Despite their experience of pitches on the subcontinent, none of the Asian teams made the semi-finals - but there was no stopping Australia, who had won the 1999 and 2003 World Cups.

In the first semi-final, veteran seamer Glenn McGrath took 3-22 against New Zealand, bowling his 10 overs straight through as the Aussies won by 34 runs.

South Africa had to endure another semi-final exit as player of the tournament Chris Gayle smashed an unbeaten 133 for West Indies to wrap up a six-wicket win.

It set up an intriguing final - but Gayle lacked much support, top-scoring with 37 as the Windies were skittled for 138, before Shane Watson and Damien Martyn saw Australia home by eight wickets.