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Australia secure a date with the Black Caps

───   17:28 Thu, 26 Mar 2015

Australia secure a date with the Black Caps | News Article

It’s settled…it will be an all-Australasian affair in Melbourne on Sunday when the two co-hosts, Australia and New Zealand face each other in the final of the Cricket World Cup.

Earlier today the four-time champions Australia beat India by 95 runs in Sydney to set a date with the Black Caps who knocked South Africa out by 4 wickets on Tuesday.
 
Four months ago, India arrived in Australia as holders of both the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the World Cup.
Then they ran into Steve Smith, who ensured they will fly home with empty handed.
 
The impressive top order batsman was once against the thorn in the champions side, with a magnificent 105 during their innings of 328 for 7.
 
Aaron Finch in his turn added 81 with the willow as the home side set a target which as well always going to be a tall order for any team.
 
During the Indian innings most of the top order got off to a start, however a ton or two was needed, but it was not to be.
 
Captain MS Dhoni, the hero of the final for India four years ago was once again their star with the bat with a knock of 65 however 45 by Shikar Dhawan and 44 by Ajinka Rahane was not enough support.
 
Sadly for the departing champions, it was their first loss of the tournament and it proved to be the most costly.
 
It was also the first time in the tournament they were unable to dismiss a side in the allotted 50 overs.
 
Following the match, Dhoni told the press that naturally they are disappointed after being knocked, but added that he remains proud of their performance at the tournament.
 
Mitchell Starc’s two for 28 in nine overs saw him move to within one wicket of New Zealand’s Trent Boult as the leading wicket taker at the tournament on 21 wickets.
 
Smith’s ton saw him take his tournament tally to 346 runs in six innings, but he is still well short of the Black Caps Martin Guptill on 532 in eight knocks.
 
Australian skipper Michael Clark said he is not surprised that Smith is their leading scorer in the tournament.
 
Speaking on Sunday’s final in Melbourne, he said playing in a Trans-Tasmane clash is always a big deal, and with it being to the two host nations set to lock horns in the championship match will make it extra special.
 
Sunday morning’s big showdown at the coliseum of cricket gets underway at 5:30am. 

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