India vs Australia in the World Cup 2023 Final : Clash of Titans

Introduction:

The cricketing world is set to witness a thrilling showdown as India Vs Australia lock horns in the final of the World Cup 2023. Both teams have displayed exceptional skills and determination throughout the tournament, earning their place in the ultimate battle for cricketing supremacy. As we eagerly await the grand finale, let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the historical encounters between Australia and India in the Cricket World Cup since the turn of the century.

India Vs Australia In World Cup Since 2000

1. ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 – Super Sixes Stage:The first major clash in the new millennium took place during the Super Sixes stage of the 2003 World Cup held in South Africa. Australia emerged victorious in a high-scoring encounter, with Ricky Ponting’s scintillating century leading them to a formidable total of 310/8. In response, India fell short by 125 runs, scoring 185/4.
2. ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 – Group Stage:The 2007 World Cup in the West Indies witnessed another clash between these cricketing giants. Australia maintained their dominance, defeating India by 87 runs in the group stage. The Aussies set a challenging target of 350, and despite a valiant effort from India, they were restricted to 262/8.
3. ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 – Quarterfinals:The 2011 edition of the World Cup saw a crucial knockout encounter in the quarterfinals. India emerged victorious on home soil, chasing down Australia’s target of 261 with ease. A brilliant century from Gautam Gambhir and a composed innings by MS Dhoni secured India’s spot in the semifinals.
4. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 – Semifinals:The semifinals of the 2015 World Cup in Australia witnessed another intense battle. India’s hopes were shattered as Australia posted a commanding total of 328/7. Despite a valiant effort, India fell short by 95 runs, and Australia advanced to the final.
5. ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 – Group Stage:The most recent encounter in the World Cup took place during the group stage of the 2019 edition in England. In a high-scoring contest, India triumphed over Australia by 36 runs. Shikhar Dhawan’s century and crucial contributions from Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya propelled India to a challenging total of 352/5.

Angelo Matthews Dismissal Controversy

Best Batting Performances:

1. Ricky Ponting’s Century – ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 (Super Sixes):
   • Ricky Ponting’s scintillating century (140 runs off 121 balls) played a pivotal role in Australia’s victory. His aggressive innings set the tone for Australia, guiding them to a formidable total of 310/8.
2. Sachin Tendulkar’s Knock – ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 (Quarterfinals):
   • In the quarterfinals of the 2011 World Cup, Sachin Tendulkar played a crucial innings, scoring 53 runs off 68 balls. Although not a century, his innings provided stability to India’s chase, ultimately leading them to victory.
3. Steven Smith’s Consistency – ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 (Semifinals) and ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 (Group Stage):
   • In the 2015 semifinal, Steven Smith scored a vital 105 runs off 93 balls, guiding Australia to a total of 328/7.
   • During the 2019 World Cup group stage, Smith once again showcased his prowess with the bat, scoring 69 runs off 70 balls, though Australia faced defeat on this occasion.
4. Shikhar Dhawan’s Century – ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 (Group Stage):
   • Shikhar Dhawan’s memorable century (117 runs off 109 balls) played a crucial role in India’s victory over Australia in the 2019 World Cup group stage. His innings set the platform for India’s imposing total of 352/5.

Best Bowling Performances:

1. Glenn McGrath’s Spell – ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 (Super Sixes):
   • Glenn McGrath delivered a brilliant bowling performance, picking up 3 wickets for just 31 runs in his 10 overs. His accuracy and control played a crucial role in restricting India to 185/4 in pursuit of Australia’s total.
2. Glenn Maxwell’s All-Round Show – ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 (Semifinals):
   • In the 2015 World Cup semifinal, Glenn Maxwell made a significant impact with both bat and ball. He scored 23 runs off 14 balls and also took 2 wickets for 46 runs in his 8 overs, contributing to Australia’s comprehensive victory.
3. Mitchell Starc’s Bowling Mastery – ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 (Semifinals) and ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 (Group Stage):
   • Mitchell Starc’s lethal bowling was a highlight in both encounters. In the 2015 semifinal, he picked up 2 wickets for 28 runs in 8 overs. In the 2019 group stage, Starc was instrumental, taking 3 wickets for 46 runs in his 10 overs.
4. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Impactful Spell – ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 (Group Stage):
   • Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing and accuracy were on display in the 2019 World Cup group stage, where he claimed 3 wickets for 50 runs in his 10 overs, playing a crucial role in India’s triumph.

Conclusion:

The Australia vs India rivalry in World Cup history has been filled with intense battles, unforgettable performances, and shifting fortunes. As the cricketing world braces itself for the World Cup 2023 final, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry. Cricket enthusiasts around the globe eagerly anticipate witnessing which team will emerge victorious and etch their name in the annals of cricketing history. May the best team triumph in this epic clash of titans!