith 12 (17)

Boult continues from the other end and starts with two slips for Smith. Two dot balls is followed by a double towards extra cover and a quick single. Warner has three slips in place and takes a single, followed by a dot ball from Smith to end the over.

Over 7: Australia 41 for 1: David Warner 28 (24), Steven Smith 9 (13)

Vettori is the new man introduced into the bowling attack as he has a slip and a leg slip in place for Smith. Two dot balls is followed by a cut towards backward point, gets three runs. Same field placing for Warner and he starts with a dot ball. Two more dot balls to end the over.

Over 6: Australia 38 for 1: David Warner 28 (21), Steven Smith 6 (10)

Boult starts his new over with two dot balls to Smith, followed by two more dot balls. FOUR, a short ball and Smith pulls it to square leg boundary and ends the over with a single.

Over 5: Australia 33 for 1: David Warner 28 (21), Steven Smith 1 (4)

Southee in his third over. FOUR, Warner plays a cover driver off the first ball, FOUR, followed by another boundary. Warner smashes it to long on boundary. FOUR, edged and beats first slip and races to the boundary. Had there be second slip in place, Warner would have been caught in the slips. It is followed by a single.

Smith is on strike and has three slips in place. Southee starts with a wide. He gets off the mark with a single off the last ball.

Over 4: Australia 18 for 1: David Warner 15 (17), Steven Smith 0 (2)

Boult continues and has four slips in place for Warner. Bowls on the leg stump and he flicks it and gets a double off the first ball. FOUR, outside off and a cover drive results in an easy boundary. Two more dot balls is followed by three runs off the leg bye off the last ball.

Over 3: Australia 9 for 1: David Warner 9 (11), Steven Smith 0 (2)

Southee continues his second over and starts with a dot ball. Warner finds the gap between point and cover, gets a double. He then flicks it away to long leg and gets a couple, followed by another couple down the ground. A dot ball is followed by a quick single at the end.

Over 2: Australia 2 for 1: David Warner 2 (5), Steven Smith 0 (2)

Trent Boult will take the other new ball and will partner Southee from the other end. He has three slips in place. A swing and a miss off the first ball, followed by one more similar delivery, only to be a bit wide than the first one. Warner gets off the strike with a single off the next ball.

There are only two slips for Finch. OUT, thick inside edge hits his legs and results in a simple catch to Boult to end Finch's time in the middle. Steven Smith is the new man in the middle. Smith has two slips in place and starts with a dot ball. Smith does not find the gap and it is the end of the over.

WICKET...!!! Aaron Finch 0 (5) c&b Boult

Over 1: Australia 1 for 0: David Warner 1 (2), Aaron Finch 0 (4)

David Warner and Aaron Finch will lead Australia's run chase, while Tim Southee opens New Zealand's bowling attack. He has three slips in place. After a dot ball, Warner gets off the mark with a single to fine leg. Four dot balls from Finch for the remaining four balls.

The last innings of the 2015 ICC World Cup as David Warner and Aaron Finch walk to the middle.

New Zealand's official Twitter account retweeted this

Mitchell Starc is the leading wicket taker of the 2015 ICC World Cup with 22 wickets, one ahead of New Zealand's Trent Boult.

Martin Guptill is the 2015 ICC World Cup's leading run scorer with 547 runs, six runs ahead of Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara. He will end the tournament as the top scorer.

New Zealand were 150/3 after 35 overs and ended with 183 all out in 45 overs.

Australia need 184 runs to win the 2015 ICC World Cup final.

Over 45: New Zealand 183 for 10: Trent Boult 0 (1)

Johnson continues and after two dot ball, it is followed by a single. OUT, slow full toss from Johnson and Henry gives a simple catch to Starc at cover and he is the latest man to be dismissed even before he could open his account. Trent Boult will face the last ball off the over. A wide on the leg side from Johnson.

OUT, Henry taps it to short leg and Maxwell throws it at the non strikers ends. Hits the stumps and umpire refers it upstairs. Replay shows he was just short and that is the end of New Zealand's innings.

