The recently concluded ODI World Cup final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad stirred debate as the International Cricket Council (ICC) labeled the pitch an “average.” Meanwhile, match referee Andy Pycroft praised the outfield as “very good.” Australia clinched victory in the final, triumphing over India by six wickets on a sluggish pitch.

Opting to bowl, India posted a total of 240 in 50 overs. Australia successfully chased the target in 43 overs, with Travis Head’s impressive 120-ball 137. The pitch ratings for India’s league matches against South Africa, England, Pakistan and Australia were consistently labeled as ‘average’ by the ICC.

The Wankhede Stadium pitch, where India faced New Zealand in the semifinals, received a ‘good’ rating. Reports hinted at a pitch switch before the match, raising questions about using a used surface instead of a fresh one.

The ICC also deemed the Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata, hosting the second semifinal between Australia and South Africa, as “average.” Despite a low-scoring match, former India pacer Javagal Srinath gave a positive “very good” rating to the outfield at Eden Gardens.

It’s been over a week since India’s heart-wrenching loss to Australia in the 2023 Cricket World Cup final, and the wounds are still fresh for fans of the Rohit Sharma-led team. Despite an undefeated run into the final, winning 10 consecutive matches, India faced a devastating defeat as Pat Cummins’ Australia secured a 6-wicket victory, claiming their sixth ODI World Cup title.

In a recent interview with The Age, Australian skipper Pat Cummins was asked to choose his ‘deathbed moment’ from the final. Without hesitation, he pointed to the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli. Cummins explained the profound impact of that moment, recalling the eerie silence in the stadium after Kohli’s dismissal.

Batting first, India seemed in control at 148/3 with Kohli and KL Rahul holding strong. However, Cummins’ delivery saw Kohli’s inside edge, leading to a dramatic turn of events. The subsequent huddle, as described by Cummins, captured the gravity of the moment.

Despite India’s competitive total of 240, Travis Head’s masterful innings of 137 guided Australia to a convincing six-wicket victory in Ahmedabad. The left-handed opener’s controlled performance secured Australia’s sixth World Cup title with seven overs to spare, leaving Indian fans grappling with the agony of a missed opportunity.

The echoes of that final will resonate for a long time among cricket enthusiasts, and the Virat Kohli wicket will forever hold a special place in the memory of Pat Cummins and cricket fans alike.

The Australian cricket team, under the leadership of Pat Cummins, concluded their remarkable Cricket World Cup 2023 journey in India with a resounding triumph. Overcoming hosts India in the final with finesse, Cummins’ squad secured their sixth ODI World Cup title, marking a historic milestone in their illustrious career. However, the absence of a celebratory reception upon their return on Wednesday morning has stirred bewilderment on social media, prompting fans to question the subdued homecoming of the ODI world champions.

Despite the team’s stellar performance, particularly in vanquishing the unbeaten Indian squad in the final, the Australian cricketers were met with a notably understated welcome at home. The unexpected turn of events left cricket enthusiasts on social media scratching their heads as they grappled with the disparity between the team’s extraordinary achievement and the lackluster reception they received.

Upon his arrival, Pat Cummins took a moment to reflect on the team’s spectacular achievement, expressing that the full impact of becoming ODI world champions is yet to fully sink in. The skipper shared the team’s infectious excitement, stating that the joyous realization of winning a World Cup continues to resurface every half an hour. He acknowledged the unique challenges of playing in a cricket-crazed nation like India, emphasizing the rarity of such opportunities.

Cummins further delved into the team’s accomplishments, highlighting the unparalleled satisfaction of competing on the global stage and emerging with a medal. The skipper emphasized unforeseen success, including an away Ashes series and a World Test Championship, painting a picture of a cricketing journey that exceeded their initial plans.

As some members of the Australian team return home, a few remain in India to participate in the upcoming 5-match T20I series set to commence on November 23, ensuring the cricketing spirit endures beyond the World Cup triumph.

Australia reaffirmed their cricket supremacy by securing their sixth Cricket World Cup title, defeating India by six wickets in the highly anticipated final. Travis Head’s stellar performance, coupled with disciplined bowling, brought an end to India’s unbeaten streak in the tournament.

As champions, Australia claimed a substantial prize of USD 4 million, leaving India with USD 2 million as the runners-up. The significance of reaching the semi-finals was reflected in the prize money, with South Africa and New Zealand each receiving USD 800,000. The remaining six teams, unable to progress to the semi-finals, were awarded USD 100,000 each.

