Australia beat NZ by seven wickets to clinch World Cup

Chasing 184 to win, Australia reached the target of 186 runs by losing three wickets wickets with 101 balls to spare.

Skipper Michael Clarke, who played his last ODI innings, played a matured and memorable knock of 74 runs to guide his side to victory and lift the title for the first time as the skipper of the national side which have dominated the cricketing world for decades.

Clarke and Smith joined to add 112 runs in the third wicket partnership and guided the side close to the target.

Steve Smith (56*) and David Warner (45) also contributed well with their willows in this crucial final match between two neighbouring nations.

Smith smashed a boundary to reach the target while Shane Watson remained unbeaten at 2.

Trent Boult took a wicket while Matt Henry picked up two wickets each for New Zealand.

Australian bowlers, specially Mitchell Johnson and James Faulkner took three wickets apiece, to bowl out the New Zealand side for 183.

Grant Elliott remained the only warrior for the visitors as he smashed 83 runs in  the match.

Australia have earlier won the title in 1987, 1999, 2003 and 2007.

New Zealand were playing the final of the 50-over mega cricketing event for the first time.