Ahmedabad’s colossal Narendra Modi Stadium is set to host the ICC World Cup 2023 final match between India and Australia today.
The arena will likely be jam-packed with spectators, mostly Indians to support their national team, the first one to fix a spot in the tournament decider.
Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue eye the chance to claim the prestigious title once again to level Australia’s score of becoming the World Cup champions more than a couple of times.
On the other hand, Pat Cummins and his team aim for a record-breaking sixth title. This thrilling match brings back memories for ’90s kids reminiscent of the iconic 2003 World Cup final when Australia defeated India by 125 runs in Johannesburg.
India have displayed dominance, winning all ten matches played in the tournament. In the semi-final, they scored a massive 397/4 in 50 overs before dismissing New Zealand for 327 in Mumbai on Wednesday, November 15.
Speaking of skipper Rohit Sharma, the ‘Hitman’ has been in excellent form, scoring 550 runs in 10 games at an average of 55 and a strike rate of 124.15. His explosive opening performances have provided the middle order ample time to adapt to match conditions. Virat Kohli has also been outstanding, accumulating a record 711 runs at an astonishing average of 101.57. Shreyas Iyer enters the finals after back-to-back centuries, setting the record for the most runs by a No. 4 batter in World Cup history.
In the bowling department, Mohammed Shami has been outstanding, taking 23 wickets in six games at an astonishing average of 9.13. The 33-year-old delivered a stunning seven-wicket haul in the semi-finals and earned the Player of the Match award in a high-scoring game of 724 runs. Jasprit Bumrah has supported Shami well, securing 18 wickets in 10 games at an average of 18.33.
Australia’s journey has been remarkable, rebounding from initial setbacks to an eight-match winning streak. They clinched a memorable three-wicket victory in the semifinals against South Africa on Thursday at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
David Warner has been pivotal for the Aussies, amassing 528 runs in 10 games at an average of 52.80 and a strike rate of 107.54. Mitchell Marsh has also shown exceptional form, scoring 426 runs in nine games at 53.25. Glenn Maxwell, known for his outstanding innings against Afghanistan, has scored 398 runs at an average of 66.33.
Although Maxwell may not shine in every match, his explosive style is hard to contain, boasting a strike rate of 150.19 in the tournament. Zampa presents a significant threat to any opposition.
Head-to-Head in ODI World Cup:
In the ODI World Cup, Australia and India have met 13 times. Australia has won eight while India emerged victorious on five occasions. The highest total by Australia is 359 runs, while India’s highest score against Australia in the World Cup is 352. India’s lowest total is 125, and Australia’s is 128 in this marquee event.
Pitch and Conditions:
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has witnessed four games in the ODI World Cup 2023. Three games were won by the chasing team, with only one victory for the team batting first. The average score for the team batting first is 250. Captains winning the toss might opt to bat second. Under lights, the ball behaves favorably for batting, and if dew comes into play, it could aid the team in batting second.
Probable Playing XIs:
India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.
Australia: Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (WK), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (C), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
