Steven Smith
Steve Smith celebrates after reaching his century during the 2015 Cricket World Cup Semi Final match between Australia and India [Getty]

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The 2015 ICC World Cup will come to end on Sunday as the two co-host nations Australia and New Zealand take on each other in the final at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Where to watch live

The match starts at 3:30am GMT. Live coverage is on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports 2 HD. Click here for live streaming link.

Overview

Australia have never lost a semi final clash so far in the World Cup and they made sure that their record was maintained after they defeated India on Thursday. They have won seven semi final clashes and went on to win four finals.

Michael Clarke's side are on the verge of creating history by becoming the first team in ODI history to win the World Cup on five occasions. With home conditions and support of home crowd, they are the firm favourites to lift the trophy this weekend.

On the downside, they have lost only one match in the tournament so far and the defeat came at the hands of New Zealand in Auckland during the group stages. That could be worrying for the hosts during the finals.

Grant Elliott
New Zealand batsman Daniel Vettori (C) celebrates with teammate Grant Elliott (R) after their team won the Cricket World Cup semi-final match against South Africa [Getty]

The Black Caps have made it to the finals for the first time in history after defeating South Africa in the nail biting finish during the semi final. With the help of rain, New Zealand won the match by four wickets (D/L method) with one ball to spare.

South African born batsman Grant Elliott was the hero of the match for New Zealand who helped Brendon McCullum's side knock the Proteas out of this World Cup. They are unbeaten in the tournament and would make strong contenders to lift the World Cup for the first time on Sunday.

Both teams have a good bowling attack and batting lineup. However, Australia lack a spinner in the team and that could be the difference between the two sides in the final match.

Prediction

Australia to win

Betting odds (888Sport.com)

  • Australia to win: 5/2
  • New Zealand to win: 19/10

What they say

Michael Clarke (Australia captain): "I think New Zealand will take confidence that they've beaten us in the tournament, but I believe that was the turning point in this tournament for the Australian team. I think that gave us a bit of a kick up the backside. We knew we got a good look at a very good team playing at the top of their game, certainly with the ball, and I think our attitude from that day has been exceptional."

Tim Southee (New Zealand bowler): "A bit of swing would be nice, but it hasn't swung for us in every game and we've found ways to take wickets. I think that's the beauty of our attack. We've got variety to it, and if it does swing we do become a bit more dangerous. But we have found ways to take wickets when it's not swinging."

Team news

Australia

Possible XI: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (C), Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, Brad Haddin (WK), Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood.

New Zealand

Possible XI: Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum (C), Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi (WK), Daniel Vettori, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Trent Boult.

Australia New Zealand