Australia have won the T20 World Cup courtesy of an impressive eight-wicket victory over New Zealand.
While they took time to grow into the tournament, Australia were worthy winners in the final as Mitchell Marsh (77*) and David Warner (53) both struck half-centuries.
After winning the toss, Australia would have been satisfied with restricting New Zealand to 28-1 off four overs, Daryl Mitchell the player out after 11 runs from eight balls.
However, that only accelerated Kane Williamson's introduction to the crease, and the Black Caps skipper would go on to play one of the best T20 knocks of his career.
While Martin Guptill (28) and Glenn Phillips (18) fell by the wayside, Williamson hit 10 fours and three sixes during a stunning 48-ball 85.
Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the Australian bowlers, posting figures of 3-16, as New Zealand posted 172-4, and the Baggy Greens were soon up against it in their run chase.
Nevertheless, despite the early dismissal of Aaron Finch (5), Warner and Marsh proceeded to put on a game-swinging partnership, the pair taking Australia to within 67 runs of victory with eight overs remaining.
Trent Boult struck to remove Warner (53) but Marsh continued along his merry way, reaching his half-century in just 31 balls.
Joined by Glenn Maxwell, the pair continued to bat New Zealand out of the game, Maxwell putting his own stamp on the game with 28 runs from 18 deliveries.
However, the day belonged to Australia and Marsh, whose 77 runs from 50 balls proved decisive in securing victory for his side.
Darren Plant
