Peter White: Character building of highest order

Trent Boult celebrates after dismissing Australian opener Aaron Finch for 0 in the World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The 50th match of the Cricket World Cup proved the undoing of the gallant Black Caps as they were resolutely outplayed in the final by Australia on Sunday night.

In batting first and making just 183 all out in the 45th over, the Black Caps were unable to put Australia under any pressure.

It was a strangely meek performance after a memorable World Cup that has galvanised New Zealand just like the 2011 Rugby World Cup did.

Hot favourites Australia cruised to a seven-wicket victory in what was a big learning curve for the New Zealand batsmen.

Unfortunately they left their poorest batting display to when it mattered most, in front of 93,013 baying fans on cricket's biggest stage at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The opening overs of the New Zealand innings after Brendon McCullum was bowled neck and crop for a duck were a real test of character.

Martin Guptil and Tauranga's Kane Williamson, normally so serene and composed, looked nervous and intimidated.

It was a severe test and sadly they both succumbed under the most intense pressure either have ever faced.

It was character building of the highest order.

The more experienced Ross Taylor played his best innings of the World Cup. In partnership with the hero of Eden Park Grant Elliott he rebuilt the innings. They put on 50 off 64 balls and then 111 together before Taylor was out for 40. It was a vital partnership to get the Black Caps back into the game.

Sadly as hopes grew of a competitive total Corey Anderson and keeper Luke Ronchi were both swept away for ducks to hand the confident Aussies the advantage they never let slip.

Elliott soldiered on, bringing up his own 50 off just 52 balls and looking every inch the international batsman. He was finally out for 83 off 81 balls as the innings collapsed around him, to follow his match-winning 84 not out in the semifinal.

It was a shame the Australian players appeared to taunt him as he walked off the ground. In a World Cup played in the right spirit throughout, the Australians just can't help themselves and that wins them no favours.

Tauranga's Trent Boult was the Blacks Caps' best bowler and the left arm quickie finished the tournament with 22 wickets to equal Mitchell Starc as the tournament's top wicket taker. Boult is now a first-choice bowler in all forms of the game and thoroughly deserves all the accolades he has received.

A massive Indian Premier League pay day awaits him next and then a full tour of England to come.