
By ABC NEWS
Australia has won its third-straight Netball World Cup with a 58-55 victory over New Zealand in the final.
The pressure was on the Diamonds to retain their title after losing to their trans-Tasman rivals in the pool stage but the decider was a different story.
The Diamonds were at their tenacious best on Sunday as they claimed an 11th world title.
Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander and Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu kept the faith in their starting semi-final line-ups and proceedings kicked off at a rapid pace.
Playing in front of a world-record crowd of 16,752, Australia broke the first centre pass in the third minute and capitalised on the momentum, shooting a perfect 16/16 to take a nine-goal lead into the first break.
Diamonds centre Kim Green told Grandstand the plan was always to try to run New Zealand off the court early.
