Dubai, Nov 14 (FN Agency) David Warner’s 53 and an unbeaten 50-ball 77 knock by Mitcell Marsh in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final and Josh Hazlewood’s 3 for 16 helped Australia secure their maiden title here on Sunday. As millions of fans watched on television Australia outplayed first-time finalists New Zealand by 8 wickets, with the top order setting the tone for a clinical finish. The pair put on 92 runs for the second wicket, with Warner and Marsh, whose innings was laced with 6 boundaries and 4 sixes, lighting up Dubai International Stadium with a jaw-dropping display.
New Zealand nerves were evident immediately after Warner ensured he pounced with two boundaries off Tim Southee in the first over. Two more fours off Ish Sodhi took Warner near to fifty in the ninth over. Still the Australians kept coming, Warner striking a six off James Neesham to get to his fifty before he perished to Trent Boult, leaving Australia at a very strong position on 107 for 2 in 12.2 overs. Finally the respite came for New Zealand with Warner cleaned up by Trent Boult. His 53 featured four boundaries and three sixes in 38 balls, but a classy Marsh kept on his merry way, reaching his 50 by smacking Sodhi for a six and then smoked him through midwicket for a boundary to end the 14th over 125 for 2. With five overs to go, Australia already were within the range of winning the title with 37 runs to get with Marsh batting nicely and Glenn Maxwell giving him good company. Australia finished 173 for 2 in 18.5 overs, clinching the game with seven balls to spare, while Maxwell remained 28 not out in 18 balls, after punching four boundaries and a six. Both Marsh and Maxwell stitched a match-winning unbeaten 66 runs partnership for the third wicket.