Australia clinch fifth WC title

Australian bowlers put a dominating show to bowl out New Zealand, the side which had remained undefeated in the tournament so far, for 183 runs  and then the batsmen chased down the target and reached 186 runs by losing three wickets with 101 balls to spare.

Chasing 184 runs, New Zealand got early breakthrough as Trent Boult picked up the wicket of Australian opener Aaron Finch (0) in the second over of the innings.

David Warner (45) and Steve Smith (56*) rebuild the innings by adding 61 runs in the second wicket partnership.

Matt Henry gave Australia another jolt by dismissing Warner.

After Warner was dismissed, skipper Clarke, who had announced his decision to retire from ODI cricket after Sunday's final, joined Smith in adding match-winning 112 runs in the third wicket partnership to get closer to the target.

With few more runs left for victory, Henry dismissed Clarke who has smashed 10 boundaries and a six in his innings.

Smith and Shane Watson (2*) reached the target of 186 runs without further losing a wicket.

Smith hammered a boundary to clinch the victory for the side and win the title for the fifth time since the tournament commenced its journey in 1975.

Henry took two wickets for New Zealand.

Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first.

Australian bowlers completely dominated the first half of the final matchas they bowled out the visitors for 183 runs here on Sunday.

Apart from Grant Elliott's gutsy 83 runs, the rest of the batsmen together posted 100 runs with only Ross Taylor scoring 40 runs with his willow.

New Zealand were bowled out for 183 runs in 45 overs

Giving a strong fight to the Australians, Elliott hit seven boundaries and a six in his innings which was crucial as New Zealand kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Martin Guptill  (15), Brendon McCullum (0) Kane Williamson (12), Corey Anderson (0) and Luke Ronchi (0) failed miserably in this final clash of the 50-over mega cricket tournament.

Taylor and  Elliott added crucial 111 runs in the fourth wicket partnership which eventually helped the side post more than 150 runs on the scorecard.

Australian bowlers dominated the game with Mitchell Johnson and James Faulkner taking three wickets each.

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.

The side had earlier defeated Australia in a group stage match of the 2015 World Cup.