Highlights, IND vs AUS Final: Australia win sixth World Cup title ...
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THE TIMES OF INDIA | Nov 19, 2023, 22:25:02 IST
AUS vs IND World Cup 2023 Final highlights: Australia won a record-extending sixth 50-overs World Cup title after opener Travis Head smashed a magnificent century to fashion their six-wicket victory in Sunday's final against the tournament's form team India.
Put into bat, India rode battling half-centuries by KL Rahul and Virat Kohli to post a below-par 240 all out in exactly 50 overs at a packed Narendra Modi Stadium.
Australia suffered a top order wobble of their own but Head's 137 off 120 balls saw them romp home with seven overs to spare in match that never reached great heights.
Around 93,000 predominantly Indian fans sat mostly in deathly silence as the home team, who had won 10 matches in a row to make the final, succumbed to their first loss of the tournament in the all-important summit clash.
Earlier, Pat Cummins's decision to field, primarily to avoid operating with a dewy ball in the night, bemused many but Australian bowlers, aided by some superb fielding, stifled their opposition.
India captain Rohit Sharma had been playing tone-setting knocks in their batting template in the tournament and it was no different in the final despite the early loss of Shubman Gill.
Rohit smashed three sixes in his entertaining 47 but fell just before the end of powerplay.
The opener stepped out against Glenn Maxwell but miscued his shot on the offside. Head ran backwards from cover to take a tumbling catch to get rid of the India captain.
Kohli (54) hit Mitchell Starc (3-55) for three boundaries in a row but India slumped to 81-3 in the 11th over when Cummins dismissed Shreyas Iyer caught behind.
Kohli and Rahul (66) then combined in a dour rebuilding job even if it meant going 16.1 overs without a boundary.
Kohli brought up his ninth 50-plus knock in 11 innings but soon departed after chopping a Cummins delivery on to his stumps.
Rahul hit just one four in his half-century illustrating how difficult the pitch was for shot-makers like him.
Australia wicketkeeper Josh Inglis took five catches, which is a record in a World Cup final.
Australia, when they came out to bat, slumped to 47-3 seven overs into what had looked like a straight-forward chase for them.
Head combined with Marnus Labuschagne, who made 58 not out, in a 192-run stand to kill off the contest.
Read LessRight then, after almost two months of action-packed One Day games and Australia have run away with the crown. With a couple of losses to start the tournament, they were under the pump but this proud sporting nation has lived up to the expectations. We saw stellar individual and team performances throughout the tournament and certainly a few future stars were born right on this very stage. The old guards too showed their prowess but for a lot of the players, this was their last shot at glory. In the end, it was a glorious night in Ahmedabad and the team from down under lifted their record-shattering sixth World Cup title. That is it from us and we hope that all of you enjoyed our coverage of the whole tournament. With the conclusion of the World Cup, normalcy resumes and it's bilateral series and other tournaments. You can switch tabs and keep an eye on the latest cricketing action. Until next time, take care and goodbye!
The honorable Prime Minister of India walks alongside the deputy Prime Minister of Australia and it will be the Indian Prime Minister to hand over the coveted World Cup trophy to Pat Cummins and fireworks blow up all over the stadium and now, the whole team joins Cummins on the podium to post with the World Title. The rejoicing faces of the Aussie players show what it means to them.
Pat Cummins, the victorious skipper of Australia says that he thinks they saved the best for the last. Adds that they have been batting first pretty much the whole tournament and they thought it was a good night to chase. Tells that they boys were fantastic they got an ageing side but everyone is still giving everything on the field. Says they thought 300 might have been tough but achievable on this wicket but it was stunning effort to restrict them to 240. Praises Marnus Labuschagne for his knock and Travis Head did what he does in the big games. Further adds that that the selectors backed them and the risk paid off. Mentions that you got to go and win the World Cup you can't wait for it. Ends by saying it was a special night and this year will be remembered for a long time as they are in top of the mountain.
The players of the buoyant Australian team now come up to collect their winning medals.
Rohit Sharma, the captain of India says that the result hasn't gone their way and they weren't good enough in the game but is very proud of the team and the way they have played. Adds that they were 20-30 runs short and when KL Rahul and Virat Kohli were batting, they had a chat and they needed to bat through but Australia were able to get that big partnership and clinch the win. Mentions that when you have 240 on the board, you need early wickets but credit to Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne for the way they played and it was slightly better to bat under the lights. Adds that they knew under lights, it would be slightly better and with another wicket after the first three, things could have been different.
The runners-up, players of India now come up one by one and collect their medals.
