Highlights, Australia vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2021 Final, Full Cricket Score: AUS hammer NZ to win maiden title

23:44 (IST)

Aaron Finch will be one proud man tonight. Was handed the reigns of the Australian team in the white-ball format in the aftermath of the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal, and few would've imagined him to be the leader that would end the Aussies' wait for a maiden T20 World Cup title three years later! What a brilliant turnaround for the Aussies after that humiliating eight-wicket loss at the hands of England, as they went on to win every game thereafter and finished the job with clinical precision in the final against their neighbours.

This is Australia's sixth world title, with the team finally adding a T20 World Cup to their cabinet that already has five ODI World Cups to show off. Spare a thougt for New Zealand though, who gave their best and made it to yet another ICC limited-overs final, only to fall short yet again. Could've made it two ICC triumphs in 2021 after their World Test Championship success earlier this year, but thanks to the efforts of Hazlewood, Warner and Marsh in the summit clash, it was not to be.

We hope you enjoyed our coverage of the 2021 T20 World Cup. Do join us later this week in our coverage of New Zealand's tour of India. For now, this is Amit Banerjee signing off, bidding you all good night!

23:37 (IST)

Aaron Finch, Australia captain: This is huge, to be the first Australian team to be able to do it. Brilliant from the start. (Turnaround from Bangladesh game) Certainly was. We had some great individual and team performances, and it was fantastic. It was outstanding. (On Warner) Can’t believe people wrote him off saying he was done. (On Zampa) Player of the Tournament for me. Someone who controlled the innings with wickets. Mitch Marsh, what a way for him to start his innings today, putting New Zealand under pressure from the start.

23:32 (IST)

Kane Williamson, New Zealand captain: We were trying to get a bit of platform and the surface was holding up a bit. Superb chase by Australia and a brilliant campaign. At the halfway stage, we certainly thought we got to a good total. Credit to Australia for the way they chased down the total. Really proud of our team’s efforts throughout the tournament. Reached the final and gave our best shot. Guys really committed to what we tried to do. Conditions varied from venue to venue and we adapted. We played a lot of consistent cricket throughout. One day at a time. Some really good cricket played. Just a shame we couldn’t get the job done tonight.

23:26 (IST)

David Warner is the Player of the Tournament!

Warner: I always felt really well. Didn’t get much time in the middle in the practice games, but it was about going back to the basics. This is definitely up there with 2015, as well as playing the World Cup final against England. These are an absolutely great bunch of guys and a great support staff. I’m always pumped. A great spectacle for everyone here at the venue and everyone back home. It was just great to see the guys deliver.

23:24 (IST)

Mitchell Marsh is the Player of the Match for his 50-ball 77

Marsh: I don’t really have words right now. Been an amazing six weeks for this team. Coaching staff came up to me in the West Indies and asked me to bat at three in this tournament. (On his first-ball six) There’s not a whole lot of thinking that goes into that.

23:23 (IST)

The presentation ceremony's underway. First up, the umpires and match referee getting felicitated.

23:17 (IST)

Gilly would know a thing or two about winning World Cups eh?

World Champions eh. Sweet. ????????

— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) November 14, 2021

23:12 (IST)

What an excellent morning for the Aussies to wake up to!

It's finally ours!

An epic performance from our sensational Aussies! Men's T20 World Cup champions! ????????????????????????#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Sxaj9PmWvC

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) November 14, 2021

23:07 (IST)

Australia coach Justin Langer: "This is such a special group of people. We’ve got some amazing group of cricketers. There are so many close relationships in the team. We knew how much talent we had. There were a few missing pieces before the tournament, and Mitchell Marsh filled one of those pieces. These guys had so much fun on and off the ground, and it’s important to have fun in this format, and that was an important part of our success."

23:04 (IST)

Kangaroos all the way!

Australia was ruthless, clinical and just perfect today. NZ didn't even come close.
Kangaroos all the way !!
Congratulations

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 14, 2021

23:03 (IST)

Yet another Kiwi heartbreak!

Another heartbreak finish for Kiwis after the 2019 ODI WC. More so after Williamson’s brilliant knock had given them what looked a very good score to defend. But as it happened, the score was about 20 runs too few

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) November 14, 2021

23:02 (IST)

Australia saved their best for the last
 

Australia at their best in the Final…Marsh outstanding …NZ gracious in defeat…the spirit of sport shines brightly….

