Champions Trophy – Australia beats New Zealand for Champions Trophy

Australia has become the only team in Champions Trophy history to win the illustrious title twice, beating New Zealand in the final by six wickets.

The victory was not only important for the trophy cabinet but also the world rankings and the win will ensure that Australia will retain its much sought after number one limited over international ranking.

With order restored to the ICC rankings system, which saw hosts South Africa atop of the list despite not making the semi-finals and India also being bundled out before the semis, Australia can now work towards stealing their number one test spot back from the Proteas.

The Kiwis should be congratulated on making the final. Many believed that they were going to be nothing more than tourists of the tournament but wins over their much vaunted opponents will no doubt give them the confidence they need to push forward over the next 12 to 18 months.

Australia’s dominant performance in the final showcased their calmness under pressure, something they have lacked in the past.

Losing the toss, Australia broke into the Kiwi batting order early dismissing danger man Brendon McCullum to have their Antipodean neighbours 1/5 and a steady stream of wickets had the Black Caps struggling at 5/96.

Neil Broom (37) and James Franklin (33) then combined for an innings high partnership of 65 to steady the ship late in the game however a score of 9/200 off 50 overs at Supersport Park in Centurion was never going to be enough against Australia who blasted England in their semi-final.

Nathan Hauritz was the pick of the Aussie bowlers taking 3/37 off his 10 overs while Brett Lee snared late wickets to end with 2/45 off his allotted overs.

In reply Australia looked in trouble at 2/6 with Tim Paine (1) and Ricky Ponting (1) cleaned up cheaply but as they have shown all tournament, with their backs to the walls, Australia are again considered dangerous.

Shane Watson finished a fine tournament scoring his second century in as many matches to steer the team home with 105, two sixes on the final two balls securing the ton.

Cameron White too stood tall scoring 62 while James Hopes held up an end scoring 22 while Watson blitzed his way to a fine ton.