The stage is prepared for the grand finale of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, featuring a captivating clash between cricket powerhouses India and Australia.
This eagerly anticipated showdown is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 19, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Drawing parallels with the 2003 final in Johannesburg, where Australia emerged triumphant with a commanding 125-run lead, this encounter promises to be a riveting spectacle.
India’s journey to the final has been marked by dominance, topping the group stage with an impeccable record of nine victories and 18 points. Their stellar net run rate of 2.570 surpassed all other teams in the group stage.
The semi-final against New Zealand showcased the explosive opening partnership of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, paving the way for Virat Kohli’s historic 50th ODI century, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. India posted an imposing total of 397, ultimately defeating New Zealand by a substantial 70-run margin.
Australia, on the other hand, faced initial setbacks with defeats to India and South Africa, finding themselves at the bottom of the table. However, a remarkable comeback saw them win seven consecutive matches, securing a spot in the final with 14 points.
In the semi-final rematch against South Africa, Pat Cummins’ team displayed dominance by restricting their opponents to 24/4. Despite a century from David Miller, Cummins and Mitchell Starc ensured a tense three-wicket victory.
As the teams gear up for the ultimate showdown, both India and Australia boast formidable squads:
India Squad:
Captain: Rohit Sharma
Players: Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, Prasidh Krishna, Suryakumar Yadav.
Australia Squad:
Captain: Pat Cummins
Players: Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
