Sydney:
Sunday’s World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand will be the first title clash without an Asian team since 1987.
The last final without an Asian challenger was played in 1987 when Australia beat England by seven runs at the Eden Gardens.
From 1992 to 2011, either India, Sri Lanka or Pakistan reached the title clash of the 50-over showpiece event.
Pakistan’s maiden triumph came Down Under in 1992 before they finished runners-up to Australia at Lord’s seven year later.
India won the title at home four years ago and finished second to Australia in the 2003 edition held in South Africa.
Sri Lanka, who lifted the coveted crown in 1996, did well to reach the summit clash in 2007 and 2011.
