World Cup 2015 Final, Australia v/s New Zealand: James Faulkner spells ‘Game Over’ for New Zealand

World Cup 2015 Final, Australia v/s New Zealand: James Faulkner spells ‘Game Over’ for New Zealand

• James Faulkner Getty Images

A devastating spell by fast-bowling all-rounder James Faulkner allowed Australia to win their fifth World Cup trophy as New Zealand were skittled for 183 after batting first at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

With the fourth-wicket partnership of Ross Taylor and Grant Elliott having rebuilt New Zealand’s innings with a 111-run stand, the 24-year-old struck twice in the second power-play of the 36th over.

Faulkner finessed a slower, wider ball from the back of the hand, coaxing Taylor into a drive which he nicked behind to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who pouched a brilliant, one-handed catch diving low and to his right. The wicket was confirmed after a lengthy review, but upon resumption of play, Faulkner dismissed Corey Anderson for a second-ball duck with a faster full-length delivery.

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From a position of assurance, New Zealand were suddenly reeling at 150-4, but left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc made things worse by having Luke Ronchi caught behind for a duck in the following over. Faulkner would cap his game-changing spell by removing Elliott for 83, with another well-disguised slower delivery that teased the bat on the way through to Haddin.

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That robbed New Zealand of their last recognised batsman and the tail crumbled as shadows crept across the ground. Faulkner finished with 3-36 from his nine overs, with Mitchell Johnson (3-30) and Mitchell Starc (2-20) also enjoying a fine afternoon.

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