New Zealand have stumbled to a modest total of 183 in its Cricket World Cup final clash against Australia at the MCG.
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The Kiwis got off to the worst possible start when skipper Brendon McCullum was clean bowled for a duck by a sublime Mitchell Starc yorker:
Just as it looked like the partnership of Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson was about to settle in, Guptill was clean bowled by Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.
Williamson shortly followed, leaving the Kiwis reeling at 39-3 after being caught and bowled by Mitchell Johnson.
Ross Taylor and Grant Elliott then began to steady the ship, knocking up a 100-run partnership.
Just as it looked like the tide was beginning to turn, Taylor was caught behind on 40.
All-rounder Corey Anderson and wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi shortly followed, with the pair trudging back to the pavilion for ducks.
Daniel Vettori couldn’t help the Kiwi tail wag after he was bowled by Johnson.
Elliot was New Zealand’s only shining light in the innings, but he was eventually dismissed by the in-form James Faulkner on 83.
Matt Henry became the fourth Kiwi batsman to be dismissed for a duck after he was caught at point by Mitchell Starc.
Tim Southee looked to be the only Kiwi tail-ender who was willing to take it up to the Australian bowling attack, but he was run out on 11 after a superb piece of fielding by Glenn Maxwell.
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