Summary The skipper hit 10 fours and a six in his commanding knock.
MELBOURNE (AFP) - Skipper Michael Clarke scored 74 off 72 balls in his last one-day international as Australia closed in on a World Cup final victory against New Zealand in Melbourne on Sunday.
Clarke, who on Saturday announced the showpiece match would be his 245th and last ODI, chopped on to his stumps off Matt Henry just nine runs short of victory.
He received a standing ovation from the record 93,013 Melbourne Cricket Ground crowd as he left the arena.
The skipper hit 10 fours and a six in his commanding knock.
Clarke and Steve Smith, his heir apparent as captain, put on a 112-run partnership to take their team to the cusp of victory in the chase after a meagre target of 184 runs for victory.
The 33-year-old Clarke, who has suffered with back and hamstring problems, said Saturday he was quitting ODI cricket in order to prolong his Test career.
