The stage is set. Co-hosts and heavyweights of World Cup 2015 - Australia and New Zealand - will lock horns at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday for the prized trophy. After weeks of thrilling victories, heart-breaking losses, record-shattering knocks and game-changing spells, two of the best sides in the tournament will square off, after all.

Just another game? Australia and New Zealand may get to the park on Sunday with preparation to suggest that they would be approaching their newest battle as just another game. But they need no reminding that this time, unlike in any of their 126 ODI earlier meetings, there is a little reward that awaits the winners the ICC Cricket World Cup, no less.

Statistics reveal the unprecedented success of tournament

Australia's skipper's shock announcement that he will quit one-day internationals after the World Cup final against New Zealand

The last rule changes in One-Day International cricket are nearly two and a half years old now, but teams are still struggling to come to terms with some of those changes. Or, more like, one of those changes – that of having only four players outside the circle in the 35 non-Power Play overs.

New Zealand's cricketers grew up playing backyard battles against imaginary Australia sides and will be eager to get one over their "big brothers" in the World Cup final, paceman Tim Southee said.

On Air New Zealand flight 125 from Auckland to Melbourne - his team's first outside of the country since the World Cup began, and just hours after a pulsating win over South Africa in the semi-final - Brendon McCullum looked a focused man as he rose from his seat at the back of the aircraft and scanned the rows in front of him for familiar faces.

The International Cricket Council today announced the match official appointments for the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, which will be played between co-hosts Australia and New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday.

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni refused to give an indication whether he will retire from one-day cricket after his team lost the World Cup semi-final to Australia.

International Cricket Council address some the concerns over the future of Associates and World Cup cricket

Australia will play fellow co-hosts New Zealand in Sunday's World Cup final in Melbourne after they beat defending champions India by 95 runs at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.

Fast bowler Mitchell Johnson says he is considering taking on the role of Australia's Sledger-in-Chief for Thursday's World Cup semifinal against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground.