March 29, 2015: Australia win World Cup title for record fifth time, New Zealand lose maiden final

This day, that year: Australia, under Michael Clarke’s captaincy, claimed a record fifth World Cup title six years ago as Brendon McCullum’s New Zealand lost their maiden final.

Six years ago, on March 29, New Zealand embraced their maiden World Cup final under the leadership of their favourite ‘Baz’, Brendon McCullum, and even though they lost the game, it remains etched in the hearts of cricket fans. Before the World Cup final in 2015, New Zealand had lost six semifinals before finally winning one and setting up their final against Australia. New Zealand played all the group stage games and the knockouts ahead of the final in their territory before the finale at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia. Brendon McCullum’s New Zealand were unbeaten across all games, including a group stage game against Australia at the Eden Park in Auckland, before the fateful final. An unfamiliar territory for the Black Caps, the MCG turned out to be anything but what was planned or anticipated by the fans and the team. New Zealand had the edge over the four-time World Cup champions having won the group stage game by one run under immense pressure. Besides, ‘Baz’ enjoyed his first hurrah with a win at the toss and decided to bat first.