In front of a packed house at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia clinched the coveted ICC World Cup, thrashing New Zealand by seven wickets to provide a perfect sendoff to skipper Michael Clarke, who played a key role with a 74-run knock in his final ODI appearance.
"Well played Australia you were the best team by far and your wins from the quarterfinals onwards were clinical and showed your superiority!," West Indies batting legend Brian Lara wrote on his twitter handle.
Former pace spearhead Glenn McGrath, who was part of an unprecedented three World Cup triumphs, called it a well-deserved win.
"Congratulations to @MClarke23 & @CricketAus on winning the @cricketworldcup Great win boys, very well deserved #CWC15," McGrath tweeted.
After the bowlers produced a clinical performance, skittling out New Zealand for 183, the stage was set for the Australian captain, who used the platform to the fullest with a stylish 72-ball innings as the hosts regained the trophy by winning the match in 33.1 overs to end an eight-year wait.
West Indies star batsman Chris Gayle said, "Congrats @MClarke23 & team Australia on winning the #WorldCup2015. #FullJoy #CWC15 #63NotOut #Champions-well done NZ! Great finish pups ??
Man of the Tournament in the 2011 edition, Yuvraj Singh wrote, "Of producing world class cricketers every generation ex-teammate @mstarc56 for taking man of the series with some exceptional bowling spells."
Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman thanked the Black Caps for providing entertainment.
"Bad luck NZ but thank u for entertaining all of us by playing aggressive&positive brand of cricket throughout the WC.Keep it up. #CWC15, the former Hyderabadi batsman tweeted.
South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis also congratulated the newly crowned world champions.
"Congrats to Australia. Well deserved Champions. NZ can be proud their campaign too. End of a fabulous WC that has enhanced ODIs reputation.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
)