Melbourne, March 29: Australia on Sunday became only the second outfit to clinch the cricket World Cup trophy on home soil, and third ever to win as co-hosts. Australia defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in the final to hold aloft the grand prize in front of a packed house at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Sachin Tendulkar presents awards at Final in front of record attendance at MCG.
In 2011, India became the first team to win the coveted trophy in their own backyard and second to win it as co-hosts when they beat Sri Lanka in the last edition at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The other two countries hosting the event were Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. In 1996, Sri Lanka laid their hands on the World Cup, a first for a co-host as they beat Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The tournament was held in India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Cricket Australia (CA) will hold a public celebration for its World Cup winning squad at Federation Square here on Monday. The team will take the stage with the World Cup trophy before signing autographs and meeting their supporters. Fans will have the chance to hear from captain Michael Clarke and coach Darren Lehmann. Michael Clarke dedicates win to Phil Hughes.
“The public celebration is the team’s opportunity to show thanks to the Australian public which came out in force throughout the World Cup to support the team,” CA said in a statement on Sunday. Australia defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in the final to clinch their fifth World Cup title at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here on Sunday.