Top 4 Teams’ Winnings in Cricket World Cup 2023

• Australia (7 wins in the group stage): USD 4.28 Million
• India (9 wins in the group stage): USD 2.36 Million
• South Africa (7 wins in the group stage): USD 1.08 Million
• New Zealand (5 wins in the group stage): USD 1 Million

Australia’s Precision and Ruthless Execution

Australia’s triumph showcased meticulous planning and ruthless execution as they successfully chased down 241 runs in just 43 overs. Travis Head’s outstanding innings of 137 runs off 120 balls once again proved to be a thorn in India’s side.

Australia’s cricket legend Ricky Ponting, captain of the 2003 World Cup-winning team, expressed his admiration for Travis Head’s exceptional skills, hailing him as one of the world’s premier all-format players. Head’s impressive left-handed batting style, especially during his exhilarating knock of 137 against India, left Ponting impressed. In an interview with Sky Sports, Ponting remarked:

“Travis is emerging as one of the three or four best all-format players in the world.”

Australia’s skipper, Pat Cummins, commended Travis Head’s fearless approach, praising his ability to apply pressure on opponents. In order to win the tournament, Cummins stressed the value of taking chances. Cummins claims that Head, who plays with a smile and puts pressure on the opponent, epitomizes the kind of mentality he looks for in a cricket squad. Cummins expressed his joy for Head’s success, stating,

“He takes the game on, he plays with a smile, he just puts the pressure right back onto the opposition, and he’s just great fun to be around.”

In the most recent ODI match, India posted a score of 240 in 50 overs, with key contributions from Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul. Australia’s bowlers, especially Mitchell Starc, proved just how good they are; Cummins and Hazlewood also put on impressive shows. Chasing 241, India initially had the Australians at 47/3, but Travis Head’s outstanding 137 and Marnus Labuschagne’s 58 guided Australia to a convincing six-wicket victory.

With the ODI series concluded, the World Cup finalists are gearing up for a thrilling five-match T20I series, set to kick off in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.

Having missed out on the opportunity to represent India at the 2011 World Cup, Rohit Sharma found himself leading the national team at the Narendra Modi Stadium, facing Australia in the championship clash. The moment held deep emotional significance for Rohit, as it took time for him to move past the disappointment of being snubbed in 2011. Speaking to former India head coach Ravi Shastri at the toss just before the final began, Rohit acknowledged that this was a ‘dream come true’ moment for him.

In a face-off where Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, won the toss and chose to field, Rohit revealed that, had he won the toss, he would have elected to bat. Expressing his thoughts, he said,

“I would have batted first. Looks like a good pitch, big game, put runs on the board. It’s going to be amazing, every time we play here, the crowd comes out in large numbers. The biggest occasion of the cricketing event. We have to stay nice and calm.”

When Ravi Shastri inquired about his journey from 2011 to 2023, Rohit shared that captaining the team in the final was a dream realized.

“It’s a dream come true to be captaining the team in the final. I know what lies in front of us. We need to play well and get the result. You’ve got to make the right decisions on the field. That’s something we’ve done consistently in the last 10 games. We’re playing the same team,” he expressed.

In a prelude to the match, Cummins mentioned that Australia was maintaining the same lineup as the semi-final against South Africa.

“We are gonna have a bowl first. Looks like a dry wicket. Dew is a factor. It gets better to bat on. Tough start to the tournament, haven’t really put a foot wrong ever since. It’s all set up perfectly. We’ve played these guys a lot. Same team as the semi-final,” stated the Australian skipper.

The highly anticipated Cricket World Cup 2023 is reaching its grand finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad this Sunday. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hasn’t officially confirmed the closing ceremony, speculations are circulating about a potential performance by pop star Dua Lipa.

Dua Lipa, known for her performances at various sporting events, engaged with World Cup semi-finalists like Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Kane Williamson. Among the intriguing questions was Gill’s inquiry about the song she might perform at both the opening and closing ceremonies. Dua’s response hinted at the song ‘Physical.’

Despite the excitement surrounding the possibility of Dua Lipa’s performance, the BCCI’s plans for the closing ceremony remain unconfirmed. An air of uncertainty lingers over whether the pop sensation will grace the stage in Ahmedabad for the final showdown.

While Dua Lipa’s involvement remains in question, it has been announced that the Indian Air Force will present a breathtaking air show during the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team are set to captivate the audience for ten minutes before the commencement of the final match, adding an extra layer of excitement to the cricketing spectacle.

India and Australia emerged victorious in the semi-finals against New Zealand and South Africa, respectively, paving their way to the final clash. As the league campaign witnessed India’s comprehensive victory over Australia, the stage is set for a thrilling culmination to the Cricket World Cup 2023.

