The Sunday News
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum says his team will start as “underdogs” when they meet Australia in the World Cup final on Sunday. The Kiwis are unbeaten but have played all their matches at home and now travel to meet the four-time winners in Melbourne. “I’m confident we’ll give ourselves the best chance,” said McCullum.
“We’ll play well, but that doesn’t guarantee us anything. It also doesn’t guarantee Australia will beat us.”
However, Australia captain Michael Clarke, who will retire from one-day cricket after the final, does not believe his side have the upper hand.
“I don’t buy into the favourites or not favourites,” said the 33-year-old batsman.
“New Zealand have been the form team of the competition, but I’m confident if we play our best, we can beat them tomorrow.”
New Zealand are appearing in their first final having beaten South Africa in the last four after losing six previous semi-finals.
Australia, champions in 1987, 1999, 2003 and 2007, are looking to extend their record for most World Cups won, with no other having lifted the trophy more than twice. — Reuters
