Brendon McCullum’s dismissal – the Black Caps captain was gone in the first over for a duck, giving New Zealand a terrible start they never recovered from.
Ross Taylor dismissal – after stumbling to 3/39, Ross Taylor and Grant Elliott put on a 111 run stand to give Kiwi fans cause for optimism. But Brad Haddin’s screamer to dismiss Taylor for 40 triggered a World Cup deciding batting collapse.
Grant Elliott dismissal – New Zealand’s semi-final hero high-scored with 83 but when he tried to unleash as wickets continued to fall, he became James Faulkner’s third scalp. Faulkner, who went on to be named Man of the Match, gave Elliott a verbal send-off which caused a massive backlash on social media.
Vettori injury – Daniel Vettori could hardly move in the field for New Zealand. Hampered by a leg injury, the Kiwi spinner bowled five overs and limped around the MCG as Australia marched to victory.
Michael Clarke’s 74 – the Australian captain bowed out of one-day cricket in style with a well-made 74 off 72 balls.
