Sports Desk, 19th October: With just a few hours remaining before a high-stakes showdown, the Men in Blue are gearing up to face Australia once again in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup.
The eagerly anticipated clash is scheduled to happen at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. India secured their spot in the final after a convincing 70-run victory over New Zealand in the first semifinal in Mumbai. This marks India’s fourth World Cup final, boasting victories in 1983 and 2011 and a lone defeat in 2003 to Australia in South Africa by a substantial 125 runs.
The Indian team, vying for their third title, is determined to rectify the painful loss to Australia in Johannesburg. Ricky Ponting’s unbeaten 140 off 121 balls propelled Australia to an imposing 359/2, with Harbhajan Singh claiming both wickets.
Despite notable contributions of 82 off 81 from Virender Sehwag and 47 runs in 57 balls from Rahul Dravid, now the head coach, India faced a formidable challenge from bowlers like Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee, ultimately being restricted to 234 runs and losing by a significant 125 runs.
The Men in Blue dominated the league table, winning all nine matches, before securing a 70-run victory over New Zealand in the semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Australia claimed the third position in the group stage of the cricket tournament, securing seven wins and enduring two losses. Following initial setbacks against India and South Africa, the team showcased resilience by clinching seven consecutive wins in the league stage, culminating in a three-wicket victory over South Africa in the second semi-final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Rohit Sharma and his Men in Blue, eyeing their third World Cup title, underscored the significance of maintaining composure under pressure. This resilience was evident in the match against South Africa in Chennai, where, despite a shaky start, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli’s partnership ensured a pivotal win for the team. Sharma, during a press conference, acknowledged the necessity for adaptability in the game, expressing his readiness to adjust his playing style according to the team’s requirements.