Australia Clinches 6th World Cup, Beats India by 6 Wickets

Australia won a record-extending sixth men’s Cricket World Cup on Sunday, defying the odds and a partisan home crowd in Ahmedabad, to defeat host nation India by six wickets.

India fell just short of fulfilling its country’s expectations after it had dominated much of this tournament, cruising to 10 consecutive wins and ratcheting up the pressure in this cricket-obsessed nation that has waited 12 years for another one-day trophy.

But its near impregnable batting line-up faltered in the face of Australia’s savvy bowling while Travis Head’s spectacular 137 anchored Australia’s run chase as it cantered towards victory and another World Cup trophy.

INDIA vs AUSTRALIA LIVE, IND vs AUS: A sea of blue will take over the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad as India take on Australia in the final match of ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023. What a tournament the two teams have had. As 45 days, 47 matches come to an end, the world will get their new champions after five years.

It is almost as if history repeats itself and this one is from 20 years ago, when India faced the Aussies in the 2003 final.

India’s campaign in this tournament has been nothing less than a dream. 10 matches played and emerging victorious in all the matches, the Men in Blue have shown a new level of grit, passion and love for the sport.

A young cricket team led by Rohit Sharma surprised everyone and answered questions raised against them including the strength of the team’s middle order.

Solid opening stands by Shubman Gill and the skipper himself was just the start the team needed. Virat Kohli’s partnership with Gill and Iyer in the middle and on a few occasions, KL Rahul kept the momentum of the team going. One cannot miss the history created by Kohli in this tournament as he surpassed the record of having the most number of ODI centuries in the world.

Iyer, KL scored big runs in the middle for the team.The duo had the ability to play the big shots and even finish the game with Suryakumar Yadav.

As for the pacers, Bumrah, Shami and Siraj have been nothing short of lethal against every opponent. The three have been consistent with their line and length throughout. A special mention to Mohammed Shami who has been extraordinary in this edition as he has the crown of most wickets and the best figures in the World Cup. The spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Jadeja, were exceptional in the middle as they were spot on in not giving any room to the batsmen for going big.

On the other hand, the way Australia picked itself and literally did not look back after the start they have had, is commendable.

After losing to India in their campaign opener and South Africa next, Pat Cummins and company were resilient to clinch 8 straight wins and make it to the finale. With Warner, Marsh and Head stepping up towards the end, as the top order, the Ozs managed to chase down any total or even set a big one on the board.

Glenn Maxwell’s historic innings of 201 (not out) against Afghanistan saved the Men in Yellow from an upset.

The bowling attack of the skipper himself, Starc, Hazlewood and Zampa sat well to be able to defend games. Adam Zampa is only second to Shami in having most wickets in this tournament.

The last time the fans experienced India vs Australia in this tournament, the Men in Blue defeated the Ozs by six wickets. Despite a rocky beginning where the home team lost three wickets with just two runs on the board, half-centuries from Virat Kohli and KL Rahul powered India’s chase of 200. Kohli and Rahul’s impressive 165-run partnership for the fourth wicket proved to be the turning point, leading India to victory in 41.2 overs.

Earlier, India showcased a disciplined bowling effort, restricting Australia to 199 runs. Captain Pat Cummins chose to bat first but the visitors struggled, reaching only 119 for five in the 30th over. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja was the star performer, taking 3/38 with his middle-over brilliance. Steven Smith top-scored for Australia with 46 runs off 71 balls, while David Warner contributed 41 runs from 52 balls.

Get ready for one final hurrah, one final roar and one epic end to an epic tournament, the one which almost made the 50-over tournament alive, again.

Ind vs Aus World Cup Final Squads:

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Prasidh Krishna, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav.

Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc

Where to watch Ind vs Aus Live?
Fans in India can enjoy the India vs Australia live streaming on Star Sports and on Disney+ Hotstar. The match begins at 2.00 pm IST