Fans bowled over by chance to see finals

Kale Wellington, 7, his dad Tony and grandfather Stu Wellington are all going to the Cricket World Cup final in Melbourne. Photo / John Borren

Avid cricket fans Kale Wellington, his father Tony and grandfather Stu are all heading to the Cricket World Cup in Melbourne - and it's a double birthday treat for two of the trio.

Kale, who began playing at age 4, said the trip to the final was his seventh-birthday present and one worth waiting for.

An excited Kale, who turned 7 in January, said: " It's going to be really good game."

Kale, who plays for Mount Maunganui Lions, said his idol was Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum and he aspired to follow in his footsteps.

Kale, who watched the semifinal with his dad and grandfather on Tuesday night, said he never had any doubt the Black Caps would make the final, and hoped India got over the line, because they would be far easier to beat than Australia playing on home soil.

But it is the Black Caps all the way, no matter who they play, he said.

His message for NZ team: "Go the Black Caps, and go Trent Boult and Kane Williamson give us plenty of sixes and fours," he said.

Dad Tony, who turned 35 yesterday, said the Black Caps making the final was an awesome birthday treat, but admits to being a nervous wreck watching the final overs at home.

"Kale was far calmer than we were, and when Grant Elliott hit the winning six we all jumped for joy.

"It's the best present I could ever wish for, and watching the guys play in the final is going to be beyond my wildest dreams," Mr Wellington said.

He said he booked tickets to the final 18 months ago, and has seats three rows from the boundary fence in Cow's Corner.

"I'd like to see Australia in the final, as they are the ultimate rivals and to play them at their home and beat them would be absolutely awesome."