Elliott shines in World Cup Final
Sun 29 Mar 2015
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Leicestershire Foxes batsman Grant Elliott played another outstanding innings but New Zealand lost to Australia by seven wickets in the ICC World Cup Final in Melbourne.
Batting at number five, the Foxes’ NatWest T20 Blast second overseas signing top-scored in a total of 183 with a controlled 83 from 82 deliveries including seven fours and a maximum.
The Black Caps were struggling on 39-3 in the early exchanges as Brendon McCullum (0), Martin Guptill (15) and Kane Williamson (12) fell inside 13 overs to Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Johnson respectively.
Elliott joined forces to good effect with Ross Taylor to lead a vital recovery, the duo sharing 111 for the fourth wicket.
New Zealand looked well-placed on 150-3 with 15 overs to go but Australia seized the initiative.
The Black Caps would have hoped that the beginning of the second powerplay would act as a springboard but instead it proved the starting point of Australia's winning trail. New Zealand lost three wickets for the addition of one run in the first eight deliveries.
James Faulkner did the bulk of the damage by bowling a double wicket maiden to remove Taylor (40 from 72 balls) and Corey Anderson (0). Luke Ronchi also fell without scoring and, all told, New Zealand were 15-3 in that period.
Australia then struck two more blows in the next two overs. Daniel Vettori (9) was unfortunate to see a Johnson delivery cannon into his stumps off the pad and Elliott’s brilliance came to an end as a clever slower ball from Faulkner ended up in the hands of Brad Haddin.
New Zealand were unable to get to 200; Matt Henry (0) became Johnson’s third victim as he picked out Starc at cover before Tim Southee (11) was run out. The final seven wickets yield just 33 runs as Australia produced a superb performance.
The early dismissal of Aaron Finch (0) raised hopes but David Warner (45) dominated a stand of 61 with Steve Smith as Australia kept composure.
Smith then participated in another crucial alliance with Michael Clarke, who ended his ODI career on the ultimate high. Smith and Clarke added 112 before the captain was bowled for 74.
Australia still cruised home with 101 balls to spare, Smith ending on a nerveless 56*.
