Cricket Classics - Part XXXViii : 2023 World Cup Final – Australia vs India

Hello, fellow Sports Enthusiasts,

Cricket is not just a sport between two teams; it's a battle of skills, strategy, and capitalizing on clutch moments. Although the game has transformed over the decades, it has never failed to impress or leave us with unforgettable moments.

So, through this series, I will present some of the most iconic cricket matches that have made fans jump out of their seats. Let's remember those legendary games once a week. I am with another iconic match.

Made by leonardo.ai

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Let me share one of the badass and goated moments in Cricket history: the 2023 World Cup Final between India and Australia. On one side, it's India that was desperately looking for an ICC trophy. Coming unbeaten to the finals, playing at home in front of more than 100,000 Indian fans, set the perfect foundation for them. But on the other hand, it's the most successful cricket team on Earth. So, it was predicted to be an exciting encounter. And with the comment by the Aussie skipper before the match, things got more heated.

“In sport, there's nothing more satisfying than hearing a big crowd go silent.” - Pat Cummins before the 2023 ODI World Cup final

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It was the 13th edition of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, hosted from 5 October to 19 November 2023 in India. India and Australia defeated New Zealand and South Africa, respectively, in the knockouts to seal their spots in the final.

It was November 19, 2023, at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The Indian team was led by Rohit Sharma with a combination of experienced and young players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Gill, Jadeja, Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep, etc. They were just incredible, not only as a team, but also Kohli and Shami leading the lists. On the other hand Australian team was captained by Pat Cummins with Warner, Head, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Zampa, Starc, Hazlewood, etc. Eventhough they lost their first two matches, it's not easy to shut this team away.

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Winning the toss and choosing to bat, India couldn't get going as they expected, as Starc took Gill early. Even though Rohit Sharma scored a quick 47 runs off 31 balls using the powerplay, after his wicket, others couldn't continue the momentum. From 81/3, Virat Kohli and K. L. Rahul tried hard, but runs didn't come easily. In fact, just 2 boundaries came in 28 middle overs (10-38). Kohli was dismissed for 54 runs, and KL for 66 runs in 107 balls. Their strike was too low, and unfortunately couldn't accelerate in the final few overs as well.

In 50 overs, India was all out for just 240 runs. It looks competitive but slightly below par on a slow pitch.

Coming to the chase, Australia didn't have the perfect start. Shami and Bumrah were so accurate and dominant as usual, ripping off Warner, Marsh, and Smith for 47 runs. Indians were already celebrating, sensing a trophy. Anyhow, there was one person who didn't give a shit. When everyone was overprotective, and patient Travis Head was playing his natural game, slowly taking the game away from India.

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He punished all the ballers, not only by picking regular boundaries but also by rotating the strikes. India’s bowlers tried everything, but Head had an answer for each move. He was in full control. On the other side, Marnus Labuschagne played the supporting role with a calm and defensive 58 off 110 balls. While he was protecting one end, Head scored 137 runs in just 120 balls with 15 fours and 4 sixes. These two added 192 runs for the fourth wicket and delivered another ICC trophy for Australia.

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Head played one of the greatest World Cup final knocks. Travis Head has built a reputation for being a clutch player. His best performances often come in big games, against strong opponents, and under pressure. A few months back, he did the same thing for India at the 2023 World Test Championship final, scoring 163 runs as well.

So, as told earlier, Pat Cummins and the crew silenced the big crowd, claiming their 6th World Cup title.

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See you at the next episode!! You can always suggest a match to discuss in the next episode.

src - ESPNcricinfo
wikipedia

Thank you.
Best Regards!