Dancers perform in Christchurch at one of the two 2015 World Cup opening ceremonies on Thursday
Maori performers entertain the crowd during the World Cup opening ceremony in Christchurch, New Zealand
Spectators in Hagley Park, New Zealand, take their seats ahead of the opening ceremony on Thursday
A young woman plays 'backyard' cricket with children during the opening ceremony in Christchurch
A woman in a tropical-themed outfit dashes between the wickets during a friendly match at the ceremony
Prime Minister John Key poses with New Zealand players (from L to R) Adam Milne, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi, Tom Latham, Tim Southee and Trent Boult
All Blacks and Crusaders captain Richie McCaw attends the opening ceremony for the cricket World Cup
Maori dancers on stage in Chritchurch perform a traditional dance for the crowd on Thursday
Prime Minister Key gives his speech on stage in Christchurch during the ceremony
Flag-bearers on stage in Christchurch as the ceremony in New Zealand draws to a close
A dance school perform for the crowd at the Myer Music Bowl in Australia for their opening ceremony
The Melbourne Highland Pipe band play at the World Cup opening ceremony in Melbourne, Australia
Dance group Jhoom Bollywood perform on stage in Melbourne backed by the Indian flag
Michael Clarke, David Warner and Steve Smith of Australia look on during the ceremony in Melbourne
A giant, luminous cricket player is operated by numerous performers on stage in Melbourne, Australia
The giant puppet batsman lifts his bat to salute the crowd at the Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne
The ceremony in New Zealand, which was started with a solitary bagpipe player, ended with a firework display
And fireworks were also on show in Australia, as seen here during the display above the Myer Music Bowl