Former England football captain David Beckham, present at the Wankhede Stadium to witness India’s triumphant victory over New Zealand, expressed the significance of his encounter with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as “special.” Among the star-studded audience, Beckham engaged with Sachin, Indian and New Zealand players, and even shared conversations with cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri before the highly anticipated World Cup semi-final.

Reflecting on his time with the “Master Blaster” and the players on the field, Beckham conveyed the uniqueness of the experience. In a video shared by BCCI, he described the meeting with Sachin, stating,

“It was very special. I met Sachin for the first time at Wimbledon, and it was special to meet him then. Firstly, he is the best, but as a person, he is even better. To spend time with him is even better. For me to spend some time with him in his house was very special. But for me, spending time with all the players, they were going into an important game, so it was nice that they were able to come and say hello. It was a pleasure to meet them all.”

Beckham, known for his prowess in football, revealed his childhood fondness for cricket, confessing that he used to play the sport in school and saw himself as a batsman.

“I used to play cricket when I was a young kid at school, and I always liked being a batsman. I also like to bowl and field, so maybe I am an all-rounder, but I see myself more as a batter,” he added.

Turning to the match itself, India chose to bat first, scoring an impressive 397/4 in their 50 overs. The opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a strong start, with Sharma scoring 47 in 29 balls and Gill contributing 80 in 66 balls. Despite a partnership between New Zealand’s Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Shami’s exceptional seven-wicket haul left the Blackcaps struggling, and India secured a 70-run victory.

India’s opponent in the final is yet to be determined, with South Africa and Australia set to face off in the second semi-final at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday.

Just before the highly anticipated Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-final clash between India and New Zealand, a storm of controversy swept through the cricketing realm, accusing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of a last-minute pitch alteration. Speculation suggested that India might have tweaked the pitch to tip the scales in their favor. When questioned about this in the post-match press conference, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson downplayed the entire discourse.

During the presser, Williamson acknowledged the use of a previously played wicket but emphasized its quality, expressing no objections from the New Zealand side.

“Well, yes, it was a used wicket, but honestly, it provided a good surface, as we witnessed. They gained a lot from it in the first half of the match. Conditions tend to shift, especially under lights, as we’ve observed throughout this competition. It’s part of the game and they played exceptionally well. It’s disappointing not to progress further at this stage, but at the same time, you reflect on the seven weeks rather than a couple of isolated moments, and we lost to a superior side,” he responded to a reporter’s inquiry.

Furthermore, Williamson praised India as ‘the best team in the world,’ expressing confidence in their performance heading into the final.

“They’re the best team in the world and they’re all at the top of their game, so it’s tough. In cricket, failure often surrounds the narrative, and it’s about how you cope with it. Their incredible performances throughout this tournament have been consistent. They haven’t missed a beat, and entering a semi-final, you go through your round-robin, and it starts anew. The way they approached and played in this match demonstrates the mindset and form they’re in. I have no doubt they’ll enter the next match brimming with confidence,” stated the Kiwi skipper.

In a thrilling encounter, India and New Zealand are set to face off in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 first semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on November 15, kicking off at 2:00 PM IST.

The high-soaring Indian cricket team wrapped up the league stage with a resounding 160-run victory over the Netherlands, maintaining a flawless record of nine wins out of nine in the ODI World Cup. Yet, their next hurdle is none other than New Zealand, a formidable adversary that has consistently challenged the Men in Blue over the years.

While New Zealand’s initial four victories showcased their World Cup prowess, four subsequent losses temporarily dimmed their shine. However, a crucial win against Sri Lanka in their final league match secured their spot in the semi-finals. The Kiwis are primed to give their best for a third consecutive appearance in the ODI World Cup final.

History Haunts India
Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid lead India with a shadow of history hanging over them. The haunting memory of the 2019 World Cup semi-final defeat against New Zealand, resulting in India’s exit, remains a cause for concern. The Kiwis have consistently proven to be India’s nemesis, and as the team gears up for the clash, the weight of this past history is likely to play on their minds.

Knockout Woes
India, with a fourth consecutive appearance in the ODI World Cup semi-finals, face the challenge of overcoming recent knockout setbacks. The pressure associated with these crucial matches, coupled with the memory of the 2022 T20 World Cup exit, might impact the team’s performance against a determined New Zealand.

Right vs. Left Conundrum
India’s unchanged right-handed batting lineup, including stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, faces a potential challenge against New Zealand’s left-arm duo, Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner. Boult, in particular, has troubled Sharma with ODIs. With Santner’s prowess against right-handers, India’s composition might pose a challenge in the semi-finals, while New Zealand’s mix of right and left-handed batters could exploit this imbalance with strategic strike rotations.