How Australia Crushed New Zealand in the 2015 World Cup Final

New Zealand is probably the most final-played team in the past decades. They played The 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final against Australia though could not make it through. Australia’s domination in the cricketing world took away the dream of New Zealand. In each Final, they lack something and because of that, they lose. On the other hand, Australia with their finest pace attack and batters dominated once again in the 2015 World Cup. Let’s delve into how they achieved this resounding victory.

From the very beginning of the match, it was evident that Australia’s pace phalanx was determined to take control. On a flat MCG pitch that had favored short balls throughout the tournament, Australia’s bowlers decided to target the stumps, delivering full, fast, and straight deliveries. 

This strategy paid off handsomely, with Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson sharing five wickets, thanks to their searing, swinging yorkers. James Faulkner, the slower but cannier left-armer, added three wickets to the tally. It was a relentless display of precision and power, with eight wickets falling to full deliveries as New Zealand was bundled out for a mere 183 in the 45th over.

Despite early nerves in the chase, Australia’s batting proved to be equally formidable. Michael Clarke and Steven Smith, the backbone of the Australian middle order, stroked fluent half-centuries to successfully chase down the modest target in just 34 overs. Clarke, the departing captain, was given a standing ovation after his sparkling 74 from 72 balls, while Smith, his likely successor, sealed the deal with a boundary off the last ball of the match.

One of the defining moments of this final was Australia’s ability to break the game open during the death overs. New Zealand had repaired early damage with a 111-run stand between Grant Elliott and Ross Taylor, and they might have hoped for a score of 250 or even 300. However, James Faulkner’s two quick wickets during the batting Powerplay sent the opposition into a nosedive. New Zealand’s middle order and tail crumbled as Australia’s bowlers executed their plans with precision.

The final lacked the typical David vs. Goliath narrative, as Australia’s overwhelming skill and strength overshadowed New Zealand’s spirited approach. Throughout the game, there were glimpses of arrogance from Australia, notably in Brad Haddin’s constant chatter from behind the stumps and David Warner’s aggressive batting.

Luck, too, favored Australia. Daniel Vettori’s early injury restricted his bowling, Brendon McCullum’s aggressive fielding stance was compromised, and even when the stumps were hit, the bails remained unmoved. Such instances further tilted the balance in Australia’s favor.

The match began with McCullum’s high-octane innings, but he was outdone by Mitchell Starc’s exceptional bowling, which removed him in the very first over. Starc’s fiery pace and late swing made it extremely challenging for New Zealand’s top order, and despite a brief partnership between Elliott and Taylor, the Kiwis struggled to accelerate their scoring rate.

In the end, this final was devoid of the traditional underdog narrative, mirroring the overall tone of the 2015 World Cup, which saw few closely contested matches. Australia’s comprehensive victory in the final was a testament to their preparation, precision, and dominance in the world of cricket.