In the Cricket World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia, Virat Kohli showcased his fielding skills by completing a tough catch to dismiss David Warner early in the Australian innings. The catch was a crucial breakthrough for India, as it gave Mohammed Shami his 23rd dismissal in the tournament, equalling Adam Zampa as the top wicket-taker. Kohli had missed out on a chance to take a sharp catch on the first ball, but he made no mistake on the second occasion when Warner edged it towards the slips.
Australia, who elected to field first after winning the toss, put up an impressive bowling performance to dismiss India for 240. Mitchell Starc, the fast bowler, was the standout performer for Australia, taking three wickets. The Australian team displayed disciplined bowling and impressive fielding at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Australia will now need 241 runs to secure their sixth World Cup title, while India, aiming for their third crown, set a target for their opponents. In the Indian innings, Virat Kohli scored 54 runs and KL Rahul contributed 66 runs, with captain Rohit Sharma adding an attacking 47. However, the slow and dry pitch made it difficult for the batsmen to dominate.
Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood were the key wicket-takers for Australia, with Starc returning figures of 3-55. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis also had a memorable game, claiming five catches, which is a record for a World Cup final.
India faced early setbacks, losing Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma. Kohli and Rahul then formed a crucial partnership of 67 runs to stabilize the innings. However, Australia’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding denied India easy runs, resulting in a 16.1 over boundary drought. Kohli reached his fifth successive fifty-plus score in the tournament, but Cummins dismissed him with a well-directed delivery that chopped onto the stumps.
Kohli, who had a remarkable tournament with 765 runs at an average of over 95, couldn’t provide the much-needed finish for India. Rahul tried to anchor the innings, but Starc dismissed him caught behind, and the rest of the Indian batting order couldn’t contribute significantly.
The match promises to be an exciting contest as Australia chase their sixth World Cup title, while India aims to secure their third crown.
