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Australia win Cricket World Cup final - defeat New Zealand by 7 wickets

29th March, 2015
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BREAKING: Australia has won the 2015 Cricket World Cup, defeating New Zealand in the final by 7 wickets

Australian captain Michael Clarke has scored a crucial half century as Australia chased down New Zealand’s first innings total of 183 in the 34th over.

The match will be Clarke’s final one day international of his career, and is a fitting send off for a man with such an admirable record in one day cricket.

» Full 2015 Cricket World Cup scorecard
» Cricket World Cup final live blog
» VIDEO: McCullum’s crucial dismissal

Australia’s chase looked in doubt early, with Trent Boult snagging the wicket of Aaron Finch early. At 1/2, Australia counterattacked through David Warner, who made a quickfire 45.

His demise brought Clarke to the crease to join Steve Smith, and together they set about assuring victory. Smith played in the mould he has all summer, looking comfortable throughout his innings even though he walked to the crease at 1/2.

Clarke had some nervous moments early in his innings, with New Zealand bowlers targeting him and Brendon McCullum setting aggressive fields.

Clarke was out for 72, while Smith capped off his tournament with an unbeaten half century.

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It wasn’t to be on the day for the Black Caps, who had been so impressive all tournament.

Their problems began in the very first over, when McCullum, trying to get his side off to another fast start after he chose to bat first, was skittled by Mitchell Starc.

The New Zealanders were rattled early, and their batting never fully recovered.

Mitchell Johnson jagged the vital wicket of Kane Williamson after Glenn Maxwell snuck one past the outside edge of the in-form Martin Guptill.

A good partnership between Ross Taylor and semi-final hero Grant Elliott saw the Kiwis to 3/150, but losing 7/33 thanks to some good bowling from Johnson and Faulkner saw them post an under par total.

Mitchell Johnson had the figures of 3/30, while Starc had 2/20 and Faulkner 3/36.

The New Zealand innings was summed up by the last-wicket runout, with Tim Southee caught short of his ground by a clever piece of fielding from Glenn Maxwell.

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Despite the relatively early departure of Finch and Warner for Australia, and Clarke’s early battles, Australia looked comfortable in tracking down the total.

Clarke nearly iced the match with a flurry of boundaries, ensuring it was a stylish send-off from limited overs cricket. It was spoiled somewhat when he chopped New Zealand quick Henry onto his stumps for 74 from 72 balls.

The win will be Clarke’s final ODI match, and could also be New Zealand legend Daniel Vettori’s ODI swansong.

It is Australia’s fifth Cricket World Cup victory, and they sit well ahead of India and the West Indies who each have two. They also become the first team to win the tournament on every continent that it’s been hosted.

Clarke bid an emotional farewell to the game in his post-match interview.

“Thanks to every Australian. Thanks to every cricket supporter out there.

“It’s been an honour and a privileged to represent my country. Tonight is extra special,” Clarke said.

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“I am over the moon. We played really well tonight.”

He addressed the tragic death of Phillip Hughes, which has been one of the constants of the summer for Australian cricket.

“Tonight is dedicated to our little brother and team-mate Phillip Hughes.

“For everybody in Australian cricket, it has been a really tough few months. We have played this World Cup with 16 players.”

Brendon McCullum was reflective on the Kiwis’ amazing run to the final.

“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, who continue to set the standard.

“Michael Clarke bows out on a high note, they deserved to win. It probably unfolded not as planned, but we got ourselves back in the game at 3 for 150.

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“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.

“I still think we can be very proud of our achievements in this tournament.”

Australia coach Darren Lehmann was ecstatic for his players, though they did thank him by tipping a bucket of ice on him.

“They’ve been fantastic over the six weeks and the support we’ve had is unbelievable,” Lehmann said.

Steve Smith was a little lost for words after hitting the winning runs, but did manage to describe the feeling of winning the World Cup.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling. We said we wanted to play out best games at the end of the tournament. To win three down is amazing… The bowlers set it up for us. Thanks for everyone coming out.”

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Shane Watson complimented Brendon McCullum and his side for their fantastic run through the tournament.

“They’ve been the form side of world cricket the last six months, Brendon McCullum has done an incredible job, they have match-winners through their team. We’re incredibly glad to have won,” Watson said.

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