World Cup Final Review: Australia lift 6th title to break Indian hearts
The final of the ongoing ODI World Cup took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmadabad, where Australia and India faced off and India’s jinx continued as they got their first loss in the tournament in the game they could have least afforded.
Australia won the toss and opted to field first. Pat Cummins’ decision to bowl first on a dry pitch seemed shaky initially. Indian captain Rohit Sharma aggressively led the charge with brilliant shots during the first powerplay.
However, the Australian captain strategically introduced off-spinner Glenn Maxwell in the tenth and final over of the powerplay. Sharma, trying to hit a six, mistimed his shot, resulting in a brilliant catch by Travis Head, silencing the vociferous Ahmedabad crowd. The silence persisted as the centurion of the last match, Shreyas Iyer also succumbed to Cummins’ skilful bowling. This left India in a very challenging position.
Man in form, Kohli, scored another half-century but fell to Cummins after scoring 54. A change in the batting order saw Ravindra Jadeja sent in ahead of Suryakumar Yadav, but Australia’s disciplined bowling didn’t allow Indian batters to score freely. While Rahul reached fifty, India couldn’t produce the late surge they desired and were bundled out for just 240.
In pursuit of the target, the Australian team lost a few early wickets, losing David Warner and Mitchell Marsh. Soon after, Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Steven Smith, leaving Australia struggling at 47 for 3 in seven overs. However, Marnus Labuschagne joined Travis Head, and together they showcased remarkable resilience, steering the innings flawlessly.
Head’s outstanding century, coupled with a formidable partnership of 192 runs with Labuschagne for the fourth wicket, secured a six-wicket victory for Australia. Head scored 137 off 120 balls with 15 fours and four sixes, while Labuschagne contributed 58 off 110 balls.
Top Performers of the Match
Travis Head (137 of 120)
His outstanding performance in the crucial match helped Australia secure their sixth World Cup win. Head’s brilliant knock of 137 runs off 120 balls, including 15 boundaries and four sixes. He showcased his exceptional skills and prowess. His impact on the game was undeniable, and his contribution was instrumental in Australia’s victory.
Mitchell Starc (3/55, 10 overs)
Mitchell Starc’s brilliant performance in the final match was a turning point for Australia. Despite not being at his best in the earlier matches of the World Cup, Starc delivered a brilliant spell when it mattered most. He swung the ball early on with great pace and bowled well-disguised slower balls and yorkers towards the end to trouble the Indian batters. Starc’s crucial three wickets prevented India from posting a formidable score, ultimately contributing to Australia’s triumph