Photo : ESPNcrickinfo
In a remarkable display of sustained disciplined bowling, Australia restricted India to 240 all-out in 50 overs in the final of the ICC World Cup 2023 on Sunday (19 November) in Ahmedabad.
India was asked to bat first after losing the toss - a huge call by Pat Cummins that defied conventional wisdom.
The hosts struggled to establish effective partnerships when they needed them most. Credit goes to the Australian pace attack, which denied the Indian batting line-up the chance to settle in.
Virat Kohli and Lokesh Rahul both secured half-centuries, and the responsibility rested on them to carry India's hopes further. However, they couldn't defy the disciplined Australian attack.
Mitchell Starc led the charge, taking three wickets for 55 in 10 overs. He initiated the breakthrough by dismissing Shubman Gill.
India lost three wickets before even reaching 100 runs. As on other occasions, Rohit Sharma had a promising and explosive start, but the Indian captain couldn't sustain his aggression.
Shreyas Iyer, like Gill, failed to deliver on the biggest match of their lives.
Josh Inglis, the Australian wicketkeeper, took five catches behind the wicket.
For Australia, Starc claimed three wickets, while Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins took two wickets each.
Prior to this match, Australia and India faced each other in another final of the ICC World Cup, which Australia won.
Messenger/Sun Yath
