James Faulkner's three wickets helps Australia claim World Cup title

James Faulkner produced a match-winning spell to help Australia comfortably beat New Zealand by seven wickets to win their fifth ODI World Cup title at the MCG on Sunday.

Brendon McCullum's decision to bat first, at the toss, backfired as Australia's new-ball attack pegged New Zealand on the back-foot early.

Mitchell Starc dismissed McCullum off the third ball of the match. Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson then fell an over-apart. That left New Zealand at 39 for three in 13 overs.

Grant Elliott and Ross Taylor added 111 for the fourth wicket and put their side back into the contest. However, Faulkner brought Australia back into the game and dismissed Ross Taylor and Corey Anderson in the 36th over.

The double-blow proved too costly for New Zealand and they failed to recover thereafter. Faulkner then dismissed the top-scorer Elliott in the 42nd over and his departure ensured that New Zealand managed just 183 in 45 overs.

Australia lost opener Aaron Finch in just the second over of the match, but David Warner and Steven Smith added 61 for the second wicket and took Australia closer to the target.

Warner fell in the 13th over for 45 but Michael Clarke joined Smith and the duo took their side within 13 runs of the target. Clarke fell for 75 in his last ODI innings, but he ensured that Australia claimed their fifth World Cup title.

"Pretty amazing feeling, in front of 90,000 at the MCG. We've had an amazing journey the last couple of years. [Impact in the Powerplay] The skipper tosses you the ball and it works out like that sometimes. I thought I might not be here today, so this is an amazing feeling," Faulkner said after he was named Man of the Match.