And, the winner is Australia!

A million hearts were broken at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad when Australia defeated India in the ICC World Cup Final by six wickets.Australia opener Travis Head smashed a magnificent century to fashion their six-wicket victory after the Men in Blue posted a paltry total of 240, succumbing to Australian bowlers. The Australians once again showcased meticulous planning and ruthless execution to lift the trophy for the sixth time. They chased 241 in just 43 overs to shatter the dreams of the Indian team, which had 10 emphatic wins on the trot.

Scoring 137 off 120 balls, Australia’s Travis Head proved to be India’s nemesis.With 15 fours and four sixes, Head anchored his team with a chiselled knock at a time when it was needed the most. He came to Australia’s rescue after it lost three early wickets, playing spinners and pacers alike.Head was well-supported by Marnus Labuschagne (58 not out off 110 balls), a partnership the Indian bowlers couldn’t end. Labuschagne played the second fiddle to perfection.

The Australian bowlers had also put up a great show. Josh Hazlewood (2/60) and Mitchell Starc (3/55) helped Australia get a grip over the match after a few wayward overs when India batted first. But, what could be defined as a turning point for team Australia was the dismissal of Virat Kohli, who tried a defensive jab towards the empty cover to tackle the smart delivery from Pat Cummins. But, all efforts in vain. The ball bounced a bit extra and Kohli’s (54) innings was cut short.

Meanwhile, stroke-making became extremely difficult for the Indian side. KL Rahul’s composed 66 off 107 was crucial for India, whose batsman could put up only a mundane show. Indian batters could manage only 13 fours in the entire innings, apart from the three sixes hit by skipper Rohit.

The three Australian spinners — Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell and Travis Head — gave away only 83 runs in their 18 overs with two wickets.Between overs 11 to 40, India hit only two boundaries.

Rohit was also sent to the podium after Head’s stunning catch, running backwards from his cover position.The Australian fielding was exceptional. The field placement by Cummins was immaculate. It was an extraordinary effort by the outfielders, who saved boundaries. Overall, Australia’s brilliant tactics and teamwork shattered India’s World Cup dreams.

How India lost it?

1. Australia’s decision to bowl first
2. Collapse of India’s middle-order
3. Dew impact in second innings
4. Fewer boundaries by Indian batters
5. No big partnership by Indian batsmen
6. Aggressive batting by Australian batsmen
7. Superb fielding and bowling by Australia
8. India losing wickets at crucial points