Fast-bowling all-rounder James Faulkner was named man-of-the-match for his devastating spell which helped set up a seven-wicket victory for Australia in the Cricket World Cup final against New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

The 24-year-old struck on the first ball of the second powerplay in the 36th over to end a 111-run fourth-wicket partnership between Ross Taylor and Grant Elliott by dismissing the former with a slower delivery.

Faulkner then removed the dangerous Corey Anderson in the same over for a second-ball duck with a fast full-length delivery.

He capped his game-changing spell by removing Elliott for 83 and finished with figures of three for 36 from nine overs.

Fast bowler Mitchell Starc named player of the tournament

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc was named the player of the tournament after his team beat New Zealand by seven wickets to win the World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

The 25-year-old left-arm quick finished with 22 wickets in the tournament, tied with New Zealand left-arm seamer Trent Boult though having played a match lesser than his Tasmanian rival.

Starc bowled fast and swung the ball both ways during the tournament and his wickets came at an average of just over 10.

His best bowling display came in Australia's pool stage loss against New Zealand in Auckland when he almost won his team the match with figures of 6-28.

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