WICKET...!!! Tim Southee 11 (11) run out

WICKET...!!! Matt Henry 0 (7) c Starc b Johnson

James Faulkner celebrates after taking the wicket of Corey Anderson during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final.

James Faulkner
[Getty]

Over 44: New Zealand 181 for 8: Tim Southee 10 (8), Matt Henry 0 (5)

Faulkner continues and starts with three dot balls to Southee. One more dot ball and he then clears the fielder on the off side, who were inside the circle and gets three runs. A dot ball to end the over.

Over 43: New Zealand 178 for 8: Tim Southee 7 (3), Matt Henry 0 (4)

Johnson continues and he has a slip in place for Southee. SIX, a slower delivery and Southee smashes it over long on for a six. A dot ball is followed by a single to long on. A swing and a miss off the fourth ball, followed by a dot ball. One more dot ball to end the over. 7 runs from it.

Over 42: New Zealand 171 for 8: Tim Southee 0 (0), Matt Henry 0 (1)

Tim Southee is the new man in the middle and he is at the non strikers end. Faulkner continues and FOUR, Elliott pulls it over midwicket for a boundary off the first ball. Three more dot balls. OUT, A slower delivery from Faulkner and it takes an edge, before going to Haddin. He makes no mistake to get his hands on it.

Matt Henry is the new man in the middle and New Zealand have two new players in the middle. He ends the over with a dot ball. 4 runs and a wicket from it.

WICKET...!!! Grant Elliott 83 (82) c Haddin b Faulkner

Over 41: New Zealand 167 for 7: Grant Elliott 79 (77)

Johnson replaces Faulkner and Vettori is on strike. A swing and a miss off the first ball and then brings a slip for the next one. He takes a quick single. A slower delivery from Johnson and Elliott opens the face off the bat. Sends it to first slip. He then takes a single. OUT, a full length delivery and beats Vettori to hit the leg stumps.

WICKET...!!! Daniel Vettori 9 (21) b Johnson

New Zealand during batting Powerplay

Overs: 5

Runs: 15

Wickets lost: 3

Over 40: New Zealand 165 for 6: Daniel Vettori 8 (18), Grant Elliott 78 (74)

Faulkner continues and Elliott is on strike. He hits his pads and appeals. Umpire says not out and Australia decide to take the review and the replay shows the ball was clipping the bails. Umpire's calls stays and Elliott continues. FOUR, He finds the gap as third man is inside the circle. Beats him and gets a boundary, followed by a single to long off. A single off the last ball from Vettori.

Over 39: New Zealand 159 for 6: Daniel Vettori 7 (15), Grant Elliott 73 (71)

Starc continues and starts with a slip for Vettori. A full toss off the first ball and no run taken, followed by a double off the second ball. Four more dot balls to end the over. 2 runs from it.

Over 38: New Zealand 157 for 6: Daniel Vettori 5 (9), Grant Elliott 73 (71)

Faulkner continues to Elliott and he takes a single off the leg bye from the first ball, followed by two dot balls. FOUR, Vettori times it really well and the punches it straight down the ground for a boundary. He gets off the mark. Ends the over with a single to long leg.

Over 37: New Zealand 151 for 6: Daniel Vettori 0 (4), Grant Elliott 73 (70)

Starc is brought back into the attack and has a slip in place. Ronchi calls for a quick single after Elliott taps the first ball. A direct hit would have ended Elliott's time in the middle as he was yards away from the stumps.

OUT, Starc bowls a good length delivery and Ronchi looks to play the drive. In the process it takes the edge and goes to first slip, straight into Clarke's hands. He will not put those catches down. Daniel Vettori is the new man and he has a slip and a leg slip in place. Starts with three dot balls and ends the over with a short pitch delivery. One run and a wicket from the over.

WICKET...!!! Luke Ronchi 0 (4) c Clarke b Starc

Over 36: New Zealand 150 for 5: Luke Ronchi 0 (3), Grant Elliott 72 (69)

New Zealand take BATTING POWERPLAY. James Faulkner is brought back into the attack and Taylor is on strike. OUT, a slower ball which came back off the hand. A full length delivery pitches outside off stump and takes an edge and Haddin takes a catch. Umpires are not sure and refer upstairs. Replay rules out bump ball and Haddin had taken the catch really well. Australia finally have a breakthrough.

