Xtra Time Web Desk: The stage is set for the much-anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, November 19. Two of the most consistent teams will be face each other in the decider. While hosts India under captain Rohit Sharma has remained unbeaten in the lead up to the final, on the other hand Pat Cummins and his boys have bounced back strongly after the loss in the first two matches. The Aussies won eight consecutive matches to make it to the final. Although India will start as favourites but Australia has the firepower to unsettle the Men in Blue. Let us take a look at some big match-ups which will decide the fate of the final.
Rohit Sharma vs Mitchell Starc: Rohit and left-handed pacer has always been a big match-up and Starc is one of the best in the business. With his ultra-attacking batting approach, Rohit has unsettled the opposition bowling attacks with his aggressive batting at the start but Starc was the only one who got the better of him for a duck when the two sides met in Chennai.
Virat Kohli vs Adam Zampa: It is going to be the biggest battle in the game, Kohli has been in incredible form and scored 711 runs in this World Cup, while Zampa has claimed 22 wickets. The superstar players are going to be the key for their respective teams and the battle between them will make or break the game for any side. The Australian leg spinner has dismissed Kohli five times in this format.
David Warner vs Jasprit Bumrah: The Australian opener has looked in great touch having scored 528 runs at a strike rate of over 100. Bumrah on the other hand has consistently given early breakthroughs in the tournament making it an intriguing contest between the two. Bumrah is yet to dismiss Warner in 14 ODI innings, but you can never rule out a bowler of his calibre in any battle.
Travis Head vs Mohammed Shami: Both Travis Head and Mohammed Shami were initially not part of the playing XI for their respective teams. While Head was recovering from a fractured hand, Mohammed Siraj was preferred over Shami in the initial stages by the Indian team management. Since making a comeback into the Australian playing XI, Head has scored 192 runs including a hundred and a fifty. Shami has grabbed his opportunity with both hands, picking 23 wickets from 6 games so far.
Shubman Gill vs Josh Hazlewood: Another key battle will be between Shubman Gill and Josh Hazzlewood. The Australian fast bowler has picked 14 wickets from 10 games so far and consistently given breakthroughs at the start for his team. Gill on the other hand has looked good ever since he recovered from dengue. He has scored four half-centuries in the tournament so far and will look to score a big one in the final.