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| Australia win the 2007 cricket World Cup | | |
Bridgetown (Barbados), April 29
Australia recorded a hat-trick of World Cup titles by subduing a fighting Sri Lanka to a 53-run win in a rain-marred cricket final here on Saturday.
Adam Gilchrist set the tone for an imposing Australian total as he hammered a 104-ball 149, the highest score in a summit clash as well as his maiden century in the quadrennial event.
The Lankans made a spirited chase of the intimidating score of 281 for 4 but rain, that had delayed the start by three hours earlier, made a brief interruption to spoil their momentum.
The end came in a farcical manner when umpires offered light to batsmen with Sri Lanka needing 62 runs from three overs, after the target was revised to 269 from 36 overs.
The champions began to celebrate, only to be told by the umpires - Steve Bucknor and Aleem Dar - that the match was not officially over yet and might have to be continued on the reserve day.
Thankfully, Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene intervened and the remaining overs were played out in utter darkness.
It was Australia's fourth title overall, following their triumphs in 1987, 1999 and 2003. |
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