— jim maxwell (@jimmaxcricket) November 14, 2021

23:01 (IST)

All's well that ends well

started: going: pic.twitter.com/MQvxIq8zCc

— Vithushan Ehantharajah (@Vitu_E) November 14, 2021

23:00 (IST)

After 18.5 overs,Australia 173/2 ( Mitchell Marsh 77 , Glenn Maxwell 28)

Southee bowls what turns out to be the final over of the 2021 T20 World Cup, with Marsh and Maxwell collecting a boundary each — the latter reverse-sweeping towards third man to seal a memorable Aussie victory as Finch and Co win with more than an over to spare!

22:54 (IST)

FOUR! Glenn Maxwell seals the win with a reverse paddle towards third man!

Australia win the T20 World Cup for the first time with a commanding eight-wicket win over New Zealand with seven balls to spare!

22:48 (IST)

After 18 overs,Australia 162/2 ( Mitchell Marsh 71 , Glenn Maxwell 23)

Maxwell nearly offers Southee at catch at mid off in the fourth delivery of Milne’s final over, the ball landing just short in the end. Good final over from Milne, with just three coming from it. Australia need 11 from the last 12 balls.

22:45 (IST)

After 17 overs,Australia 159/2 ( Mitchell Marsh 69 , Glenn Maxwell 22)

Marsh and Maxwell are able to see off Boult’s final over, though the former nearly ends up offering the left-arm seamer a catch off his own bowling. A superb spell from Boult comes to an end as he signs off with figures of 2/18, with 10 coming from his last over. Australia need 14 from the last three overs with eight wickets in hand.

22:38 (IST)

After 16 overs,Australia 149/2 ( Mitchell Marsh 61 , Glenn Maxwell 21)

Different bowler. Same result. Tim Southee, who’s had an evening not very different from Starc and Sodhi, gets hit for a four and a six by Maxwell on either side of a wide early in the over, with the equation now coming down to less than run-a-ball for the Aussies. Marsh and Maxwell should complete the job in a canter from here.

22:34 (IST)

After 15 overs,Australia 136/2 ( Mitchell Marsh 61 , Glenn Maxwell 10)

Now Maxwell gets going in this over with back-to-back boundaries off Milne, who goes for 11 in his third after returning to the attack. Just 37 needed off 30 for Australia to win their maiden title from here.

22:29 (IST)

After 14 overs,Australia 125/2 ( Mitchell Marsh 60 , Glenn Maxwell 1)

Another poor over from Ish Sodhi with 16 runs coming from it, including a six off the first ball that helps Marsh complete his sixth T20I fifty in just 31 deliveries. Just when Warner’s dismissal gave the Black Caps a ray of hope, this over puts them under the pump again. Australia need 48 from the last six.

22:23 (IST)

SIX! Marsh brings up his half-century with a HUGE six over long on, taking just 31 deliveries to bring up the milestone! Fastest half-century in a T20 World Cup final this one. AUS 116/2

22:22 (IST)

After 13 overs,Australia 110/2 ( Mitchell Marsh 47 , Glenn Maxwell 1)

The desperation for a breakthrough leads to Williamson turning to Boult in the 13th over. And Boult delivers, shattering Warner’s stumps off the second ball to send the southpaw back to the dugout for 53. Australia need another 63 off 42. Glenn Maxwell is the new batter at the crease at the moment.

22:18 (IST)

OUT! Trent Boult with the breakthrough, as Warner misses while attempting to slog the ball over midwicket off a full delivery, getting his stumps shattered as a result! AUS 107/2

Warner b Boult 53(38)

22:17 (IST)

After 12 overs,Australia 106/1 ( David Warner 53 , Mitchell Marsh 45)

Nine runs from the 12th over, including a boundary to Marsh off the fourth ball as the Aussies cross the 100-mark in this over. Marsh five short of his half-century at the end of this over, with Australia needing 67 more to win from eight overs.

22:15 (IST)

After 11 overs,Australia 97/1 ( David Warner 52 , Mitchell Marsh 38)

Jimmy Neesham, the all-rounder with the golden arm, brought into the attack after the drinks interval with Kiwi skipper Williamson perhaps getting a tad anxious over the partnership. Rough start for Neesham, getting pulled over long leg by Marsh for a six first ball. Gets hit for another six three balls later, this time by Warner who completes his half-century in 34 balls. 15 from the over, with Australia needing another 76 from 54 with nine wickets in hand.

