New Zealand caves into Australian pace attack; sets 184 as target

Grant Elliott's 83 was the only silver lining in an otherwise insipid batting display by the Black Caps

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum won the toss and elected to bat against Australia in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup here today. His decision has backfired considering New Zealand was bowled out for 183 in 45 overs.

Both the teams were unchanged and New Zealand had a disastrous start with captain McCullum perishing to Mitchell Starc in the opening over without troubling the scorers. 

After a cautious knock, Martin Guptill too fell for 15 to Glen Maxwell's off spin. In the very next over, Kane Williamson caved into Mitchell Johnson's pace and got out caught and bowled. 

Ever since, Ross Taylor and Grant Elliott hd been steering the ship until James Faulkner's medium pace in the 36th over was good enough to break the 111-run partnership between Taylor and Elliott. Taylor (40 off 72 balls) was caught behind by Brad Haddin. Two balls later, Corey Anderson saw his stumps rattled. Elliott, who seemed to be the last man standing with his defiant 83, fell for a slower delivery from Faulkner. His 83 was dotted with seven exquisite fours and one six.