Australia captain Michael Clarke has dedicated his side’s Cricket World Cup win to former teammate Phillip Hughes, who died as a result of injuries sustained in a Sheffield Shield match last November.
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“I’m sure everybody standing on this stage will say we played this World Cup with 16 players,” Clarke is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
“This victory is dedicated to our little brother Phillip Hughes.
“Hughesy used to party as good as any of them so I guarantee we’ll celebrate hard tonight.
“The armband has got PH on it. I will wear it every game I play for Australia. It’s been a really tough few months.
“Thanks to all the supporters out there, and most importantly, thanks to our amazing team – the way they’ve stood up and played tonight, they deserve to be here.”
Clarke, who read an emotional eulogy at Hughes’ funeral, top-scored for Australia with 74 during his final one-day international as his side went on to win its fifth World Cup.
Australia quick Mitchell Starc set the tone for the game with a blistering performance with the ball, bowling New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum for a duck in the opening over of the match.
Mitchell Johnson and James Faulkner also impressed with three wickets each as Australia bowled New Zealand out for the modest total of 183.
Despite losing Aaron Finch early, Australia comfortably got over the line at the MCG with Michael Clarke (74), Steve Smith (56 not out) and David Warner (45) steering Australia home.
Check out Clarke’s emotional post-match words below:
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