- Tuesday, February 25, 2025
By: Shubham Ghosh
AUSTRALIA banked on half centuries from opener David Warner and Mitchell Marsh to crush New Zealand by eight wickets to win their maiden World Cup title in T20s at the Dubai International Stadium in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday (14).
The day belonged to the Kangaroos after captain Aaron Finch won the toss and asked Kane Williamson’s side to bat first. The skipper slammed 85 in just 48 balls to help the Kiwis post a total of 172 for four in 20 overs. Opener Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell, the hero of the semi-final against England, put on 28 runs for the first wicket and after Mitchell fell for 11, Williamson and Guptill found scoring tough as Australia bowlers maintained a check. It was after 10 overs that the New Zealand captain accelerated the scoring and eventually, they settled for a 170-plus total. Pacer Josh Hazlewood was the most successful Australia bowler by taking three wickets for 16 runs.
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Chasing the target, Australia lost Finch (five) early but Warner (53) and Marsh (77 not out) then put on a long partnership before Trent Boult dismissed Warner. But Marsh continued with his carnage and the Kangaroos were left to score 48 runs in their last six overs, which they did without losing another wicket. Glenn Maxwell, who remained unbeaten on 28, stayed with Marsh till the end to win it for Australia with seven balls to spare. Marsh was adjudged the player of the match while Warner was picked as the player of the tournament.
Australia, who have five World Cup titles in the 50-over format, became the sixth team to win the title after India, Pakistan, England, the West Indies and Sri Lanka.
