Exactly three years ago, during the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 between Australia and New Zealand at Melbourne, Australia defeated New Zealand by seven wickets to win the all-important tournament. Having won the World Cup previously in 1987, 1999, 2003 and 2007, this was Australia’s fifth World Cup title.

Brendon McCullum, the then captain of New Zealand, had won the toss and chose to bat. In the most highly anticipated contest, Mitchell Starc drew first blood as he dismissed McCullum (0) in the first over itself. Losing their captain, Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson started on a cautious note. However, their patience did not pay-off as both of them also walk back to the pavilion cheaply in consecutive overs.

Grant Elliott, who rescued his team in the semi-finals against New Zealand, stitched a 111-run partnership to provide some stability to their batting order. Elliott was New Zealand’s top-scorer as he scored 83 (82) with the help of seven fours and a six. New Zealand lost their last seven wickets for 33 runs as they ended up scoring 183-10 in 45 overs. With bowling figures of 9-0-30-3, Mitchell Johnson was the pick of the Australian bowlers.

Also read: Virender Sehwag’s maiden triple century

Australia didn’t start their innings too well either. In the second over, Trent Boult’s in-swinger saw Aaron Finch (0) returning a simple catch to the bowler. After an early jolt, David Warner and Steven Smith took on the opposition bowlers as Australia scored 56-1 in the first 10 overs.

Warner (45) eventually got out to Matt Henry in the 13th over. Smith and captain Michael Clarke stitched a match-winning 112-run partnership as Australia closed-in on the target without much discomfort. Clarke top-scored for Australia as he scored 74 (72) with the help of 10 fours and a six.

On the first delivery of the 34th over, Australia sealed the chase with seven wickets in hand. Smith remained unbeaten on 56* (71). James Faulkner (9-1-36-3) was adjourned the ‘Man of the Match’.

Watch the full video: