Australia shattered India’s hopes of winning another ICC tournament on home soil as they emerged victorious in the crucial World Cup 2023 final, securing their sixth ODI title on Sunday.
In the span of just two years, Australia has achieved a remarkable feat by clinching all three ICC trophies—the T20 World Cup, World Test Championship, and ODI World Cup—solidifying their status as the premier cricketing nation.
Despite a top-order struggle, Australia, led by Travis Head’s exceptional 137 off 120 balls, comfortably sealed the victory with seven overs to spare in a match that failed to reach extraordinary heights.
Notably, the deafening silence of the predominantly Indian crowd contrasted with the impressive performance of the Rohit Sharma-led side, which had won 10 consecutive matches to reach the final but suffered their first defeat in the crucial summit clash.
Pat Cummins’ decision to field, aimed at avoiding a dewy ball in the night, initially raised eyebrows, but the Australian bowlers, backed by outstanding fielding, effectively stifled the Indian opposition.
India, batting first, managed a below-par total of 240 all out in 50 overs at a packed Narendra Modi Stadium, with KL Rahul and Virat Kohli contributing battling half-centuries.
Rohit Sharma, a consistent performer in the tournament, played an entertaining innings with three sixes but fell just before the end of the powerplay, caught by Travis Head off Glenn Maxwell’s delivery.
Despite a dour rebuilding phase, Kohli (54) and Rahul (66) struggled to accelerate the scoring, going 16.1 overs without a boundary. Kohli eventually departed after chopping a Cummins delivery onto his stumps.
Australia’s wicketkeeper Josh Inglis set a record in a World Cup final by taking five catches.
When Australia came out to bat, they faced a precarious situation at 47-3 within seven overs. However, a formidable partnership of 192 runs between Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne (58 not out) ultimately sealed the fate of the match in Australia’s favor.