Melbourne, March 28 (IANS) Much more than the World Cup title will be at stake when co-hosts Australia and New Zealand square-off in the final of the quadrennial event at the majestic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here on Sunday.
After six weeks and 48 matches among 14 teams, the game pits four-time champions Australia, the numero uno side in One-Day Internationals (ODI), against their trans-Tasman rivals and maiden finalists New Zealand.
The Black Caps had faltered in the semifinals six times previously but overcame South Africa to enter their first summit clash.
If familiarity between the two sides has not quite bred contempt, several highly competitive clashes in the past, including the underarm-marred match in the 1980s, will make Sunday's game a fierce contest.
Australia, with a balanced side and having experience in dealing with big occasions, will have the home advantage even though they will be up against an in-form side.
New Zealand are on an eight-match unbeaten streak and have 13 wins from their past 14 ODIs. Their victory over Australia in the group stage will give them a lot of confidence going into the match.
However, this will be the first time in the tournament that the Kiwis will play away from home. Moreover, many former players are saying that their habit of playing at small grounds at home will be a hard reality to overcome when they take the field at the massive MCG in front of a hostile crowd.
In the last 11 games played at the 'G', the team batting first has won eight with the highest successful run chase being 297. One thing going for the Kiwis is that five of them played at the MCG in 2009 when they defeated Australia, the last time the two teams met in an ODI in Australia.
In their last 12 ODIs at the MCG, Australia lost only twice and are unbeaten in their last six encounters.
In the man-to-man match-up, Australia look a more balanced side. They bat deep, going all the way down to No.9 and 10, with all-rounders Shane Watson, Glenn Maxwell and James Faulkner adding versatility to the team.
David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steven Smith, Michael Clarke and veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin will have the responsibility to provide stability to the batting line-up.
So far in this World Cup, New Zealand have been spot on -- be it with the bat or the ball with each and every player stepping up when the situation demanded.
Skipper Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill have provided good starts with vice-captain Kane Williamson, experienced middle-order batsmen Ross Taylor and Grant Elliot consolidating on the platforms provided by the openers.
All-rounder Corey Anderson and wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi have also been crucial in their dual roles.
The Black Caps' bowling trio of Tim Southee, Trent Boult and left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori, 36, have been key to their success. Left-arm seamer Boult is the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 21 scalps while Southee and Vettori have 15 scalps each.
Former captain Vettori, with experience of 294 ODIs, is still New Zealand's go-to-man in tough situations.
On the other hand, Australia have fearsome quicks and should have ascendancy with the ball. Left-arm seamers Johnson, Starc, Faulkner and right-armer Josh Hazlewood are difficult to score off and New Zealand batters will have to be at their best.
So far, Johnson has taken a backseat with Starc accounting for 20 wickets in eight matches while the former has only 12. Considering the importance of the match, Johnson may rise to the occasion.
The match will also see an intriguing battle between the two of the most attacking captains in world cricket. Clarke has long been known for his innovative field placements but he needs to match McCullum, who has employed as many as five slips in a Test-match style field at certain stages.
It will be wrong to bill the match as a final as the two best sides with tales of long standing rivalry face off for cricket's biggest prize. Come Sunday, it remains to be seen whether the sport gets a new title holder or will Australia vie for their fifth title and reassert their supremacy.
IT Raid: Income tax raid on educational institutions of Bangalore, early morning action
On Thursday morning, several educational institutions in Bengaluru were raided by the Income Tax Department. The Income Tax Department has taken action in the morning on the offices and buildings of
Covid-19: Epidemiologist's statement proved correct, active cases started decreasing; But still keep this thing in mind
Coronavirus infection cases have been a cause of concern in India for the last month. On Tuesday (17 June), there has been a slight improvement in the active cases in the country. On Monday, the total
In two days, Modi swept the two states from two independent states; First look at Bengal and second from Kashmir
For two consecutive days, the word free has come in Modi's tongue. On Monday, referring to Azad Hind Fauj and its first Prime Minister Subhash Chandra Bose. The reference to Ghulam Nabi Azad on
There was a long debate in the Supreme Court on the imperative of Covid vaccine, the government said - will answer on every aspect
There was a long debate in the Supreme Court today regarding the necessity of getting the corona vaccine in the country. Eminent lawyer Prashant Bhushan, arguing on behalf of the petitioner, even said
Corona's havoc: PM Modi and Governor's meeting to discuss the uncontrollable situation, Vice-President will also be involved
Today in the country Corona has broken all records in daily affairs. In the last 24 hours, more than 1.84 lakh cases of the corona were reported in the country. Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is
Alia Bhatt : Alia Bhatt received a memorable gift on Mother's Day, mother Soni wished by sharing unseen photos
Bollywood's cute and talented actress Alia Bhatt is not dependent on any introduction today. Mother's Day was celebrated in the UK on Sunday and on this occasion, mother Soni Razdan shared an unseen
Petrol Diesel Price Today January 3: Oil companies released the prices of petrol and diesel, know the prices of your city
Petrol Diesel Price: Oil companies have released the prices of petrol and diesel for today. Today companies have changed the prices of oil in Delhi and Chennai. A few months back, the government
Nupur Sharma gets a big relief from the Supreme Court, there will be no arrest till August 10; Also consider transferring the case
The Supreme Court has given great relief to Nupur Sharma in the matter of their statement on Prophet Mohammad. The court has ordered a stay on his arrest till August 10. The next hearing of the matter
AQI reached 336 due to increase in pollution, OPD up to 1500
AQI had reached 300 till 03 days ago, the dust rising on the roads is also increasing the trouble
Arvind Kejriwal: Kejriwal will not resign from the post of Chief Minister, said big thing about BJP
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asked why he had not tendered his resignation while in jail. He has said that he will not resign because it will set an example. Also, if he
