Skipper Michael Clarke dedicated Australia’s World Cup triumph to former international team-mate and friend Phillip Hughes, who tragically died in November.
The comfortable seven-wicket victory over fellow co-hosts New Zealand, in front of 93,013 spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, capped off an emotional few months for Australia after Hughes’ passing.
A talented batsman, the left-hander was struck in the neck by a cricket ball while batting in a Sheffield Shield match and died two days later.
The 25-year-old made 52 appearances for his country and was a popular member of the dressing room.
Therefore Clarke had Hughes in his thoughts after Australia claimed their fifth World Cup crown.
Clarke, wearing a black armband in memory of Hughes, said: "As you can see it's got PH on it. I'll wear it every game I play for Australia.
“For everybody in Australian cricket it has been a really tough few months.
“I’m sure I don’t speak for just myself, I’m sure everybody standing on this stage tonight will say we have played this World Cup with 16 players and tonight is certainly dedicated to our little brother and our team-mate, Phillip Hughes.
“Hughesy used to party as good as any of them. We will make sure we drink two at a time tonight, one for Hughesy and one for us.”
Clarke marked his final one-day international appearance with a 72-ball 74, sharing a 112-run third-wicket stand with fellow half-centurion Steven Smith, as Australia coasted to their victory target with 101 deliveries unused.
Australia’s pacemen set the platform for the win with a fine performance, helping dismiss New Zealand for just 183 after they opted to make first use.
Mitchell Johnson and man-of-the-match James Faulkner claimed three wickets apiece while player-of-the-tournament Mitchell Starc returned 2-20.
Clarke, who missed the first game against England due to injury, said: “I am over the moon. What a tournament. We are really proud. It is a wonderful achievement.
"It is a great thing to reach a World Cup final, but to be able to win in your own back yard in front of your family and friends is extremely special."
Faulkner, also suffering from injury at the start of the campaign, put his side in control by triggering a collapse that saw the Black Caps lose their last seven wickets for just 33 runs.
The left-armer dismissed Ross Taylor and Grant Elliott, ending their 111-run partnership, plus Corey Anderson en route to figures of 3-36.
Faulkner said: “We brought our A-game today. I get tossed the ball when the skipper wants me to bowl, normally it is in the powerplay. I like that job, and today it worked out for us. It can be tough sometimes.”
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum conceded his side were second best today, but thought they still had a chance at 150 for three in the 36th over with Taylor and Elliott at the crease.
McCullum, dismissed for a duck in the opening over, said: “It (the first over) was a quick one. It probably unfolded not as we planned, but I still thought we got ourselves back in the game at three for 150.
“But as Australia do they came back into the game again and to take 7-30 at the end put us under pressure. I still thought 180 you still dare to dream and if we had a couple of things go our way, who knows what it would have ended up.
“In the end we were the second-best team on the day, credit to Australia.”
Defeat for the Kiwis was their first of the tournament following eight consecutive victories.
McCullum added: “It’s been one hell of a ride for us, right the way through we have played some outstanding cricket.
"We ran into an outstanding Australian side, who continue to set the way in international cricket, and full credit to them. They are deserved champions.
“Michael Clarke deserves to bow out as a World Cup-winning champion. All the best to them. They were outstanding in this World Cup and they thoroughly deserved to win.
“To be able to represent your country on the international stage with a group of mates and be able to pit your skills, it is the greatest time of our lives.”