Virat Kohli is the PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT for being the top-scorer and being a consistent figure in India's journey to the finals.
The officials now come up and collect their mementos...
Travis Head is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his title-winning knock. Head says that it's been amazing and he is just thrilled to be part of it and it is a lot better than sitting at home. Adds that he was a bit nervous initially but Marnus and him were able to soak up the pressure and it was an amazing partnership. Praises Marsh for the way he came on and took the game on. Tells that they knew the wicket would be tough and it was a great decision to bowl first. Says that batting got a bit easier as the game went on and they had the dew factor in mind as well. Further adds he couldn't imagine that catch or the hundred but it feels nice to do it in front of a big crowd. Further adds by saying it's great to join an amazing list with Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist as the third Aussie to score a World Cup final ton. Ends by saying it is nice to contribute and he is looking forward to a reunion with the boys.
The Presentation ceremony...
Mitchell Marsh says it's pure elation. Adds that this has been the hardest eight weeks for him. He says it's great to be with his group. Ends by saying that winning a World Cup in India feels blood great. Mitchell Starc chimes in and says Pat Cummins was phenomenal and has been throughout the tournament with his decisions. He tells them they executed their plans perfectly and Pat Cummins also stepped up with the ball as well in the final.
David Warner says that their bowlers were fantastic. Adds that they sort of flew from the last game. Tells to bowl out India for 240 was an exceptional effort. Tells there was a bit of a nervous energy before the chase but the big partnership between Head and Marnus calmed the nerves. Ends by saying that it is an incredible comeback for Head as he got injured in South Africa, came back and scored a hundred and he did it again here.
Steven Smith says that it's incredible, the atmosphere was amazing in here. Adds that the bowlers set the tone and the fielding was great too. Praises Head for his excellent innings as he took them out of a pressure situation. Mentions it wasn't the ideal start but they always had the belief and they have a good group of players and great staff as well. Ends by saying that Australia typically plays well in these moments and this has been a pretty big year winning the World Test Championship and then this one.
Josh Hazlewood says this is huge as the challenge they have been through in the last two months is really special. Adds that winning this is very special. Tells that it was a great crowd as the Indian crowd is second to none. Says they always had the belief that it was a perfect performance. Glenn Maxwell joins him and says that it feels great. Adds that he had to taste his own medicine. Tells Marnus soaked up the pressure nicely and Head's striking was excellent too.
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Marnus Labuschagne says that this is unbelievable what they have achieved here. Add that to beating India who were 10 games unbeaten that too on home soil is a big effort from them. He says that he always had faith and it's unbelievable how everything has panned out. Says even last night, it was not sure whether he was going to play or not but he is glad they have stuck with him.
Let's now head down for a few player interviews...
Earlier in the game, Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to field first against the opinions of the pundits and eventually, Australia stuck to their plans and showed their composure against a crowd that was completely on the other side. Rohit Sharma once again gave India off to a flier but Shubman Gill seemed a bit under pressure and was sent back early. After this Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of India's most experienced batters took on the Aussie pacers and it was Glenn Maxwell who got rid of the dangerous Rohit. India were three down but Kohli yet again stitched another partnership along with KL Rahul and they steered the ship well. However, Australia made another comeback with the ball and the pacers used the slowness of the pitch expertly, picking up timely wickets throughout the first innings and held India to a fairly meager score of 240 runs. Rahul to-scored for India but they simply couldn't shift gears when needed. It was a very fast start to the chase with runs flowing and wickets tumbling but soon when the dust settled down it was Travis Head who stood at the top of the mountain and with Marnus Labuschagne to his aid, the pair completed a remarkable victory and ensured Australia clinched their sixth ODI orld Cup.
Over 100,000 people inside the stadium and more than a billion rallying behind them throughout the country and all across the globe, India have ended on a sour note and their unblemished campaign has ended in tears. They were well short with the bat but the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami showed their class with the ball early on and even after getting put away for a few boundaries they took three wickets inside the first Powerplay to have Australia on the ropes. However, that was as good as it got for the hosts as the spinners were ineffective and with a bit of dew setting in, the ball skidded on well and there was hardly any spin. In all fairness, they didn't bowl to their potential and let Head and Labuschagne settle in. They bowled a few too many bad balls and simply had no answer and were thoroughly beaten by a better side.
