Team India will face Australia in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on November 19 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to be present during the match.
India won its first World Cup in 1983 under charismatic captain Kapil Dev. In 2011, under legendary Captain MS Dhoni, India won the second World Cup, beating Sri Lanka at Wankhede. It is the second time India will encounter Australia in the World Cup final. However, this time, India will be chasing its third World Cup title in front of the home crowd.
A shot at #CWC23 glory 💎🏆 pic.twitter.com/8Iy5I48dEp
— ICC (@ICC) November 17, 2023
The Classic 2003 India-Australia Clash
The last time two teams clashed was in the 2003 World Cup final held at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ricky Ponting led the Australian team posted a mammoth score of 359 runs and Ponting played a swashbuckling innings of unbeaten 140 runs, altering the course of the match. The Kangaroos decimated India to 243 in 39.2 overs. Despite the batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar’s heroic of 673 runs in 11 matches and Man of the Series award, India miserably failed in the 2003 edition. Subsequently, the Aussies won in the 2007 World Cup under talismanic Ricky Ponting.
Also Read: India’s Impressive World Cup Journey: From Underdog In 1983 To Complete Dominance In 2023
Will India get the Third Title?
Both teams are in form and in a formidable position to win the cup. In this World Cup, India is the only unbeaten side with a 10-match winning streak, which started with the win over the Aussies in Chennai. The Australians began with two losses, but they rose to find form and ended up with an eight-match winning streak.
Although India is the favourite, it is not easy to win against the five-time champion, who are known for their fearless and attacking style of cricket.
And then there were two 🇮🇳 🇦🇺
— ICC (@ICC) November 16, 2023
Presenting the #CWC23 finalists 🤩 pic.twitter.com/vv0L57egeY
Which Team Has Reached The Cricket World Cup Final Most?
Australia – 8 times in 13 World Cups (1975, 1987, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015, 2023)
India – 4 times in 13 World Cups (1983, 2003, 2011, 2023)
Until now, Australia has won 5 times in the final and India two times. In the ODIs, India and Australia faced 150 times, in which Australia won 83 matches and India in 57 matches; ten matches did not produce results.
"By far, Rohit's best innings in ODIs" – #ViratKohli was delighted with Rohit Sharma's match-winning knock against South Africa. ⬇️ #CWC19 | #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/1Xl1F1lJPY
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 6, 2019
Players to Watch Out
Rohit Sharma’s captaincy and marshalling of the resources is notable, apart from his high-decibel batting in this tournament. He can demoralise any attack with his range shots on any track, which is a treat to watch. Rohit is a natural at leading the team.
The highest run-getter in the tournament, Virat Kohli, is in roaring form, and he is calm and composed to play big matches. His consistency and temperament are impressive, which is a big positive for Team India.
Mohammed Shami, with 23 scalps in this tournament, is highly confident. His rhythm and skills get better in every match, posing a huge challenge to the Kangaroos.
Jasprit Bumrah’s new ball spells would change the course of the match for India, and if Australia is chasing, he can whisper death to Aussies batsman in end overs.
The southpaw David Warner is absolutely a dangerous batsman in ODI format. He delivers outstanding performances whenever pressure is inclined in World Cup matches.
Glenn Maxwell can deliver a masterclass performance against any opponent; he is dangerous when on song. He is the one who can attack the Indian spinners meticulously in a clinical way.
The candid leg-spinner Adam Zampa emerged as the most indispensable bowler for Australia. In Ahmedabad conditions, he could be lethal if he gets assistance from the pitch.
Air show with National Anthem of India preparation at Narendra Modi Stadium. 🇮🇳
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 17, 2023
– This is beautiful. [ICC] pic.twitter.com/08fhHf8IGq
Pitch and Weather Report
The Narendra Modi Stadium can hold 132,000 people. It is the largest cricket ground in the world by capacity. The history of pitch benefits spinners as the wicket gets slower with time. In the past 30 ODIs played here, the side batting first and the team chased won 15 times, respectively. The average first innings score is 243.
However, high totals are possible here as the track has changed after the IPL tournament. The highest score posted was 365/2 by South Africa in 2010, and the lowest score is 85 by Zimbabwe against West Indies in 2006. The highest individual score is 152 not out, held by Devon Conway in the 2023 World Cup. Prasidh Krishna’s 4/12 against West Indies in 2022 is the best bowling figure.
India’s quest to win the third title is fuelled by long-term preparations and playing as a team. Moreover, India stormed into the finals by producing some superlative performances that will raise the hope of millions of Cricket fans in India.
