Travis Head’s scintillating century has led Australia to a seven-wicket victory over India, securing their sixth ICC Cricket World Cup title in a thrilling clash at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. This win marked Australia’s dominance in the World Cup, having officially won titles in the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and now the 2020s. On the other hand, India’s quest for a major ICC Trophy continued to elude them as they fell short in the final hurdle.
The chase of 241 runs began explosively for Australia, as Jasprit Bumrah was hammered for 15 runs, including three fours, in the very first over. Furthermore, India missed an opportunity to take a catch on the first ball itself, giving Australia an early reprieve.
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Virat Kohli, who had missed the early chance, made amends when Mohammed Shami struck in the first over, dismissing David Warner for just seven runs. At this point, Australia was 16/1 in just 1.1 overs.
Mitchell Marsh showed attacking intent with some big shots, but Jasprit Bumrah had him caught behind by wicketkeeper KL Rahul for 15. Australia was 41/2 after 4.3 overs. The wicket of Steve Smith, trapped leg-before wicket for four, left Australia struggling at 47/3 in seven overs.
After the first ten overs, Australia was at 60/3, and they reached the 100-run mark in 19.1 overs. Travis Head reached his fifty in 58 balls with six fours and a six, while Marnus Labuschagne provided valuable support from the other end.
Australia steadily approached victory, reaching the 150-run mark in 27.1 overs. Travis Head displayed his prowess on the big stage once again, completing his century in 95 balls, featuring 14 fours and three sixes. India had no answers to Australia’s brilliance as the five-time champions reached the 200-run mark in 36.3 overs. Labuschagne also reached his fifty in 99 balls with three fours.
Travis Head, on the verge of securing victory, was finally dismissed for a magnificent 137 off 120 balls, including 15 fours and four sixes. Australia stood at 239/4 in 42.5 overs, and they clinched their sixth World Cup title as Glenn Maxwell hit the winning runs with seven overs and six wickets in hand.
In the bowling department, Bumrah took two wickets, while Shami and Siraj claimed one wicket each.
On the other side, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul played gritty half-centuries to propel India to a total of 240 against Australia in the ICC World Cup 2023 final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. The Australian bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins, delivered a sensational display to dismantle India’s batting lineup early in the innings.
KL Rahul was the top scorer for India with 66 runs off 107 deliveries, while Virat Kohli contributed with a fine knock of 54 runs. Rohit Sharma’s 47-run innings laid a solid foundation for the Indian team.
Rohit Sharma’s aggressive start, including a flurry of boundaries, was cut short by Mitchell Starc, who removed Shubman Gill for just four runs. Virat Kohli displayed his attacking prowess with three consecutive fours, but his innings was curtailed when Travis Head took an incredible catch off Rohit’s mistimed shot.
Despite initial setbacks, India’s batting order was rebuilt by KL Rahul and Virat Kohli. They managed to reach the mid-innings mark without losing another wicket. Kohli’s sixth consecutive fifty in the ongoing World Cup gave India hope.
However, Pat Cummins struck once again, dismissing Kohli with a well-directed short ball. Kohli finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer with a total of 765 runs.
Ravindra Jadeja, who was sent in ahead of Suryakumar Yadav, played some aggressive shots alongside KL Rahul. Rahul reached his fifty in the 35th over. As the ball started to reverse swing, Australia’s pacers found more assistance from the pitch. Josh Hazlewood took another wicket, dismissing Jadeja.
In the latter stages of the innings, wickets continued to fall, with Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav getting out in quick succession. India was eventually bowled out for 240 in their allotted 50 overs.
Brief score
- India 240 (KL Rahul 66, Virat Kohli 54, Mitchell Starc 3-55)
- Australia: 241/4 in 43 overs (Travis Head 137, Marnus Labuschagne 58, Jasprit Bumrah 2/43)
- Full Scorecard: India vs Australia 2023 Cricket World Cup Final Match Scorecard
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