Corey Anderson is the new man in the middle and starts with a dot ball. OUT, this time Faulkner bowls a quicker delivery and Anderson looks to defend it. A slow movement from him results in him missing the ball, before hitting the stumps. Faulkner is turning things around now.

Luke Ronchi replaces Anderson in the middle. Starts with two dot balls. An attacking field is set up and also a slip is brought in place. Ends the over with a dot ball. Two wickets and a maiden off the first over of batting powerplay.

WICKET...!!! Corey Anderson 0 (2) b Faulkner

WICKET...!!! Ross Taylor 40 (72) c Haddin b Faulkner

Over 35: New Zealand 150 for 3: Ross Taylor 40 (71), Grant Elliott 72 (69)

Shane Watson continues and starts with a wide on the leg side. Taylor taps and wanted a quick single, only to realise there was no run there. Sends back Elliott and there was a chance of a run out. The throw misses the stumps.

Taylor then pulls it fine leg and gets a double, followed by a dot ball. Gets a single this time to mid on. FOUR, Elliott opens the face off the bat and plays a late cut, which goes past Haddin and races to the boundary.

Over 34: New Zealand 142 for 3: Ross Taylor 37 (67), Grant Elliott 68 (67)

Josh Hazlewood is brought back into the attack after the drinks break. FOUR, just leans backwards and opens the bat to send the ball to fine off third man for a boundary. A single is from Elliott is followed by one more single form Taylor.

Another short ball and Elliott gives it to third man for a single. A dot ball is followed by a quick single off the last ball from Taylor. 8 runs from the over.

Over 33: New Zealand 134 for 3: Ross Taylor 35 (64), Grant Elliott 62 (64)

Watson replaces Johnson and starts the over with four dot balls, followed by two singles off the last two balls. 2 runs from the over.

Over 32: New Zealand 132 for 3: Ross Taylor 34 (59), Grant Elliott 61 (63)

Maxwell continues and Elliott chips it over cover and gets two runs, followed by a single to short third man. A dot ball is followed by two singles and Maxwell ends the over with one more single to long on.

Over 31: New Zealand 126 for 3: Ross Taylor 32 (56), Grant Elliott 57 (60)

Johnson continues and Elliott pulls a short pitch delivery to square leg for a single. Another easy single from Taylor to short off square leg. Elliott opens the face of the bat and he flicks it third man for a single. Taylor leaves the next ball, followed by a single to third man. A single to deep cover off the last ball.

Co-incidence

Over 30: New Zealand 121 for 3: Ross Taylor 30 (53), Grant Elliott 54 (57)

Maxwell continues and starts the over with a dot ball. He then places it slowly on the leg side and good running between the wickets help him get a double. A dot ball is followed by a single to mid off. Two dot balls to end the over. 3 runs from it.

Over 29: New Zealand 118 for 3: Ross Taylor 30 (51), Grant Elliott 51 (53)

Johnson replaces Watson and Elliott has a slip in place. Starts the over with a single off the leg bye. A slip in place for Taylor and it he taps the second ball. One more dot ball is followed by one more dot ball. A single to third man off the fifth ball, followed by one more single to third man.

Over 28: New Zealand 115 for 3: Ross Taylor 29 (47), Grant Elliott 50 (51)

Maxwellc continues and Taylor takes a single off the first ball, followed by one more quick single from Elliott. Taylor places it very well to long on and gets an easy single and Elliott does exactly the same, which helps him move on to 49. A wide down the leg side is followed by a single to long off. Elliott lofts it over mid off and the ball lands safely, gets a single. That brings ELLIOTT's 50.

Over 27: New Zealand 108 for 3: Ross Taylor 26 (44), Grant Elliott 47 (48)

Shane Watson continues and starts the over with a dot ball. Elliott then takes a single, which brings NEW ZEALAND's 100. FOUR, edged outside off stump and the ball races to the boundary. A short pitch delivery and it is called a wide, followed by a single from Taylor to third man. Elliott then places it to fine off third man and gets a double off the last ball.

