Day of destiny for India in World Cup final against Australia

Nov 19, 2023 Timesofindia.com

India vs Australia: Clash of Titans

India will carry the hopes of billions of fans in the cricket crazy country and beyond when the unbeaten hosts face Australia in Sunday's World Cup final in Ahmedabad. Image Source: PTI

Narendra Modi stadium: The grand venue

A showpiece match at the 130,000 capacity Narendra Modi stadium will also feature a pre-match fly-past by the Indian Air Force as well as choreographed displays featuring dozens of dancers and light shows during the innings breaks. Image Source: PTI

Virat Kohli: Leading batter of the tournament

Virat Kohli goes into the game as the tournament's leading batsman with 711 runs and having set a new record of 50 ODI hundreds in a 70-run semi-final win over New Zealand in Mumbai. Image Source: Reuters

India's quest for a third World Cup title

Unbeaten hosts India have won 10 games in a row on their way to the finish of the tournament as they seek a third World Cup title to follow their stunning victory over the West Indies in a 1983 final at Lord's and a 2011 home triumph sealed with victory against Sri Lanka in Mumbai. Image Source: AFP

Can India handle the pressure?

India captain Rohit Sharma: "We know how it is outside the environment that we have -- the expectations, and the pressure, and the criticism, and everything. Not many have played the finals, but like I said, playing for India is as good as playing any World Cup game because there's so much pressure. There's so much expectation." Image Source: IANS

Australia's pursuit of a sixth title

Australia are bidding for a record-extending sixth World Cup title, with Sunday's game their eighth appearance in the final. Image Source: AFP

Australia's resilience in the tournament

Australia lost their opening two matches of the tournament. But they have since won eight games in a row and, worryingly for India, had their revenge over South Africa with a tense three wicket-win in a Kolkata semi-final. Image Source: AFP

Mohammed Shami: India's trump card

Mohammed Shami tops the tournament bowling charts with 23 wickets at just 9.13 apiece, despite being left out of the side for the first four games. Image Source: AP