Cricket World Cup: Kiwi fanzones set up for final

Martin Guptill in full flight during the Black Caps' quarter-final win over the West Indies. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Australia fan Adrian Hobson watched the semifinal while at work at the Viaduct Sport Grill.

The duty manager, whose mother is Australian and father a Kiwi, expected his team to take out the tournament.

"I do think Australia is going to win. [David] Warner was a bit disappointing but that's Warner - sometimes he's in, sometimes he's not," Mr Hobson said of last night's match.
A New Zealand and Australia final would be great, he said.

"It's always going to be hard against New Zealand. They always lift the level, especially when they're playing Australia. I think it will be a hard ask at the MCG."

Thousands of fans who can't make it to Melbourne are expected to cheer among Fanzone crowds as New Zealand's cities gear up to support the Black Caps.

Auckland will host a Fanzone at Britomart with a capacity of about 3000 people.

The size of the fanzone for the final would be extended for the big match, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) said.

The Fanzone, at Takutai Square, had attracted roughly 1000 people for every World Cup game involving India and some 1100 attended the Black Caps' clash with Australia in the pool stage.

The nearby Cloud on Queen's Wharf was unavailable as the World Triathlon Auckland event was using it on Sunday.

Meanwhile, a giant New Zealand flag was unfurled in downtown Auckland. ATEED said the 128sq.m flag was draped across Queen St to show support for the Black Caps ahead of the final.

In Wellington, fans were expected to flock to Civic Square. Wellington City Council said a giant screen would show the final and the build-up from 4pm.

As with the Auckland Fanzone, the capital's would be an alcohol-free event.

In Christchurch, where 4000 fans watched the quarter-final against the West Indies, even more people were expected to visit the Victoria Square Fanzone on Sunday.

That venue could hold up to 5000 people, city authorities said.

"For cricket fans who aren't able to experience the roar of the crowd at the MCG, we want to them to know we have our own stadium atmosphere right here in Christchurch. We've got the big screen, onsite food and beverage vendors and entry is free," Christchurch City Council said.