Retiring Australia captain Michael Clarke top-scored with 74 to lead his side to a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup final at the MCG.
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Mitchell Johnson and James Faulkner starred with the ball with three wickets each as New Zealand reached a modest total of 183.
Grant Elliot was the one shining light for the Kiwis after a superb knock of 83, but his side got off to the worst possible start when skipper Brendon McCullum was clean bowled for a duck by a sublime Mitchell Starc yorker:
Just as it looked like the partnership of Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson was about to settle in, Guptill was clean bowled by Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.
Williamson shortly followed, leaving the Kiwi’s reeling at 39-3 after being caught and bowled by Mitchell Johnson.
Ross Taylor and Grant Elliott then began to steady the ship, knocking up a 100-run partnership.
Just as it looked like the tide was beginning to turn, Taylor was caught behind on 40.
All-rounder Corey Anderson and wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi shortly followed, with the pair trudging back to the pavilion for ducks.
Daniel Vettori couldn’t help the Kiwi tail wag after he was bowled by Johnson.
Elliot was New Zealand’s only shining light in the innings, but he was eventually dismissed by the in-form James Faulkner on 83.
Matt Henry became the fourth Kiwi batsman to be dismissed for a duck after he was caught at point by Mitchell Starc.
Tim Southee looked to be the only Kiwi tailender who was willing to take it up to the Australian bowling attack, but he was run out on 11 after a superb piece of fielding by Glenn Maxwell.
Australia’s innings started similarly to New Zealand’s, with star opener Aaron Finch caught and bowled by Trent Boult for a duck.
David Warner looked to steady to the ship and looked to be playing himself back into form on the biggest of stages.
However, Warner fell short of a half-century after being caught out by an excellent Matt Henry short ball.
Steve Smith somehow managed to remain at the crease despite the ball rolling back onto the stumps after he edged a Matt Henry delivery.
Michael Clarke was sublime in his final one-day game, and received a standing ovation by the packed MCG crowd after notching up a half century.
Clarke looked set to be the man to get Australia over the line, but he was bowled by Matt Henry with his side just nine runs shy of a World Cup win.
After an incredible summer, Steve Smith rather fittingly hit the winning runs for Australia, sparking wild celebrations.
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