In a thrilling finale at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Australia secured their sixth title by defeating India by six wickets.
Australia’s skipper, Pat Cummins, won the toss and opted to bowl first in Ahmedabad, facing a vibrant crowd. India, led by captain Rohit Sharma, made an explosive start despite losing Shubman Gill early. Rohit and Virat Kohli showcased an impressive partnership, amassing 80 runs in the first powerplay, equaling the record for a men’s Cricket World Cup final.
However, the match took a turn when Rohit departed for 47 from 31 balls, followed by Shreyas Iyer for 4 in the next over. The middle overs witnessed a slowdown in India’s run rate, and wickets fell frequently. Kohli and KL Rahul aimed to rebuild, ensuring India reached a competitive total of 240, with the last wicket falling on the final ball of the innings.
Australia’s bowling attack demonstrated its prowess, with Pat Cummins leading the way with figures of 2/34 from ten overs. Mitchell Starc claimed 3/55, Josh Hazlewood secured 2/60, and Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell also made crucial contributions.
The second innings commenced with David Warner’s frenetic start, scoring 15 runs in a thrilling first over. However, the drama escalated as Mohammed Shami removed Warner in a bizarre second over, swinging the momentum back to India’s favor.
India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah, claimed crucial wickets, dismissing Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith. With three of the top four Australian batsmen out with the score at 47/3, India revitalized their chances.
Australia, however, staged a comeback with Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne steadying the innings. Head’s outstanding century, greeted by a stunned crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium, propelled Australia into a commanding position. The century stand between Head and Labuschagne secured Australia’s victory with wickets in hand and ample overs to spare, clinching their sixth ICC Cricket World Cup title in a spectacular fashion.
