Cricket World Cup Final 2015 Result: New Zealand vs. Australia Score, Reaction

Australia were crowned Cricket World Cup 2015 champions, as they put neighbours New Zealand to the sword in a thrilling final in Melbourne.

The two hosts have been in irresistible form throughout proceedings Down Under, but it was a batting collapse that brought the curtain down on the tournament rather than the blockbuster encounter we all tuned in for.

After New Zealand were bowled all out for just 183, the Aussies slogged their way to their target total for a seven-wicket victory to etch their name onto the World Cup trophy for the fifth time.

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Both sides have been solid with the bat all through the competition, with 300-plus scores aplenty blowing their opponents out of the water. So, when New Zealand won the toss and elected to take to the crease first, the world was poised for more fireworks.

However, Australia had other ideas, as they demolished the Black Caps’ order with a sensational bowling display, limiting them to just 183 runs.

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When the pair met back in Pool A, it was New Zealand who performed brilliance with the ball, as they dismissed the Aussies for just 151.

The roles were reversed this time around, though, with Mitchell Starc setting the tone for the innings by bowling Brendon McCullum with an unplayable delivery in the first over, per Sky Sports Cricket:

It got worse before it got better for the Black Caps, with Glenn Maxwell spinning his way to Martin Guptill’s wicket before Kane Williamson was caught and bowled by Mitchell Johnson.

At 39/3, New Zealand were in trouble. Confidence was low, pressure was high and the stakes, of course, couldn’t have been higher.

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They desperately needed a pair to steady the ship, and they duly got it in the shape of Ross Taylor and Grant Elliot.

The duo finally showed a bit of solidity at the crease, and although Elliot survived a review, it wasn’t long before they brought up the partnership 100, per Sky Sports Cricket:

Their joy was short-lived, however, as Taylor edged behind to the diving Brad Haddin, who held on spectacularly to break up the partnership, via Bleacher Report UK:

That was the beginning of the end for the Black Caps, as Corey Anderson and Luke Ronchi both went for ducks at the hands of James Faulkner and Starc respectively, with skipper Michael Clarke taking the catch for Ronchi’s wicket—via Sky Sports Cricket:

Daniel Vettori was then sent packing by another superb Johnson delivery, and Elliot’s excellent innings of 83 finally came to an end thanks to Faulkner.

New Zealand were now in big trouble. With 171/8 on the scoreboard, they needed a miracle, but when Matt Henry and Tim Southee were dismissed, their race was run for 183.

It was far too early for the Aussies to start celebrating, but a perfect foundation for World Cup glory has been laid. ESPN’s Freddie Wilde reflected on just how low Kiwi hopes were at the halfway point:

McCullum’s men needed to strike early with the ball, and they got their wish as Trent Boult sent Aaron Finch on his way for a duck, as Sky Sports Cricket revealed:

Fellow opener David Warner coped a lot better with the Kiwi pressure, finding several boundaries and edging the Aussies towards three figures.

However, a momentarily lapse in concentration saw him come up short in the hunt for a six, as he played it straight into the grateful hands of Elliot from a Henry ball, per Sky Sports Cricket:

While two wickets will have brought encouragement to the Black Caps, they needed lots of luck to cross the line—something that was severely lacking.

That was summed up by Henry’s delivery to Steven Smith, as the ball hit the wickets but didn’t knock the bails down, as Sky Sports Cricket’s video shows:

Smith went on to produce yet another excellent innings alongside Clarke, who led by example and brought his nation closer to glory.

The skipper brought up 50 from just 56 balls, closing his ODI career in perfect fashion—via England Cricket:

Clarke was playing with the kind of flair that has been the foundation of his ODI career. To put it simply, he was looking to go out with a bang. Former England bowler Vic Marks reflected on as much for BBC Sport:

"Clarke, you sense, wants to give us a flourish. Smith looks like he's being purposefully anonymous.”

Smith performed excellently in the supporting role, allowing Clarke to pick up the runs and move toward the winning post.

However, the captain was sent packing for 74 from just 72 balls, leaving his teammates requiring just nine runs to win the World Cup.

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Clarke hitting the winning runs would have been ideal, but Henry’s delivery was just too good. Former England skipper Michael Vaughan sung the Aussie’s praises as he departed the MCG to a standing ovation—via BBC Sport:

"Tremendous innings, tremendous one-day career. He'll be lifting that trophy soon, but he'll have wanted to hit the winning runs."

However, it wasn’t long before he was back on the grass celebrating a momentous victory, as Shane Watson and Smith chalked up the final required runs.

Singles edged Australia closer and closer, but it was Smith who had the honour of slogging one final four to spark wild celebrations inside the MCG—per Sky Sports Cricket:

The victory was nothing more than both Australia and Clarke deserved. When it’s mattered, the Aussies have been unplayable in this World Cup, finding consistency with bat and ball and producing great entertainment in the process.

Many a tear will be shed across Australia for the glorious world champions, with the spirit of Phillip Hughes in every celebrator’s heart.

No doubt the young man will have been looking down with his green cap firmly on and basking in pride, as his nation proved that even in the midst of tragedy, they’re still No. 1.

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Captain and star of the final Clarke dedicates the victory to the late Hughes—via The Guardian. Speaking about the black armband on his sleeve, he said:

"

As you can see it’s got PH on it. I’ll wear it every game I play for Australia. I think for everybody in Australian cricket it’s been really tough few months. I’m sure I don’t just speak for myself, I’m sure everybody standing on this stage tonight will say that we’ve played this World Cup with 16 players and tonight is certainly dedicated to our little brother and our teammate Phillip Hughes. Hughes used to party as good as any of them so I’ll make sure we drink two [beers] at a time tonight, one for Hughesy and one for us.

"