adminAustralia have been crowned world champions after a six-week, 49-match World Cup tournament full of big scores, big hits, big crowds and the occasional burst of left-arm pace bowling. Their comprehensive final victory over fellow co-hosts New Zealand in Melbourne gave them the world title for a fifth time. But who were the other winners of the 11th Cricket World Cup? And who had a tournament to forget?
Man of the tournament: Australia pace bowler Mitchell Starc deservedly took the official award for his 22 wickets, but no one has personified the World Cup quite like New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum. His ultra-aggressive batting and inspirational leadership captured the imagination of his nation, who embraced the task as co-hosts with more enthusiasm and gusto than their neighbours across the Tasman Sea. When he finished speaking after the final defeat by Australia, McCullum was applauded by the assembled media.
“We’ve created memories and friendships which will last for the rest of our lives,” said McCullum.
Team of the tournament: They might not have progressed from the group stage, but Ireland almost single-handedly ignited the debate over the future of the sport and the International Cricket Council’s development plans.
Victories over Test sides West Indies and Zimbabwe took them to the brink of the quarter-finals, only to miss out on net run-rate. But any further World Cup participation is in doubt, with the next tournament set to be cut from 14 teams to 10, making it harder for the Irish to qualify.
Match of the tournament: New Zealand pulled off some thrilling victories over Australia and South Africa, but it’s easy to create drama when you are playing against your oldest rivals or for a place in the World Cup final. For Afghanistan and Scotland, something much more important was on offer — a first World Cup win. With stakes so high, they served up a suitable thriller in Dunedin. — BBC Sport
Online Reporter