The highly anticipated ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final is just around the corner, featuring a face-off between cricket giants India and Australia. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know.
Match Details:
Mark your calendars for Sunday, 19 November, as the cricketing powerhouses go head-to-head in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Expect a historic showdown with over 100,000 fans in attendance, reminiscent of the 2003 final where Australia emerged victorious in Johannesburg.
Road to the Final:
India dominated the group stage, securing the top spot with a perfect record of nine wins, accumulating 18 points. Their stellar net run rate of 2.570 outshone all others. In the semi-final clash against New Zealand, Rohit Sharma’s explosive start, complemented by Virat Kohli’s 50th ODI century, powered India to an imposing total of 397. Despite Daryl Mitchell’s century, New Zealand fell short by 70 runs.
Australia, recovering from early defeats, stormed back with seven consecutive victories, clinching their spot with 14 points. In the semi-final against South Africa, Pat Cummins’ team showcased a dominant performance, restricting the Proteas to 24/4. Despite David Miller’s century, Cummins and Mitchell Starc secured a tense three-wicket win.
Meet the Squads:
India’s squad, led by Rohit Sharma, includes star players like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Muhammad Siraj. Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, Prasidh Krishna, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah.
Australia, captained by Pat Cummins, boasts a formidable lineup featuring Steve Smith, David Warner, and Mitchell Starc, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis.
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Cricket Legacy:
India, hosting the tournament, aims for their first major ICC global tournament win in 12 years, echoing the 2011 triumph. Meanwhile, Australia, the most successful nation in World Cup history, eyes a historic sixth title in India.
Contingency Plans:
In case of weather interference, a reserve day is in place to ensure a result.
Prize at Stake:
The tournament offers a substantial US$10 million prize pool. The victorious team will walk away with a staggering US$4 million, while the runners-up will receive US$2 million. Teams also earned US$40,000 for each group stage victory, adding extra incentive to the competitive journey. Don’t miss out on the cricket spectacle of the year!
