Australia claim World Cup hat-trick
Saturday, 28 April 2007Australia lifted the World Cup trophy for a record third successive time after claiming a 53-run victory over Sri Lanka in farcical ending to a rain-shortened final in Barbados.
Adam Gilchrist smashed 149, the highest individual score in a World Cup final, to propel Australia to 281-4 from their allotted 38 overs.
Australia started their victory celebrations when the Sri Lankan batsmen left the field due to bad light with the score on 206 for seven.
The scoreboard on the ground flashed up with 'Congratulations Australia' but the Sri Lankans were then recalled by the umpires to finish the final three overs in darkness at the Kensington Oval.
Australia eventually restricted Sri Lanka to 215 for eight.
Sri Lanka, champions in 1996, were set a revised target of 269 off 36 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis system after rain halted play for 12 minutes during their run chase.
Retiring fast bowler Glenn McGrath said: 'It's a bit dark but I'm loving every minute of it.'
'Each time (Australia have won it) we have taken it to the next level and I'm going to make the most of it now.'
Coach John Buchanan will also step down from his role and admitted: 'It is a fairytale. I didn't think I'd come through.
'But it's a fantastic feeling, absolutely brilliant.
'It's all been an unbelievable achievement and it's due to the team, and the support of people around the team.
'It is due to great people and great players that made what has happened happen.'