22:13 (IST)

Fifty for David Warner, his 21st in T20 Internationals! Takes 34 deliveries, bringing up the milestone with an almighty hit over the midwicket fence for a maximum! Can he finish the game for his side from here? AUS 95/1

22:07 (IST)

After 10 overs,Australia 82/1 ( David Warner 45 , Mitchell Marsh 30)

Tidy over from Santner with just five runs coming from it as Australia reach 82/1 at the halfway stage, needing another 91 from 60 with nine wickets left and two set batters at the crease. Unless the Black Caps are able to get a couple of quick wickets here, this is Australia’s game to lose.

22:01 (IST)

After 9 overs,Australia 77/1 ( David Warner 42 , Mitchell Marsh 28)

Things are starting to look ominous for the Kiwis now with Warner starting to get into his element, collecting a couple of boundaries and a straight-as-an-arrow six off Sodhi, the legspinner conceding 17 off his second over. The southpaw is batting in the forties already, and will hope to get a big score in a winning cause from here. Australia need 96 from 66.

21:58 (IST)

FOUR! Fifty partnership up between Warner and Marsh for the 2nd wicket, with the former stretching his arms to the max to this short, wide delivery from Sodhi and smashing it towards long on. AUS 65/1

21:56 (IST)

After 8 overs,Australia 60/1 ( David Warner 26 , Mitchell Marsh 27)

Spin from both ends as Santner is given the over after Sodhi. Warner collects a single off the first ball, with Marsh getting down on one knee and slog-sweeping the ball over deep square leg off the next delivery, collecting his second six. Single off the next two. Santner gets plenty of bounce and turn in the fifth delivery, beating Marsh’s outside edge during an attempted drive. Single to Marsh to end the over.

21:52 (IST)

After 7 overs,Australia 50/1 ( David Warner 24 , Mitchell Marsh 19)

Spin introduced by the Black Caps as Ish Sodhi is given the first over after powerplay. Single collected off each ball barring the third, in which Warner pulls the ball through the wide mid on region for a brace. Fifty comes up for Australia at the end of the over, leaving them another 123 to win from 78.

21:48 (IST)

After 6 overs,Australia 43/1 ( David Warner 19 , Mitchell Marsh 17)

A much better over from Milne this time, with just three coming from it including two leg byes, as Australia reach 43/1 at the end of the powerplay. Need another 130 to win from 84 deliveries with nine wickets in hand.

21:44 (IST)

After 5 overs,Australia 40/1 ( David Warner 18 , Mitchell Marsh 17)

Southee returns, replacing Boult. Concedes just three singles from the first four deliveries before Warner spoils things for him with a six off the penultimate delivery. Another 10-run over from the right-arm pacer. Despite Finch’s early exit, Australia going at eight-an-over at the moment.

21:41 (IST)

After 4 overs,Australia 30/1 ( David Warner 10 , Mitchell Marsh 15)

Runs continue to flow on either side of the Boult over as Adam Milne, replacing Southee, gets smacked for a six and back-to-back fours by new batter Mitch Marsh in the first three balls of the over. Marsh collects a single off the fourth, with consecutive dots to end the over.

21:36 (IST)

After 3 overs,Australia 15/1 ( David Warner 10 , Mitchell Marsh 0)

Finch boosts his confidence with a boundary off a knuckle ball from Boult in the second delivery, only to perish in the next delivery. Boult notices him skip down the pitch, and shortens his length to induce a thick top-edge off an attempted pull. Daryl Mitchell still has to cover a lot of area running to his left and complete the catch with a slide. Just four runs and a wicket from this over.

21:32 (IST)

OUT! Boult with the breakthrough! Finch looks to target the leg side after the boundary straight down the ground in the previous delivery, but hardly gets a proper connection on this one. Mitchell runs to his left and completes a fine sliding catch! AUS 15/1

Finch c Mitchell b Boult 5(7)

21:30 (IST)

Did you know?

First run for Aaron Finch in ICC Knockout games since 2015 ODI World Cup Semi Finals against India. He scored 3 ducks including 2 golden ducks in between.

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 14, 2021

21:26 (IST)

After 1 over,Australia 1/0 ( David Warner 1 , Aaron Finch (C) 0)

Solid start from Trent Boult as he gives away just one from the first over, with David Warner getting off the mark with a single off the third delivery. Aaron Finch, meanwhile, takes guard well outside the crease against the left-arm seamer. Loud shout for LBW, but the umpire shakes his head. The skipper was a long way off from the crease, which might have influenced the decision.