Over 26: New Zealand 99 for 3: Ross Taylor 21 (41), Grant Elliott 44 (45)

Faulkner continues and Taylor takes a single off the first ball. A dot ball is followed by a FOUR. Elliott's straight beautiful cover drive ends up at the boundary in no time. A dot ball is followed by a single from Elliott.

Over 25: New Zealand 93 for 3: Ross Taylor 20 (39), Grant Elliott 39 (42)

Shane Watson replaces Starc and starts with three dot balls to Elliott. He then slices it to backward point and a brilliant fielding helps Australia save two runs. He then slices it over point and once again gets a double off the last ball.

Over 24: New Zealand 89 for 3: Ross Taylor 20 (39), Grant Elliott 35 (35)

Faulkner replaces Maxwell and starts his new over with a dot ball. Taylor then gets off the strike with a quick single. FOUR, Elliott's beautiful controlled shot to deep extra cover boundary helps him get four runs, followed by a single to third man. That brings 50 runs partnership.

Take a look at what happened when Elliott reviewed after he was given out by the umpire.

Over 23: New Zealand 83 for 3: Ross Taylor 19 (36), Grant Elliott 30 (32)

Starc continues and Elliott has one slip in place. Starts the over with a dot ball. Inside edge off the second ball and Haddin makes a brilliant stop to restrict a boundary, followed by a dot ball.

SIX, Elliott pulls it and it takes a top edge, ball races to the stands towards fine leg. Two more dot ball to end the over. 6 runs from it.

Over 22: New Zealand 77 for 3: Ross Taylor 19 (36), Grant Elliott 24 (26)

Maxwell continues and Elliott is on strike. FOUR, Elliott cuts it past point for a boundary off the first ball, followed by a single. Two more dot balls is followed by two more singles to end the over. 7 runs from it.

Over 21: New Zealand 70 for 3: Ross Taylor 18 (33), Grant Elliott 18 (23)

Clarke brings Starc back into the attack and a dot ball is followed by a single from Taylor off the leg bye. Two dot balls from Elliott is followed by three runs off a cover drive.

Over 20: New Zealand 66 for 3: Ross Taylor 18 (30), Grant Elliott 15 (20)

Elliott reverse lap sweep off the first ball from Maxwell's new over helps him get a double, followed by a dot ball. He then takes an easy single. Taylor flicks it to fine leg and takes a single. OUT, Maxwell hits the pads and Australian players appeal. Umpire gives him out and Elliott decides to review the decision. The review shows the ball was missing the stumps and Elliott stays.

Over 19: New Zealand 62 for 3: Ross Taylor 17 (30), Grant Elliott 12 (16)

Faulkner continues starts the over with a dot ball. Elliott then slices it to backward point and good running between the wickets helps him get a double, followed by a quick single. Two dot balls from Taylor to end the over.

Over 18: New Zealand 59 for 3: Ross Taylor 17 (25), Grant Elliott 9 (13)

Maxwell is brought back into the attack and Elliott takes a single off the first ball. A full toss from Maxwell and he sweeps it for a double. A dot ball is followed by a single to long on. A dot ball from Elliott and Maxwell ends the over with an easy single.

Over 17: New Zealand 54 for 3: Ross Taylor 14 (22), Grant Elliott 7 (10)

A change in bowling attack after the drinks break as James Faulkner is the new man introduced into the attack. One of the strike bowlers for Australia and he is brought into the attack in the 17th over. That shows the depth in their bowling division. Three singles off the first four balls, followed by two dot balls from Taylor to end the over.

Mitchell Johnson of Australia celebrates with team mates after dismissing Kane Williamson of New Zealand.

Australia
[Getty]

Over 16: New Zealand 51 for 3: Ross Taylor 13 (18), Grant Elliott 5 (8)

Hazlewood in his seventh over and Taylor is on strike. Two dot balls is followed by a flick on the leg side from Taylor and gets three runs. That brings NEW ZEALAND's 50. Elliott plays it down to third man and gets a single. Two dot balls to end the over and it's time for the Drinks break.

