Ahmedabad: Over a billion hearts shattered on Sunday as Australia clinched a 6-wicket victory against India at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, securing their sixth ICC ODI World Cup title.
India, boasting an unblemished record of 10 back-to-back wins, approached the tournament final as frontrunners aiming for an 11th victory and the coveted trophy. However, the high expectations were met with disappointment as Australia outplayed them in every facet, limiting India to a total of 240 on a slow pitch. Virat Kohli (54) and Lokesh Rahul (66) emerged as the only contributors with half-centuries.
Australia effectively chased down a target of 241, guided by opener Travis Head’s 137 and an unbeaten 58 from Marnus Labuschagne in 43 overs. The triumph silenced the 1.3 lakh spectators, aligning with Pat Cummins’ pre-final prediction.
Travis Head joined an elite group by becoming the fifth player to score a century in a men’s World Cup final, following in the footsteps of Australians Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist. His pivotal moment came with a spectacular diving catch to dismiss captain Rohit Sharma (47), shaping a significant turn in India’s innings.
Australia concluded the tournament with an impressive streak of nine consecutive victories, rebounding from initial setbacks with back-to-back defeats against India and South Africa.
Team India captain Rohit Sharma was seen with teary eyes at the end of the match. Virat Kohli also felt the heartbreak after India’s loss to Australia.
Rohit Sharma in tears. 💔 pic.twitter.com/zmFCEEYWp5
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 19, 2023
Commenting on Australia’s win against India, Josh Hazlewood said, “Indian crowd is second to none, they’re really amazing. It was brilliant to win against this solid Indian team.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X formerly known as Twitter to motivate Team India. “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,” the Prime Minister wrote.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 19, 2023
PM Modi congratulated the Aussies for their victory over India and specifically acknowledged Travis Head’s performance. The World Cup 2023 match, held at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, had Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in attendance. Bollywood celebrities Asha Bhosle, Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Ayushmann Khurrana, Anushka Sharma, and Athiya Shetty, were also present at the event.