The end was never in doubt but the process went through some turbulence before Australians defeated New Zealand to clinch their second successive Champions Trophy and maintaining their unbeaten run throughout the tournament, scoring a clinical six-wicket victory with Watson scoring yet another super century (105 not out) . However, chasing 201 for win, they had a shaky start reduced to 6 for 2 by the third over at the SuperSport Park on Monday. Shane Watson won the Man of the match fittingly.
Earlier, New Zealand struggling to 200/9 in their 50 overs. Daniel Vettori’s pulled out ahead of the toss virtually sealed his team’s fate. In his absence Brendon McCullum led the side though and the decision to bat first backfired badly with the top order unable to come to grips with Australia’s fast bowlers Brett Lee, Peter Siddle and Mitchell Johnson. McCullum did not even trouble the scorers, feathering an edge to Tim Paine behind the sticks off a bouncy Siddle delivery.
Aaron Redmond and Martin Guptill struggled to score 66 in the next 15 overs before Redmond was dismissed by Nathan Hauritz.
With McCullum, Guptill and Redmond out of the way, it was left to Ross Taylor and Grant Elliott to pull the Black Caps out of the fire. Both however, failed on the day, Taylor brilliantly snapped up at point by a leaping Mike Hussey off Johnson and Elliott, the hero of the semifinal win over Pakistan trapped by the pacy Lee.
Neither was able to even reach double figures, and credit goes to the lower order for at least making sure that the total did reach the 200 mark with Neil Broom (37, 62b, 5×4) and James Franklin (33, 43b, 4×4) keeping the middle overs ticking along.
A measure of Australia’s control with the ball comes from the fact that through the 50 overs, just 18 boundaries were conceded. Not one ball went over it.
Overall a supeb victory for the deserving champions Australia who will be happy to be back in the groove and how! Cheers Australia!
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