On November 19, 2023, Australia broke the hearts of millions of Indian fans as they clinched their sixth ODI World Cup title after defeating the hosts India by six wickets at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Ahead of the final, India were the absolute favourites to lift the World Cup title after 12 years following a dominant performance throughout the group stage, and a comprehensive win in the semi-final against New Zealand. Apart from that, every player of the Indian squad was in great form as Men in Blue need just one more big push to lift their third ODI World Cup title.
The previous five-time winners Australia, on the other hand, didn’t have a great start to their World Cup campaign after losing their first two games against India and South Africa respectively. After that, the Aussies made a great comeback by winning their remaining games in the group stage, and qualified for the final with a three-wicket win in the semi-final against South Africa. Now, the two best teams of the tournament were set to face each other.
Travis Head shone with match-winning ton in World Cup final against India
Coming to bat after losing the toss in a big final in Ahmedabad, India lost Shubman Gill (4 off 7) early at the score of 30 runs in 4.2 overs. After that, skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were looking set for a big partnership before Rohit got out after scoring 47(31), an innings which included four fours and three sixes, followed by the dismissal of Shreyas Iyer (4 off 3) in the next over. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul put up a steady partnership of 67 runs for the fourth wicket. Kohli got out after scoring 54 off 63 balls with four boundariees when Pat Cummins castled him against the run of play. On the other hand, Rahul top scored with a steady 66(107) runs with just one four. The tailenders couldn’t contribute much as India were bowled out for 240 runs by the end of 50 overs.
Defending a low total in the World Cup final, India pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj gave an early scare to the Australian team as their score was reduced to 47/3 after seven overs. After that, Travis Head took charge of the innings, and went on to score a match-winning ton to secure the sixth ODI World Cup title for Australia. Head added 192 runs with Marnus Labuschagne (58* off 110) for the fourth wicket, and got after scoring 137 runs off 120 balls smashing 15 fours and four sixes. When Head got out, Australia needed just 2 runs to win the game. After that, Glenn Maxwell took a double off Mohammed Siraj, which led to the rest of the Australian players running towards the field from the dressing room to celebrate their sixth ODI World Cup title victory.
