Australia defeated India in the final of the ICC World Cup 2023 on November 19. The final was played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This is the sixth time Australia has won the ICC Cricket World Cup trophy.
On a difficult pitch, Australia had won the toss and elected to bowl first. India got off to a shaky start, losing Shubman Gill for four runs, but Rohit Sharma responded with a 31-ball 47 with four fours and three sixes.
However, tight Australian bowling and fielding meant that India could only manage 160 runs in their last 40 overs with Virat Kohli and KL Rahul shining with half-centuries.
In response, Australia got off to a bad start when David Warner was out for 7. Then, in short succession, Jasprit Bumrah struck, dismissing Mitchell Marsh (15) and Steve Smith (4), leaving Australia at 47/3 in 7 overs.
But then, Travis Head with 137 with 15 fours and 4 sixes, added 192 runs for the 4th wicket with Marnus Labuschagne, who made 58* as Australia won the final match by 6 wickets and 42 balls to go.
After the match, Indian PM Narendra Modi, who was in attendance in Ahmedabad, consoled the Men in Blue, while lauding their performance in the tournament.
India had a very good tournament right up until the final. India dominated every team in the league stages, winning all 9 games by a fair margin. They bowled out Sri Lanka for 55 runs, winning by a margin of over 300 runs in their most amazing display.
Even in the semi-final against New Zealand, India batted them out of the match, scoring 397/4 and then the bowlers did their work with Mohammad Shami taking seven wickets.
Virat Kohli top-scored in the World Cup with 765 runs with 3 centuries and 6 fifties to his name, while Shami picked the most wickets with 24.
PM Modi consoled the Indian team and posted: “Dear Team India, Your talent and determination through the World Cup was noteworthy. You've played with great spirit and brought immense pride to the nation. We stand with you today and always.”
