As It Happened: Michael Clarke shines as Australia win fifth World Cup title
Live cricket score and ball-by-ball commentary of the World Cup final match between Australia and New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne on Sunday.
Michael Clarke marked his final one-day international with a fine 74 as Australia won their fifth World Cup, beating fellow co-hosts New Zealand by seven wickets in a one-sided final in Melbourne on Sunday. Catch all the highlights of the match here: SCORECARD
New Zealand, who defeated Australia by one wicket in the pool phase, were all but out of the match after being dismissed for just 183 following captain Brendon McCullum's decision to bat first, having won the toss.
The writing was on the wall for New Zealand, appearing in their first World Cup final, when McCullum was bowled for a duck in the first over by impressive left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc.
Grant Elliott (83) and Ross Taylor (40) rebuilt the innings with a stand of 111 before New Zealand lost a trio of quick wickets, with Starc and fellow left-arm seamers Mitchell Johnson and James Faulkner sharing eight wickets between them.
Australia captain Clarke, playing his last one-day international before he retires from white-ball, but not Test cricket, saw his side to the brink of victory before he was bowled for 74 in his 245th ODI, with the skipper walking off to a standing ovation from a record Melbourne Cricket Ground crowd of 93,013.
Steven Smith, who put on 112 for the third wicket with Clarke, made 56 not out -- his fifth successive score of 50 or more this tournament -- and hit the winning boundary as Australia finished on 186 for three with a huge 101 balls remaining.
Live Score - Australia vs New Zealand
All right then, that brings an end to WORLD CUP 2015! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MIGHTY AUSSIES! FIVE TIMES WORLD CHAMPIONS. We enjoyed bringing this World Cup coverage to all of you! We'll be back now with the Indian T-20 league in a couple of weeks. Goodbye, till then!
MICHAEL CLARKE, the Aussie skipper starts off saying that he is over the moon! What a tournament it has been for them. Congratulates McCullum for being brilliant throughout the tournament. Also thanks the crowd for their support throughout the tournament. Says that they played very well tonight. They did well to recover after the last game, mentally and physically. Also says that it has been an honor to represent the country. It has been a tough time for the Australian team (dedicates this World Cup to Phillip Hughes). Ends up saying that they'll celebrate hard, very hard tonight. Joins the team and together they lift the World Cup. What a moment for the players. Tears in the eyes of the Aussie skipper as he takes the victory lap, you will be missed Clarkey! An end to Michael Clarke's ODI journey! A perfect farewell match for him.
JAMES FAULKNER, the Man of the Match says that it is an amazing feeling to play in front of 93000 people. Also adds, it worked well for the Aussies today. The physio has looked after him and says it's great to play at this stage. MITCHELL STARC, the Man of the Tournament says that he is out of words. Also adds that he has worked hard with their bowling coach, Craig McDermott. Also thanks the Australian fans for their lovely support throughout the World Cup. Ends up saying that he is going to enjoy tonight and party hard.
BRENDON MCCULLUM says that it's been one hell of a ride for them. Adds, they ran into an outstanding Australian team and congratulations to them, they thoroughly deserved this win since they had a good opportunity. They have still got some work to do but thinks that the Kiwis can be proud of their achievements.
JOSH HAZLEWOOD says that Starc has been outstanding the whole tournament and so has been Mitchell Johnson. Also adds to watch him lead the guys has been fantastic. GLENN MAXWELL says that it doesn't get better than this. Also adds, most of the boys went about their business.
DAVID WARNER says that they tried their best. Thanks all the Aussie supporters for their support. BRAD HADDIN says that they are going to have a beer with everyone in the crowd. The crowd support was spectacular. DARREN LEHMAN, the Aussie coach says that the crowd has been fantastic and it has been an enjoyable six weeks. Also says that New Zealand played well throughout the tournament.
What a performance that was. Australia lost just one match of the World Cup when they went to New Zealand and after that won all the games. And now when New Zealand came in Australia for the finals, the Aussies took a sweet revenge by winning when it matters. Both these sides were superb throughout the tournament and were totally worth of playing in the finals today.
Martin Guptill was the leading run getter, he scored 547 runs in it. Mitchell Starc and Trent Boult, the two leading wicket takers with 22 wickets each.
During the run chase, Trent Boult picked up an early wicket of Finch but later on it was Warner, Smith and Clarke who did it for the team. All of the three played decent knocks to help Australia get over the line convincingly. Smith has also been the top scorer for the team with 402 runs in the tournament, what a player.
Coming down to the final game, McCullum won the toss and elected to bat first, that was the only good thing which happened to the Kiwis today. Later on it was all Australia! They managed to bowl out the Kiwis to a mere 183 runs! Faulkner and Johnson picked up three wickets and Mitchell Starc picked up two wickets and became the leading wicket taker along with 22 wickets. They absolutely destroyed the Kiwis. Grant Elliott gave some fight and was the top scorer with 83 runs.