Runs on the board in the final are always a big plus but the Australian bowlers did a fantastic job of restricting a stellar Indian batting lineup to under 250 runs. It was the skipper, Pat Cummins who led from the front picking up three wickets and after a shaky start with the bat, they have been able to make a mockery of this run chase. David Warner started tentatively and was shown the exit early on with Mitchell Marsh following suit soon after. Travis Head put away a few boundaries and Steven Smith looked good at the start but was given out LBW and a missed review meant, Australia were three down for just 47 runs. Then came the stand of the tournament between Head and Marnus Labuschagne, two players one of whom wasn't even in the initial squad and the other one was injured when the tournament started. They put on 192 runs as Head rampaged his way to a sublime century and Labuschagne also ended up with a gritty fifty. Head fell with just two runs needed for the win and Glenn Maxwell finished it all off in one swift blow.
MAXWELL GETS THE WINNING RUNS AND AUSTRALIA ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS FOR A RECORD-EXTENDING SIXTH TIME! Maxwell punches the air in ecstasy and the whole dressing room is out on the pitch celebrating this resounding win. What a team, what a match and against all odds they have beaten a buoyant home side to regain the crown they lost in 2019. Stuff dreams are made of and you can never, ever write off Australia. Heartbreak for India though, they were the best team throughout the competition by a country mile but have crumbled under pressure and they will be gutted to have missed out on eternal glory.
Mohammed Siraj to Glenn Maxwell, AUSTRALIA HAVE DONE IT! This is short of a length again from Siraj, on middle, Glenn Maxwell pulls it wide of deep square leg where Kuldeep Yadav runs to his right and dives to stop it but the batters have enough time to complete the second run. The whole Australian team runs into the field and celebrates together.
Glenn Maxwell is the next man in. Can he finish it off in style?
Mohammed Siraj to Travis Head, OUT! TAKEN! Mohammed Siraj gets a wicket now and Travis Head could not quite finish it off for his team. Siraj bangs this one into the pitch again and around middle, Travis Head backs away and looks to pull it away but fails to generate the required power and hits it flat and in the air towards deep mid-wicket where Shubman Gill moves to his right and takes a good catch. Travis Head walks back to a round of applause for his magnificent century and the Indian players are also congratulating him.
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Full again, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne looks to drive but gets an inside edge through backward square leg for a run.
Mohammed Siraj to Travis Head, Overpitched and on leg, Travis Head drills it towards mid on for a single.
Mohammed Siraj to Travis Head, FOUR! Australia closer than ever to the trophy now! Mohammed Siraj lands this back of a length and around middle, Travis Head makes some room and swats it over mid off for a boundary.
Mohammed Siraj to Travis Head, Short of a length and on middle, Travis Head pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Pulls his length back a bit, on off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it towards short covers. Australia are 10 runs away from their sixth World Cup.
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, A low full toss, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne drills it towards mid off.
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne nudges it towards deep square leg.
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Pitched up and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out down the pitch.
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller one and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne tucks it towards mid-wicket.
Jasprit Bumrah to Travis Head, Right in the blockhole, on leg, angling in, Travis Head digs it out towards wide of long on for a single.
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Bowled on a good length around off, Marnus Labuschagne plays it on the up toward extra cover.
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Another one that is pitched up around off, Labuschagne defends it out on the off side.
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, This is bowled very full on off stump, Labuschagne pushes it toward mid off.
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR MORE! Banged in short over middle and leg, Labuschagne takes it on and gets enough bat on it to take it fine toward the fine leg fence for a boundary. Just a couple of hits away now from the title.
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, This is full and pitched up around off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it out toward mid off.
Mohammed Siraj to Travis Head, Slower one, a bit shorter and around off, Travis Head stays back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! FIFTY FOR LABUSCHAGNE! A very important knock from him as he provided the perfect support to Head. This is full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne uses his wrist and flicks it with great timing towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Touch fuller and on off, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out.
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne pats it down towards short covers.
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, Jasprit Bumrah nails the yorker, on middle, angling in, Marnus Labuschagne jams it off the bottom edge onto his pads as the ball rolls towards square leg. KL Rahul appeals for a LBW, but turned down.
Jasprit Bumrah to Travis Head, Fuller and on leg, angling in, Travis Head whips it towards deep square leg for a run.
Jasprit Bumrah to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length and around off, Marnus Labuschagne runs it down to third man for a single.
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne pulls it towards deep square leg for one.
Mohammed Siraj to Travis Head, A slower one, full and on leg, Travis Head heaves it towards deep square leg for one.
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne flicks it through square leg for for another run.
Mohammed Siraj to Marnus Labuschagne, Pitched up and on off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it towards short covers.
Mohammed Siraj to Travis Head, Goes fuller and around leg, Travis Head drills it towards long on for a run.
