The finalists for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 (CWC23) have been confirmed, setting the stage for an epic clash between India and Australia in Sunday’s highly anticipated match in Ahmedabad.
As the tournament hosts, India has displayed a dominating performance, securing victories in all ten of their matches. Their journey to the final has been nothing short of impressive, winning nine out of nine in the league stage and delivering a stylish victory over New Zealand in the semi-finals held in Mumbai.
Led by captain Rohit Sharma, India will now face Australia in the final, following the five-time champions’ intense triumph over South Africa in the second semi-final at Eden Gardens on Thursday.
After 47 matches and six weeks of intense competition, the destiny of the 2023 Cricket World Cup title will be decided in a 100-over battle at the Narendra Modi Stadium, expected to draw a record crowd to the 130,000-capacity venue.
India, having previously clinched the Men’s Cricket World Cup in 1983 in the UK and 2011 on home soil, seeks to add another title to their illustrious history.
Meanwhile, Australia, the most successful nation in the tournament’s history with five titles, aims to extend their dominance, having secured their last championship in 2015.
The Australians enter the final with high spirits, having emerged victorious in each of their last four appearances in Cricket World Cup finals.
Notably, India and Australia faced off in the league stage, where India secured a six-wicket win with an outstanding bowling performance that saw Australia bowled out for 199.
Despite a rocky start with key players departing early, including Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Shreyas Iyer, India’s resilience shone through.
Virat Kohli’s masterful 85 and KL Rahul’s unbeaten 97 orchestrated a successful chase, with India reaching their target with 8.4 overs to spare.
The stage is now set for a riveting showdown as cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the clash between these two cricketing powerhouses on Sunday.
