[4] The final was played on 29 March and was a day-night match contested between New Zealand and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

New Zealand finished top of Pool A, winning all six games against Sri Lanka, Scotland, England, Australia, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

[12] In the semi-final at Auckland's Eden Park by 4 wickets in a rain-affected match against South Africa, with Grant Elliott hitting a six off the penultimate ball to win the game.

[6][13] Australia finished second in Pool A, losing against New Zealand, having a game cancelled due to rain against Bangladesh[14] and winning their other four matches.

[15] They then qualified for the final by beating defending champions India by 95 runs in the semi-final at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

[17] Australia had a strong record at home, winning 24 of their last 26 games and former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden suggested New Zealand would struggle with the larger field size at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), especially after playing all their tournament games on the smaller New Zealand grounds.

[21] Australia's captain Michael Clarke said the loss against New Zealand during the group stages gave his side the "kick up the backside" they needed.

Elliot fell to Faulkner the following over, caught by Brad Haddin for 83, leaving both Matt Henry and Tim Southee at the crease on zero.

[27] Australia's start was equally ignominious with Aaron Finch being caught and bowled by Trent Boult in the second over for a duck.

[27] Australian captain Clarke dedicated the victory to Phillip Hughes who had died after being struck on the neck by a bouncer the previous November.