Ponting 'ecstatic' after winning second successive Champions Trophy

Johannesburg, Oct.6 (ANI): Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has said that he is "ecstatic" at winning a second successive Champions Trophy title after beating New Zealand by six wickets in the final.

Replying to New Zealand's score of 200 for the loss of nine wickets, the Australians scored 206 for the loss of four wickets thanks to Shane Watson's 105 not out and Cameron White's 62.

Ponting was delighted his side had earned reward for their hard work since the Ashes defeat in England, and satisfied with such an emphatic showing.

"I'm ecstatic. To come away with a win and win a tournament as big as this one is is great reward for all the guys, whether it's coaches or players who have been around the group for the past six or seven weeks. As soon as the one-dayers kicked off in England it was all about playing well there, but we always had one eye on the Champions Trophy and wanted to perform well in this tournament. We've been able to do that," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ponting, as saying.

"Five months on the road has been a long time for the boys, it's been hard work and we've played a lot of cricket. We've had our ups and downs over the past five months as well, but to finish off the way we have here and to win the tournament the way we have, there'll be some big celebrations I'm sure," he added. (ANI)