ICC World Cup 2015: Australia vs New Zealand Final - Who said what

After restricting New Zealand to 183/10 in 45 overs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia – riding on fifties from captain Michael Clarke (74 off 72) and Steven Smith (56* off 71) – chased down the target in 33.1 overs to win the 2015 World Cup. Grant Elliott top scored for the Kiwis with an 82-ball 83. Mitchell Johnson and James Faulkner picked up 3 wickets each to run through the middle order, while Mitchell Starc set up the game for his team by dismissing Kiwi captain Brendon McCullum for a duck in the first over of the match. Here are some of the players’ reactions: Note: Quotes courtesy, Cricbuzz

#1 Australian captain Michael Clarke

Obviously I am over the moon. What a tournament. Firstly, to Brendon and his New Zealand team, congratulations on a wonderful tournament. To the Australian fans and all fans, the support we've had is amazing. Then to the team, including the support staff, we have a wonderful bunch of guys. The guys played really well once again.

It's been an honour and privilege to represent my country in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. The blackband is, you can see PH written on it. I will wear it every game I play for Australia. It's certainly dedicated to Phil Hughes. Hughesy used to party as good as any of them. It's a great thing to be making the final and to win it in front of your home fans is special.

#2 New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum

It's been one hell of a ride for us. We have played some outstanding cricket and we ran into an outstanding Australian team and they thoroughly deserve to win. To take 7/33 at the end, they put us under a lot of pressure. In the end, we were the second best team on the day. No regrets, this is the greatest stage that you can ask for as a cricketer.

We may not be able to lift the trophy, but the brand of cricket we have played, we've entertained everyone and we walk away with our heads held high. I am proud of all the guys in the team. We've still got some work do, but I am proud of what we've done.'

#3 Mitchell Starc and James Faulkner

Mitchell Starc – Man of the Tournament

Don't know what words to use. Outstanding performance to cap it off. I've worked really hard at it for a number of months with Craig McDermott. It's a little plan that Craig and I had a couple of days ago, but there was a luck involved. The support from the Australian public and the fans here was fantastic. I am just going to enjoy this one for tonight.

James Faulkner – Man of the Match

It's an amazing feeling, to play in front of 93000 and win a World Cup in amazing. What a performance today. It's been a couple of wonderful years in the Australian ODI outfit. Today it worked out for us, but it can be tough sometimes. The physio has looked after me and it's great to be here.

#4 Australian coach Darren Lehmann

They just keep coming up, front up for you day in and day out. They have been fantastic over these six weeks. The support we have had around Australia has been unbelievable. We thank everyone for coming out at the MCG to see two quality sides. It was a great result for us tonight. That's why I love them (when Haddin and Bailey throw a bucket of drinks on the coach) for four weeks.

It was a great crowd. Obviously, supported both sides and that spirit lives on today in this ground. It's been fantastic for everyone that have come along and have enjoyed some good cricket. More than that I would think and why not?' (on being asked whether the celebrations will last more than a week)

#5 David Warner and Aaron Finch

David Warner

I have already lost my voice mate. It's a magical feeling. Look credit to the guys, the bowlers did their job early on and gave us a good total to chase. We were pretty clinical there. You got to be positive and every game we have gone in, we have been a 100%, we have done all the right things. Today we came here and we expected a big crowd and thanks to everyone who came out and supported us throughout the tournament.

Aaron Finch

It's amazing. You always dream this as a kid and for it to finally happen, specially at home at the MCG is an amazing feeling. When you get in a tournament, it is all about peaking at the right time. I think the way we played today, credit to everyone involved in that, to be able to restrict such a great side to around 180 and knock them off is unbelievable.

#6 Brad Haddin

It was special. We had not played a perfect game throughout the tournament and we delivered on the biggest stage. It's just a great feeling at the moment. We'll try and have a beer with every Aussie spectator in the building. So. it's going to be good fun tonight. It's been an amazing four weeks. We have enjoyed every minute.

The support we have got all around the Australia and even the little bit we got in New Zealand was good as well. The crowd support we got and how much all Australia appreciates this effort, it has been an enjoyable four weeks. I am thirsty as we speak. I want to try and have a beer with everyone in the place.