On 19 November 2023, the Indian cricket team had a day to forget after they lost to Australia in the ODI World Cup final, breaking a billion hearts. Today marks the sorry defeat for India, who were flawless on their way to the final before Travis Head and Co dismantled Rohit Sharma’s men at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The win for Australia under Pat Cummins saw them clinch their sixth ODI World Cup in the backyard of their biggest rival.
What happened on Nov 19 2023?
Having entered the World Cup final on the back of 10 wins in the league and semi-final stage, Rohit’s army in their own backyard were considered favourites to win the title. Australia on the other hand had only managed to escape the league stage with a top-four finish despite two defeats and a close encounter against Afghanistan where Glenn Maxwell was the hero of the hour. Having won the toss in the final, Australia decided to bowl first surprising many in doing so.
Having scored 397 with the bat in their previous match, things did not go according to plan for India as they lost Shubman Gill (4) early before losing skipper Rohit (47) on a score of 76. Shreyas Iyer was later dismissed for 4 as India struggled for big partnerships in the final. Soon man in form, Virat Kohli was also dismissed for 54 while KL Rahul with 66 was the team’s highest scorer. With no big partnerships and wickets falling continuously, India were bowled out for 240 as all of Australia’s three frontline pacers did the trick with the ball.
Starc (55/3), Josh Hazlewood (60/2) and Pat Cummins (34/2) were at the top of their game in the final with the ball.
Head runs riot
Needing 241 runs to win the World Cup, Australia lost early wickets and were 47/3 as India retained a strong interest in winning the final. However, Travis Head’s 137-run knock coupled with Marnus Labuschagne’s unbeaten 58 saw Australia home. Head’s innings consisted of 15 fours and 4 sixes and took the game away from the Men in Blue. Jasprit Bumrah ended with figures of 43/2 in the final but could not help the Indian side to win.
Australia won the contest by six wickets and seven overs to spare and broke a billion Indian hearts to win the World Cup.
