The Final encounter of the ICC Cricket World Cup got underway at the MCG, Australia as the two powerhouses New-Zealand and Australia began their battle to claim bragging rights as Cricket World Champions.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first, bringing the two hard-hitting Kiwi openers Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill to the crease, looking to set a challenging target for the kangaroos but, Mitchell Starc had other plans for New Zealand.

Starc, who opened the bowling struck in the very first over, taking the wicket of the kiwi danger-man McCullum who had scored naught.

New Zealand was left one wicket down for just one run as Kane Williamson walked in to occupy Martin Guptill. However Martin Guptill was bowled by Glenn Maxwell. Guptill had done all the hardwork to withstand the early storm and reach the stage where Clarke introduced his fifth bowler in Maxwell and then threw it away in just two balls.

A fourth wicket partnership of 111 between Grant Elliot and Ross Taylor led New Zealand post 183 losing all their battalions sparing five overs.

Thanks to the efforts of Grant Elliot who went onto score 83,  Ross Taylor chipped in with 40 runs.

James Faulkner and Mitchell Johnson picked three wickets a piece.

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