†AUSTRALIA v NEW ZEALAND 1980-81

At Melbourne, January 31. Australia won by seven wickets. Stung by their defeat in the first of the finals, Australia gave a much more determined performance in the second. After putting New Zealand in to bat they disposed of them in 46.4 overs for 126. The pitch proved a problem with its low bounce, only Edgar hinting at any sort of authority before he mistimed an attempted pull off Trevor Chappell"s first ball. Some late hitting by Hadlee and Cairns was needed to take New Zealand past 100. Defending such a small total, New Zealand did their best, and with the help of the pitch made Australia fight for every run. Once again Greg Chappell played the best innings of the match as he steered Australia to victory.