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.
|
