15 things to look forward to at the #cwc15 final

The participating teams of the day will be celebrated with national fare, and fans can show their support with face painting. The Fan Zone will feature a grassy Backyard Cricket Zone, with space for groups to bring along a picnic and settle in to watch the matches, as well as a Beach Cricket Zone, which will feature activations and cricket activities for fans of all ages. A stone’s throw away from the action at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the ICC Cricket World Cup Official Fan Zone promises to be a highlight on the 2015 cricket calendar!

13. The Cup that counts

23 years ago, Pakistan’s inspirational skipper, Imran Khan, lifted the cup to bring joy to millions of fans in Pakistan and across the world. Four years ago, on a balmy summer’s night in Mumbai, Mahendra Singh Dhoni launched his signature helicopter stoke to bring World Cup glory after 28 years. Can McCullum replicate the success of the All Blacks and help New Zealand lift its maiden crown or will Clarke emulate Allan Border, Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting?

14. The National Anthems

To watch the emotions that the national anthem triggers in the players is fascinating. Each player walks out onto the field holding hands of a young fan. The teams line up with one child in front of every player, but as the anthem starts out, players from most teams move closer, arms around the shoulder of the one nearest to him or her. Several of the players sing with uninhibited gusto; for others, it is a personal moment before a big game. Emotions will be high and the national anthems reflect the passion, the stakes and the sentiments attached to the game of cricket. Adding to the passion will be the historic nature of a first meeting in a World Cup Final between these closest of neighbours.

15. The first ball

There’s no bigger anticipation than there is before the first ball of the match. The build-up, the chants, the claps as the bowler runs in brings about an adrenaline rush. Sunday will be no different, except there will be a huge roar of over 90,000 people that will ring in the ears of the 22 men who will do battle for cricket’s biggest crown.

Follow every ball of the #cwc15 Final LIVE in the ICC Match Centre by clicking here or Download the ICC Cricket World Cup App by clicking here.