New Zealand, which remained unbeaten in the tournament and even defeated Australia in the group stage, found it too hot to handle the Kangaroos in the last hurdle. The Australians outplayed them in each department of the game and won the trophy in style.
Earlier, New Zealand won the toss at the MCG and elected to bat first. They bundled out for a paltry 183 in 45 overs. Grant Elliott was the top scorer with 83, while Ross Taylor made 40. None other batsmen rose to the occasion. For Australia, Mitchell Johnson and James Faulkner took three wickets each, while Mitchell Starc took two wickets.
Chasing a victory target of 184, Australia lost Aaron Finch (0) early, but David Warner (45), Steven Smith and Michael Clarke prevented any big collapse and powered the team to victory with significant contribution. Clarke played a captain’s knock in his last ODI. He scored 74. Steven Smith remained unbeaten on 56.
Australia finished at 186/3 in 33.1 overs. For New Zealand, Matt Henry took two wickets. James Faulkner was declared ‘Man of the Match’. He received the award from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Mitchell Starc received the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award from Tendulkar.