Cricket World Cup 2015 Final: Winners and Losers from Melbourne
The 2015 Cricket World Cup has come to an end with Australia victorious over New Zealand in the final for their fifth World Cup tournament victory.
It was an easy win for the co-hosts by seven wickets as they looked relatively untroubled in chasing 184 to win, having been dominant with the ball beforehand.
Now that the showpiece game is at an end and the dust is starting to settle, let’s take a look at the winners and losers from the World Cup final.
Winner: Michael Clarke
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For Australia captain Michael Clarke, this was the perfect swan song in his final one-day international.
Having led his side brilliantly throughout the competition, Clarke scored 74 from 72 balls to take his side to the brink of victory.
After he was bowled by Matt Henry, he was given a standing ovation as he walked off the field.
Lifting the trophy after his side’s win was the perfect conclusion for a man who has given so much to Australian cricket.
Loser: Brendon McCullum
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New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has been crucial for his side with the bat, getting them off to fast starts with some fantastic shots.
However, in the final he was blunted early as Mitchell Starc bowled him from just the fifth ball of the Black Caps’ innings to set the tone for a disappointing display.
To see his side be outplayed will be especially disappointing, although their opponents were deserving winners.
Winner: Grant Elliott
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New Zealand’s total would have been far smaller but for the intervention of Grant Elliott, who has shown his value to this Black Caps side.
Elliott came to the crease with his team at 39-3 and set about trying to rebuild before then looking to set a match-winning total.
He made 83 from 82 balls before being caught behind off James Faulkner, but he showed his resilience in the face of great Australian pressure.
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Loser: Tim Southee
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Tim Southee has been a match-winner in the past for New Zealand, especially in this tournament where he has been part of a superb seam tandem with Trent Boult.
However, in the final he was powerless to prevent the rampaging David Warner, who took a liking to the right-armer’s bowling from the outside.
Southee finished wicketless, having conceded 65 in eight overs in what was a tough outing.
Winner: Steven Smith
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Alongside his captain, Australia’s Steven Smith showed once again how much he has to offer in international cricket.
Smith came in at No. 3 in just the second over and stroked an unbeaten 56 from 71 balls, and he fittingly hit the winning runs with a boundary off Matt Henry.
With Clarke on his way out, Smith may well be next in line for a leadership role for Australia.
Loser: Aaron Finch
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One Australian who did not enjoy a particularly successful time of it was opener Aaron Finch, who was removed in the second over for nought.
He got a leading edge off a delivery from Boult and lobbed back a simple return catch to the bowler that would prevent him for taking any further part.
Usually so aggressive, it was a disappointing end for Finch personally, although perhaps the jubilation of winning the World Cup will help ease the pain.
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