World Cup History: Top three Australia vs New Zealand clashes

The clash of the Trans-Tasman rivals has always entertained the fans. Both the teams are known for producing quality fast bowlers. Right from the likes of all-time greats Richard Haldee and Dennis Lillee to the medieval sensations Brett Lee and Shane Bond till the modern day maestros Trent Boult and Mitchell Starc, the two nations have been home to the greatest pacers.

Australia and New Zealand have battled 10 times at the mega-event of world cricket. The five-time winners enjoy a 7-3 head to head record over New Zealand. Here's a look at the top 3 World Cup clashes between the two teams.

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#3 Match 12, 1987 World Cup

Australia won the first World Cup match between the Trans-Tasman rivals

The two teams met in the group stage of the last ever 60-over World Cup but because of rain in Indore, the match was pushed to the reserve day. Only a 30-over game was possible that day and the Australians played a T20 like game in the first innings. They posted 199/4 on the board thanks to half-centuries from David Boon and Dean Jones.

In reply, John Wright and Martin Crowe led the Kiwi team towards the target but in the end, they fell short by just 3 runs as Australia prevailed in the nail-biting encounter. New Zealand's captain Jeff Crowe played a very slow innings of 3(10) which proved to be a negative for his side eventually.

The sides collided once again in the 1987 World Cup but the second match was largely dominated by the Australians as they won the match by 17 runs.

#2 5th Super Match, 2003 World Cup

Shane Bond celebrates taking the wicket of Ian Harvey

Two of the most lethal fast bowlers of world cricket, Brett Lee and Shane Bond came to the party when Australia fought with New Zealand in the second round of the 2003 World Cup. Australia were invited to bat first by Stephen Fleming and that decision proved to be a masterstroke as New Zealand reduced Australia to 84/7 in 26.3 overs. Shane Bond scalped 6 wickets in his 10-over quota.

However, the other New Zealand bowlers could not wrap up the Australian innings. Michael Bevan and Andy Bichel's heroics took Australia to 208/9 in 50 overs. In reply, New Zealand lost all their wickets for only 112 runs. Brett Lee emerged as the wrecker-in-chief of the New Zealand innings with figures of 5/42 in 9.1 overs.

Despite being on the losing side, Bond received the player of the match award.

#1 20th Match, ICC World Cup 2015

Australia v New Zealand - 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup

The group stage match between the hosts of the 2015 World Cup was one of the best matches we have ever seen in World Cup history. Australia won the toss and opted to bat first. A five-wicket haul for Trent Boult ensured that New Zealand got the upper hand in the first innings. Brad Haddin tried to wage a lone battle but his efforts could take Australia to only 151.

In the second innings, Brendon McCullum hit a quickfire half-century to guarantee a win for New Zealand. However, Mitchell Starc's late burst brought Australia back in the game. The ice cool Kane Williamson did not lose his wicket and batted till the end.

With 6 runs required off 27 overs and just 1 wicket in hand, Williamson struck the first ball of Pat Cummins' over for a maximum and won the game for his team.