Australia opened up a new page in cricket's history books by becoming the first side ever to capture three successive World Cups by beating Sri Lanka by 53 runs before a colourful capacity crowd at the Kensington Oval, Barbados on 28th April, 2007.

The match, which was dominated throughout by the reigning champions, concluded amid scenes of great confusion after the winners began their celebrations before the umpires had ended the game.

The Aussies, buoyed up the 'Congratulations Australia' message that flashed up on the scoreboard, had to postpone their fun and games while Sri Lanka, who had accepted the offer of bad light, returned to the pitch and batted out in pitch black conditions. 

The farcical nature of this ending to the match was accentuated even further when the umpires ordered officials to remove the presentation stage that they had carried out onto the pitch so that the final three overs could be played.

None of this took away from the overall occasion however, as, once again, Barbados stole the thunder from its Caribbean neighbours as a World Cup host country. Thousands of Barbadians joined the mass ranks of Australian and Sri Lankan fans in the huge crowd, creating an atmosphere that will live long in the memories of those who attended.

As millions watched the game on television, and listened to it on the radio, around the world, Barbados and the Kensington Oval were lauded unequivocally by presenters and commentators alike. Their enthusiasm, and that of the crowd, was not even dented by the rain which delayed the start of the match by almost three hours.

When play eventually commenced, the decision was taken to reduce the game to 38 overs in a bid to complete it on the day rather than carrying proceedings forward to the following day. This decision baffled many cricket purists, who asserted that a World Cup final should test both sides over the full 50 overs.

Not that this seemed to bother Australia, who won the toss and elected to bat first, in the slightest. Vice-captain Adam Gilchrist, initially supported by Matthew Hayden, clearly recognised the magnitude of the occasion and put on a batting masterclass. His brutal onslaught on Sri Lanka's attack left that side's bowlers, which includes some of the world's best, scratching their heads in disbelief.

Gilchrist's 149 runs, off only 109 balls, effectively ended Sri Lanka's hopes at the outset of the match. Not content with breaking Clive Lloyd's record for the fastest century in a World Cup final, he also bettered his captain Ricky Ponting's record individual score of 140 in the 2003 final.

Gilchrist showed awesome power as he blasted eight sixes and thirteen fours. In his first three overs, Sri Lanka seamer Dilhara Fernando was hit for 29 runs while Tillakeratne Dilshan conceded 19 in one over alone.

The man of the match was eventually caught by Chamara Silva, off Fernando. Hayden, who had one of his quieter days, had earlier gone for 38 and although the partnership of Ponting and Shane Watson did nothing spectacular, Australia ended with an intimidating score of 281-4.

Sri Lanka made a spirited reply and Sanath Jayasuriya (63) and Kumar Sangakkara (54) played some outstanding strokes as they put on 116 from 106 balls in their second-wicket stand. After they were dismissed, the heavens opened again and Sri Lanka's target was reduced to 269 from 36 overs.

The Sri Lankas continued to bat bravely in the increasing gloom but wickets fell with regularity and the match finally ended in complete darkness. It had been a marvellous spectacle and a very special day for both Gilchrist and Glenn McGrath, playing in his final game for Australia.

McGrath, the greatest seam bowler of his generation, was named 'Man of the Tournament'. He will be much missed but only by his team-mates because batsmen around the world will delight in the knowledge that they will never have to face him again.

This World Cup came in for a deal of criticism but Barbados can hold its head high because most of the difficulties encountered in the other Caribbean host countries did not occur here. 

The carnival atmosphere that has prevailed at the new Kensington Oval was never more prevalent than after the final, when some 800 local performers thrilled the crowd with a world-class music and dance show.

Article by Julian Armfield, BBC World Service Sport, reporting for Totally Barbados

Article Posted On:
April 29th, 2007

http://www.totallybarbados.com/barbados/Entertainment/Sports/Cricket/