Cricket World Cup 2015 Schedule: Date, Time, Live Stream for Final Fixture
Australia and New Zealand will add a significant chapter to their storied and longstanding cricketing rivalry as the two nations get set to square off the in the final of the 2015 Cricket World Cup.
The Baggy Greens are the favourites to triumph after they eliminated a rampant India team in the semi-finals. Steve Smith was the hero again for Australia, as his century pushed the team toward an imposing total when batting first, one that the reigning champions struggled to chase down.
New Zealand have a perfect record at this tournament, however, and after beating the Aussies in the group stages, Brendon McCullum and his team will feel as though they boast a mental edge over the four-time winners of this competition.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
The Melbourne Cricket Ground will host the showpiece occasion, and given the needle that’s long existed between these two countries, it’s not a match to be missed. Here’s a closer look at both sides on the cusp of what should be a classic encounter, as well as all the information you need to ensure you don’t miss a ball from down under.
Date: Sunday, Mar. 29
Time: 4:30 a.m. BST, 11:30 p.m. ET (March 28), 2:30 p.m. local
Forecast: Sunny, 26°C
Live Stream: Sky Go (UK), ESPN Cricket 2015 (U.S.)
TV Info: Sky Sports 2 (UK)
Co-Hosts Go in Search of World Cup Glory
There have been some wonderful teams on show at this World Cup, with the likes of India, South Africa and Sri Lanka all dazzling with thrilling displays at one stage or another. But it’s tough to argue with the notion that the two co-hosts have been the standout performers throughout this tournament, and as such, we’ll get worthy world champions.
Freddie Wilde of ESPNcricinfo thinks the familiar conditions have played a role in the success of each side:
Australia have been the favourites from the first ball bowled at this competition, and with the final set to be played in Melbourne, they’ll be enormously confident of getting the job done. The imposing, steep-sided stadium will be decked out in synonymous green and gold, as the Aussies in attendance will attempt to roar their men on to victory.
They have a clutch of fine players, too, Smith especially. The batsman’s been in stunning form in all disciplines of the game so far this year, and after his sublime 105 against India, he will have Australians dreaming of a World Cup win on home soil against arguably their biggest rivals.
Here’s a look at how good Smith has been in 2015, per Sky Sports News HQ:
In the bowling department, they have class aplenty, too. Mitchell Starc has 20 wickets in this World Cup, while Mitchell Johnson—as he proved with a crucial display against India—is a man who relishes the big occasions.
Australia captain Michael Clarke has warned his players that they’re facing a very talented opponent, though, per the Cricket World Cup Twitter account:
Indeed, not only is this New Zealand side packed with brilliant players, but mentally, they are refocused and replenished. In years gone by, a one-wicket win over Australia or a win off the penultimate ball against South Africa would have swung the other way, but with the unrelentingly belligerent McCullum in charge, this is a group of players who are fearless.
As noted by sports anchor Gaurav Kapur, the captaincy credentials of the New Zealand skipper have been just as important as any batting or bowling:
They’ve overcome a lot of perennial concerns at this World Cup, and the sense of spirit in this Black Caps squad reeks of a team beset on winning. But this clash against Australia at the MCG will be the biggest test of these new-found principles, and it’ll be up to men such as McCullum, the experienced Daniel Vettori and Trent Boult—the tournament’s top wicket-taker with 21—to lead from the front.
Australia are a magnificent outfit and a formidable proposition at the MCG, but there’s a festering spirit in this New Zealand team and a subsequent burgeoning belief that it’s going to be their year. They’ll have few greater incentives to go and win their first World Cup than doing so in the backyard of their biggest enemies, and it’s an opportunity they’ll seize with distinction.
Prediction: New Zealand
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