Over 15: New Zealand 47 for 3: Ross Taylor 10 (13), Grant Elliott 4 (7)

Johnson continues to attack ad starts his new over with a quick short pitch delivery to Elliott. He has two slips in place and starts with two dot balls, followed by a single. A very good cover drive from Taylor and it goes to deep extra cover and he gets three runs. A couple on the off side from Elliott to end the over.

Over 14: New Zealand 41 for 3: Ross Taylor 7 (12), Grant Elliott 1 (2)

Hazlewood is brought back into the attack. No run off the first five balls, a swing and miss off the last ball to end the over. Second maiden over for Hazlewood.

Over 13: New Zealand 41 for 3: Ross Taylor 7 (6), Grant Elliott 1 (2)

Johnson continues and he has two slips in place for Taylor. He flicks it to fine leg and gets a single off the first ball. OUT, slower delivery and Williamson gives it back straight to Johnson's hands. That was one of the soft dismissals I have seen in this World Cup.

Grant Elliott is the new man in the middle and has two slips and a short leg in place. Gets off the mark with a single to third ball. One single from Taylor off the fifth ball.

WICKET...!!! Kane Williamson 12 (33) c&b Johnson

Over 12: New Zealand 38 for 2: Ross Taylor 5 (3), Kane Williamson 12 (32)

Change in bowling attack as spin is introduced. Glen Maxwell will bowl his first ball to Guptill and he gives it straight to the fielder at cover. OUT, Guptill moves away from the stump and he misses the shot, only for the ball to hit the stumps. What a way to get out.

Ross Taylor is the new man in the middle and has a slip in place. FOUR, gets off the mark with a boundary past cover and then takes a single off the third ball. Williamson ends the over with a dot ball.

WICKET...!!! Martin Guptill 15 (34) b Maxwell

Over 11: New Zealand 33 for 1: Martin Guptill 15 (32), Kane Williamson 12 (31)

Johnson continues his second over. Williamson is struggling and has not taken a run off the first four ball. He then places it on the off side and gets a single, followed by one more run from Guptill towards fine leg.

End of mandatory Powerplay. New Zealand 31/1 after 10 overs.

Over 10: New Zealand 31 for 1: Martin Guptill 14 (31), Kane Williamson 11 (26)

Last over of the Mandatory Powerplay. Starts with a dot ball. FOUR, a brilliant straight drive from Williamson helps him get a boundary towards long off. He then flicks it to long leg and gets a double, followed by a single away from point. Guptill ends the over with a dot ball.

Over 9: New Zealand 24 for 1: Martin Guptill 14 (28), Kane Williamson 4 (22)

Mitchell Johnson replaces Starc in the bowling attack as Australia make first change. Guptill is on strike and hits the first ball to his gloves, followed by two more dot balls. A wide on the leg side off the fifth ball, forcing Johnson to bowl one more extra delivery. He ends the over with a dot ball. Just 2 runs from last three overs.

Over 8: New Zealand 23 for 1: Martin Guptill 14 (23), Kane Williamson 4 (22)

Hazlewood continues and a starts with a very good delivery. Two more dot balls is followed by a short delivery, which takes him by a surprise. Ends the over with a sixth dot ball and it is a maiden over for Hazlewood.

Over 7: New Zealand 23 for 1: Martin Guptill 14 (23), Kane Williamson 4 (16)

Starc in his fourth over and starts with a bouncer, which has been called wide by the umpire. A swing and a miss off the first ball from Guptill. He then leaves the next ball. Three more dot balls, followed by one more short delivery to end the over.

Over 6: New Zealand 22 for 1: Martin Guptill 14 (17), Kane Williamson 4 (16)

Hazlewood in his third over and starts with two dot balls to Williamson. He then takes a single. One more dot ball from Guptill and he takes a single to third man off the fifth ball. Williamson ends the over with a double on the leg side.

Over 5: New Zealand 18 for 1: Martin Guptill 13 (15), Kane Williamson 1 (12)

Starc continues his third over and has two slips in place for Williamson. Starts with two dot balls, followed by three more dot balls. Williamson flicks it just past point and goes to backward point for a single off the last ball. He gets off the mark.

