Australia celebrate after winning the World Cup for the fifth time
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Australia won their fifth World Cup trophy in convincing fashion as they flattened New Zealand by seven wickets in Melbourne.
Australia captain Michael Clarke, who was playing his last ODI, and Steve Smith starred with the bat as they made 74 and 56 respectively.
However, New Zealand batsman Grant Elliott deserves a lot of credit for his valiant knock of 83.
New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum would have been regretting his decision to bat since none of the batsmen, with the exception of Elliott and Ross Taylor, got out of the starting blocks.
Elliott scored a much-needed 83, which came off 82 balls and included seven boundaries and a six, while Taylor accumulated 40 runs off 72 deliveries, which included two boundaries.
Elliott made a gutsy 83
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Other than them, none of the other batsmen were able to surpass 20 runs.
As a result of this, New Zealand were bowled out for a dismal score of 183.
Mitchell Johnson and James Faulkner picked up three wickets apiece, while Mitchell Starc took two and Glenn Maxwell chipped in with one.
Faulkner was named Man of the Match for his bowling figures of 3-36 off nine overs
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Chasing 184 to win, Australia got off to a poor start as opener Aaron Finch was caught and bowled by Trent Boult for a duck.
Warner and Smith made up for the early loss of Finch with a 61-run partnership before Warner was caught by Elliott at deep backward square off the bowling of Matt Henry.
Smith and Clarke kept the runs flowing with a 112-run partnership, during which Clarke brought up his half-century, before he was clean bowled by Henry for 74 off 72 balls, which included 10 boundaries and a six.
Clarke scored 74 in his final ODI innings
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Smith and Shane Watson mopped up the rest of the runs to lead Australia to World Cup glory.
Smith ended up making 56 off 71 deliveries, which included three boundaries.
Smith hit three boundaries during his unbeaten knock of 56
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Henry was the most successful bowler with two wickets, while Boult claimed one.
McCullum was gutted to have lost, and said: “It’s been one hell of a ride for us, right the way through, we played some outstanding cricket. We ran into an outstanding team in Australia, they continue to set the standard. Michael Clarke bows out on a high note, they deserved to win.
“[Early dismissal] Probably unfolded not as planned, but we got ourselves back in the game at 3 for 150. With 180, you still dare to dream, could have ended up differently with a couple of things going our way. This is what you ask for as a cricketer, we’ve had the opportunity. We’ve forged memories and friendships that will last forever. Didn’t lift the trophy but no regrets, the brand of cricket we’ve played and we walk away with our heads held high. It’s the greatest time of our lives and that’s how we tried to play the game, with a free spirit and heart. Still think we can be very proud of our achievements in this tournament.”
Clarke was ecstatic to have ended his ODI career by hoisting the World Cup trophy high above his head, and said: “Over the moon, what a tournament, Brendon and NZ deserve a lot of credit, always a tough team to beat, whenever we play them in any sport – so well done to Baz and his team, especially personally, he had an amazing performance. Thanks to every Australian and cricket supporter out there who’ve been behind us. The team and support staff, the support I’ve had since coming back into the team, they deserve to stand there with the trophy. Said we were ready mentally and we managed to get it all together physically.
“[No23 shirt?] Might give it back to Warney… Haven’t given it much thought, time is right to walk away from one-day cricket, I’ll still be playing Test cricket. [Black arm bands] It’s got PH on it, I’ll wear it every time I play for Australia. Been a really tough few months and everyone would say we played this World Cup with 16 players. Tonight is dedicated to our little brother. Hughesy used to party as well as any of them. We’re really proud, it’s a wonderful achievement, to win in our own backyard in front of family and friends.”
Faulker was named Man of the Match, and said: “Pretty amazing feeling, in front of 90,000 at the MCG. We’ve had an amazing journey the last couple of years. [Impact in the Powerplay] The skipper tosses you the ball and it works out like that sometimes. I thought I might not be here today, so this is an amazing feeling.”
Starc picked up 22 wickets during the World Cup at a sensational average of 10.18
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Starc was named Player of the Tournament, and said: “Amazing tournament, some outstanding performances to cap it off. NZ have set the standard all tournament but we led it home. I’ve worked really hard for a number of months now, a few series ago we sat down and to see it come to fruition and it’s been phenomenal. Little lucky, it was a plan Craig and I had but to see it executed [was brilliant]. Brendon’s been fantastic all tournament. The fans have been fantastic, to win in front of this many people, there’s nothing like it. Going to enjoy this one for now.”