India’s dream of lifting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 was shattered on Sunday (November 19) as they lost to Australia in the final by six wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
The Men in Blue were on a 10-match winning streak as they won all their nine league-stage fixtures and defeated New Zealand in the semi-final. However, Rohit Sharma’s men were outplayed by the Aussies in the summit clash.
Asked to bat first, the hosts posted a below-par 240/10 in their allotted 50 overs. Indian batters found it tough on a slow pitch despite dominating the first powerplay. KL Rahul (66 off 107) and Virat Kohli (54 off 63) scored steady half-centuries while Rohit played a fiery knock of 31-ball 47.
Defending the total, Indian pacers did an exceptional job with the new ball as they reduced Australia to 47/3 in seven overs. Mohammad Shami dismissed David Warner (7) cheaply whereas Jasprit Bumrah got rid of Mitchell Marsh (15) and Steve Smith (4) in quick succession.
Amid the pressure situation, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne stepped up to the plate for Australia, stitching a 192-run partnership to seal the deal. While Head got out after scoring 137 off 120 balls, Labuschagne stayed unbeaten on 58 to take Australia over the line in 43 overs.
Indian cricket fraternity sympathized with Team India for falling short in the final and praised their efforts during the World Cup 2023 campaign.
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