Over 4: New Zealand 17 for 1: Martin Guptill 13 (15), Kane Williamson 0 (6)

Hazlewood continues his second over. Starts with three dot balls. SIX, Guptill pulls a quick short delivery and it takes a top edge and goes behind the keeper for a six. Two more dot balls to end the over.

Mitchell Starc celebrates taking the wicket of Brendon McCullum during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and New Zealand.

McCullum-Starc
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Over 3: New Zealand 11 for 1: Martin Guptill 7 (9), Kane Williamson 0 (6)

Starc on the attack and has three slips in place. He starts his by hitting Guptill's pads. Umpire rejects the appeal and Australia do not take the review. A dot ball is followed by a one more dot ball. FOUR, Guptill slashes it between point and cover for a boundary. Ends the over with a single.

Over 2: New Zealand 6 for 1: Martin Guptill 2 (3), Kane Williamson 0 (6)

Josh Hazlewood partners Starc and bowls from the other end. Guptill flicks it to fine leg and gets a single off the first ball. Williamson has a two slips in place. Two dot balls. FOUR, it hits Williamson's pads and goes to fine leg boundary. First boundary comes off a leg bye. Ends the over with a dot ball.

Over 1: New Zealand 1 for 1: Martin Guptill 1 (2), Kane Williamson 0 (1)

Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum will open New Zealand's innings, while Mitchell Starc is handed the ball to lead Australia's bowling attack. He has two slips in place. Starts with a dot ball, followed by a single from Guptill to third man.

McCullum swings his bat and the ball misses the off stump by a whisker. He then comes down the ground and fails to make contact off the fourth ball off the over. OUT, a full delivery and it takes McCullum by a surprise and clips the off stump this time. Kane Williamson is the new man in the middle and has three slips in place. Starc ends the over with a dot ball.

WICKET...!!! Brendon McCullum 0 (3) b Starc

The two batsmen have taken the center stage at MCG. Field placement has been done.

Two teams take the field for the National Anthem.

Average score at MCG 290. All four teams played in this World Cup scored 300 plus after batting first.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum receives an indigenous welcome as Australian captain Michael Clarke walks past during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final.

Fan
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TEAM NEWS

Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steven Smith, Michael Clarke (C), Shane Watson, Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, Brad Haddin (WK), Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum (C), Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi (WK), Daniel Vettori, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Trent Boult

Toss...!!! New Zealand win the toss and Brendon McCullum elect to bat first.

Both captains Michael Clarke and Brendon McCullum walk to the middle for the very crucial toss.

Australia player warm up before the big final of the 2015 ICC World Cup at MCG.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum

"There is no challenge which is insurmountable. With a lot of hard work, lot of heart, a lot of belief, we've made sure that everyone's heading in the same direction. I know tomorrow we'll still remain authentic to how we play.

We'll play an aggressive brand of cricket with bat and ball in the field. We'll play with the humility which we've played with throughout this campaign as well. And hopefully the big fella upstairs shines on us when the pressure situations come into play."

Australia captain Michael Clarke

"New Zealand have been the form team of the competition. New Zealand have beaten us once in this tournament. But I'm confident if we play our best, we can beat them tomorrow."

We are 10 minutes away from the toss.

Former New Zealand cricketer Martin Crowe inspects the pitch prior to the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and New Zealand at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Martin Crowe
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A little bit of banter from Australia coach

The clash at MCG is New Zealand's first final in the World Cup. They are unebeaten in the tournament so far and are one more win from lifting the trophy. Meanwhile, Australia have won on four occasions and are looking to win it for the fifth time, a feat that has never achieved before.

The pitch at MCG for the 2015 ICC World Cup final.

The final will be Australia captain Michael Clarke's last ODI after he announced retirement for limited-overs cricket to focus on Test career.

Australia and New Zealand are the two co-hosts of the 2015 ICC World Cup. For the second consecutive time, the finals have been played by the co-hosts after India defeated Sri Lanka in the final of the 2011 ICC World Cup.

Australia defeated India in the semi final by 95 runs, while New Zealand sealed a four wicket victory against South Africa in the first semi final earlier this week.

Good morning and welcome to IBTimes UK's LIVE coverage of the final between Australia and New Zealand from the ICC World Cup 2015. We are scheduled to get started at 2:30am GMT.