The Indian cricket team captured a billion-plus imaginations as it romped into the final of the Cricket World Cup 2023. At home, on the back of a 10-match winning streak, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team was the favourites going into the title clash against Australia. However, what happened at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, broke a billion hearts, The Pat Cummins-led Australian cricket team came out all guns blazing and trumped India in all departments. Their bowlers restricted India to just 240 while Travis head ensured Australia reached the target without any problem.
Several celebrities attended the final on Sunday and were present at the stadium. Among the top celebrities were Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone. Ranveer Singh took on the role of a cheerleader for the Indian cricket team. His animated celebration when Australia's David Warner departed during his side's chase is viral.
Even after suffering a heartbreak in the World Cup final, India's veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin couldn't help but praise Australia for their record sixth ODI World Cup title.
A clinical bowling performance which was later combined with Travis Head's fireworks resulted in the Baggy Greens' triumph over India at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.
Ashwin gave special mention to Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah for their exceptional performances and called Australia the modern-day cricketing giants.
"Mighty mighty heartbreak last night. Everyone in the team had several days to remember during this campaign and special mentions to @imVkohli @MdShami11 @ImRo45 and @Jaspritbumrah93. However I can't help but applaud the giants of modern day cricket "Australia". What they did on the field yesterday was just unbelievable. Congrats on their 6th World Cup win," Ashwin wrote on X.
Coming to the match, After Shubman Gill's dismissal, Rohit ensured that the Men in Blue got off to a flying start with his blistering knock of 47 off 31 balls. After his wicket India started to struggle and bundled out on a score of 240 in 50 overs. On a tough batting surface, skipper Rohit (47 in 31 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes), Virat Kohli (54 in 63 balls, with four boundaries) and KL Rahul (66 in 107 balls, with one four) posted important knocks.
Mitchell Starc (3/55) was the pick of the bowlers for Australia. Skipper Pat Cummins (2/34) and Josh Hazlewood (2/60) also bowled well. Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell got a wicket each.
While chasing 241, India had the Aussies down at 47/3. Knocks from Travis Head (137 in 120 balls, with 15 fours and four sixes) and Marnus Labuschagne (58 in 110 balls, with four boundaries) left the Indian team without answers and guided them to a six-wicket win.