21:24 (IST)

Right then, skipper Aaron Finch to commence the Aussie chase with David Warner, as Trent Boult gears up to bowl the first over. Warner on strike.

21:14 (IST)

Chalk and cheese
 

A tale of two opening bowlers: Starc 4-0-60-0, Hazlewood 4-0-16-3.

— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) November 14, 2021

21:13 (IST)

After 20 overs,New Zealand 172/4 ( James Neesham 13 , Tim Seifert (W) 8)

Starc bowls the final over and starts off with a full delivery down leg that is nudged towards the backward square leg fence by Seifert for a boundary. The left-arm seamer, who’s had a nightmare of a World Cup final so far, keeps things relatively quiet after the first-ball boundary, conceding just one run off the next three balls. Neesham drills the ball down the ground off the last delivery, coming back for a second. He remains unbeaten on 13, while Mitch Starc signs off with 0/60.

New Zealand set Australia 173 to win the 2021 T20 World Cup!

21:04 (IST)

After 19 overs,New Zealand 162/4 ( James Neesham 11 , Tim Seifert (W) 2)

Cummins bowls out his final over, conceding 13 from it including a six straight down the ground by Neesham off the third delivery. Neesham, who struck vital 27 in the semi-final against England, narrowly escapes a runout at the striker’s end while dashing back for a second. One more over to go. Can New Zealand score big and get to 180?

21:01 (IST)

After 18 overs,New Zealand 149/4 ( James Neesham 1 , Tim Seifert (W) 0)

Josh Hazlewood returns to the attack, and dismisses both Glenn Phillips and Kane Williamson in a space of four deliveries to bring the Aussies back in the game, signing off with outstanding — and potentially Player of the Match-winning — figures of 3/16 at the end of his quota. Two new batters at the crease in Neesham and Seifert at the moment.

20:57 (IST)

OUT! What an over this is turning out to be for the Aussies! Williamson looks to launch the ball into the stands over long off, but doesn't quite get the distance this time around as Steve Smith holds on to the ball in front of the boundary. NZ 148/4

Williamson c Smith b Hazlewood 85(48)

20:54 (IST)

OUT! Hazlewood with the breakthrough, as Phillips ends up miscuing his pull, offering Maxwell an easy catch at deep midwicket to depart for 18. End of what was a superb third-wicket stand, one that has brought the Kiwis back on their feet. NZ 144/3

Phillips c Maxwell b Hazlewood 18(17)

20:52 (IST)

After 17 overs,New Zealand 144/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 81 , Glenn Phillips 18)

Cummins returns. Starts off with a wide, but restricts the third-wicket pair to a single off each delivery for the next five. Williamson works the ball towards deep square leg to come back for a second off the last delivery, moving into the 80s in the process.

20:49 (IST)

What a turnaround for the Kiwis!

#NZ have scored 79 in the six overs since drinks; 59 off 23 of them from the bat of Williamson who is now putting on a clinic. At 136 for 2 (16) they are now favourites according to our win predictor for the first time in the match. #T20WorldCup

— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) November 14, 2021

20:46 (IST)

After 16 overs,New Zealand 136/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 77 , Glenn Phillips 15)

Starc returns, and starts off with back-to-back boundaries as Williamson continues to make merry against the Aussie attack. Edges the ball past the keeper first up, before getting an even thicker edge next up that sends the ball high towards the wide third man fence off the second. KW goes even bigger next ball as he picks the slower ball and smashes it over the midwicket region for a maximum. Williamson ends the over with back-to-back fours as the left-arm seamer ends up conceding 22 off his third — and 41 from his last two!

20:40 (IST)

After 15 overs,New Zealand 114/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 55 , Glenn Phillips 15)

After three superb overs, Zampa ends up leaking 12 runs in his final over of the evening with new batter Glenn Phillips smashing the ball straight down the ground for a maximum first ball and an aerial drive over the covers for a boundary four balls later. Zampa signs off with 1/26 in the final.

20:38 (IST)

After 14 overs,New Zealand 102/2 ( Kane Williamson (C) 54 , Glenn Phillips 4)

Pat Cummins returns to the attack for his second over, with just five runs coming off it as New Zealand cross the 100-mark.