Top performers for Australia in World Cup finals

Gilchrist smashed 149 off just 104 balls with 13 fours and eight sixes in the 2007 final against Sri Lanka. (Source: AP file)

Australia have won the World Cup a record four times. Here’s a look back at their top performers from the previous triumphs in World Cup finals. (Full Coverage| Points table| Fixtures)

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David Boon (75) v England, Kolkata, 1987

Australia needed a solid start from their openers to make the most of the opportunity to bat first against their arch rivals, England. They got just that thanks to David Boon (75) and Geoff Marsh adding 75 for the opening wicket. Boon was the third man out as Australia posted a challenging total of 253-5 in their 50 overs. Boon also featured in the run-out of John Emburey. In the end Australia won by seven runs and Boon was named the player of the match.

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Shane Warne (4-33) v Pakistan, Lord’s (London), 1999

Before the tournament began, Shane Warne faced a number of issues with his form, fitness and some personal matters. But as the tournament progressed Warne raised his game, especially in the semi-final and final. He spun a web around Pakistan as they danced to his tunes in the final. Aided by some brilliant fielding, Warne finished with a match-winning haul of 4-33. He watched as Australia chased down the Pakistan total of 133 in just 20.1 overs. Warne was named the man-of-the-match for his efforts with the ball.

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Ricky Ponting (140 not out) v India, Johannesburg, 2003

He had only taken over as the ODI captain just about a year before the World Cup. In fact, Ricky Ponting faced the toughest test before and during the 2003 World Cup. He lost a number of key players like Shane Warne (to doping ban), Shane Watson and Jason Gillespie (to injuries). But Ponting emerged from all that as his side remained unbeaten throughout. In the final, Ponting raised his game to another level as he launched a breath-taking assault on India’s bowlers to help Australia end at 359-2 in their 50 overs. In the end India finished 125 runs short as Ponting’s Australia created history. Ponting himself won the player of the match award.

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Adam Gilchrist (149) v Sri Lanka, Bridgetown (Barbados), 2007

Australia’s tournament was progressing smoothly without any major contribution from their wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist. But on the final day, Gilchrist turned it on like only he can. Gilchrist smashed 149 off just 104 balls with 13 boundaries and eight sixes. Gilchrist’s blitzkrieg forced Sri Lanka to take cover as all their bowlers went for runs. Gilchrist’s effort was also amazing because he later revealed that he was batting with a squash ball in his gloves so as to get a better grip. Australia ended with 281-4 in their allotted 38 overs on a rain-affected day. Sri Lanka fell short by 53 runs as they caved in amid some poor light and bungling by ICC match officials. Gilchrist’s effort helped him earn the player of the match award as Australia claimed their fourth World Cup.

Source:: Indian Express