India Set to Face Australia in ICC World Cup Final
India is gearing up to compete against Australia in the final of the ICC ODI World Cup on November 19. The match will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and is scheduled to start at 2:00 PM IST. The Indian cricket team has been in exceptional form, winning all nine of their league phase matches to secure the top position on the points table. In the semi-final, they faced off against New Zealand at the iconic Wankhede Stadium and emerged victorious with a 70-run win.
Opting to bat first, the team led by Rohit Sharma had a strong start in the first powerplay, scoring 84/1. Virat Kohli, the Indian captain, smashed his 50th ODI century, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 tons. Shreyas Iyer also contributed with back-to-back centuries, helping India reach a monumental total of 397/4.
In response, Mohammad Shami took early wickets, dismissing New Zealand’s openers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra within the powerplay phase. However, Kane Williamson (69) and Daryl Mitchell (134) steadied the ship for their team, causing a brief scare for India. Nevertheless, Shami’s remarkable performance of 7/57, the best bowling figures by an Indian in ODI history, ensured India’s spot in the final.
As the final approaches, the team management is unlikely to make any changes to the winning combination that played against New Zealand. The predicted playing XI includes Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as openers. They have been one of the most consistent opening pairs in the tournament, providing India with strong starts in the first 10 overs.
The middle-order will consist of Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav. Kohli has been in exceptional form, surpassing the 50-run mark eight times in the tournament and scoring three centuries. Shreyas Iyer has also been impressive, making the no. 4 spot his own with notable performances. KL Rahul has excelled both as a wicketkeeper and a batsman, contributing with 15 catches and one stumping, as well as scoring 386 runs.
Ravindra Jadeja, India’s leading all-rounder, has been instrumental with his spin bowling, taking 16 wickets at an economy rate of 4.25. He has also been exceptional in the field and has contributed valuable runs lower down the order. Although there may be a temptation to include Ravichandran Ashwin considering the nature of the surface, it would be a bold call to make.
The bowling attack will be led by Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. Bumrah and Siraj have been crucial in the powerplay overs, sharing 31 wickets between them in the tournament. Shami, on the other hand, has been outstanding, taking 23 wickets in six matches, including three five-wicket hauls. His performance against New Zealand set the record for the best bowling figures by an Indian in ODIs. Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist spinner, completes the playing XI with 15 wickets to his name.
In summary, India is ready to take on Australia in the ICC World Cup final with a strong and consistent lineup. They will be looking to secure their third World Cup crown and continue their impressive winning streak.
