Xtra Time Web Desk: A brilliant hundred (137 off 120) from Travis Head guided Australia to a record sixth ICC Cricket World Cup title by defeating tournament favorites India in the final held at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, November 19. Despite facing the challenge of losing three early wickets during their run chase, the calm and experienced Australian side secured a comfortable victory with seven overs to spare.
Travis Head’s exceptional performance in the middle order, amassing 137 runs from 120 balls, and Marnus Labuschagne’s contribution of 58 runs from 110 balls were pivotal in Australia’s successful pursuit of the target. Captain Pat Cummins led his team to victory, defying the pre-tournament predictions that didn’t favor Australia.
The final saw a déjà vu moment as India’s batting stalwarts, Virat Kohli (54 off 63) and KL Rahul (66 off 107), attempted another rescue act. However, a batting collapse on the grand stage resulted in India setting a modest target of 241 runs in 50 overs. Australia’s bowlers, spearheaded by Mitchell Starc’s impressive figures of 3-55 in 10 overs, effectively thwarted India’s powerful batting lineup. Cummins and Josh Hazlewood also made significant contributions with figures of 2-34 and 2-60, respectively.
Despite a spirited start by India’s captain Rohit Sharma, who scored 47 runs off 31 balls, the Australian bowlers-maintained control on a pitch that offered a balanced contest between bat and ball. This triumph marked a remarkable achievement for Captain Cummins and his team, who defied the odds to emerge victorious in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.