In the 1987 final, David Boon produced a best on-ground performance when he scored 75 against England.

Ricky Ponting eclipsed that score when he blasted 140 not out against India in 2003.

Punter's knock, which came from just 121 balls and included eight sixes, set Australia up for an imposing 369 that India did not come close to getting.

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, James Faulkner did the damage with the ball, ending a New Zealand fight back in the middle overs with a double-wicket maiden.

His return of 3-36 off nine overs, which included the wicket of the dangerous Grant Elliot, ensured Australia only had to chase a modest target of 184 to win.

The 24-year-old all-rounder has become known as "the finisher" in the Australian side for his ability with both bat and ball.

Faulkner was not the only Northern Tasmanian at the ground, with George Bailey and Xavier Doherty in the squad.

Despite being dropped, some would say unfairly as he was rated Australia's best one-day batsman, Bailey spoke generously about being part of the winning team.

The only bizarre moment of the match came in the post-game interviews from Shane Warne.

The former spin king seemed more interested in asking each player how drunk they were going to get at the after party.

"Make sure you have a headache tomorrow," Warne told one group of players live to air.

After an extra long summer of cricket, every member of the Australian team, including players, coaches and support staff, would have been entitled to let their hair down.

But, at the risk of being accused of wowserism, did the viewing public, including children in awe of their sporting heroes, need to have the idea that celebrating success means getting blind drunk?