India receives another knockout punch as The Aussies take the mace in the WTC final 2023

India, the cricket-crazy nation with a rich history in the sport, has often found itself falling short when it comes to knockout matches in major tournaments. Despite its incredible talent pool and a formidable track record in the game, the Indian cricket team has faced disappointments on numerous occasions when it matters most. And WTC final 2023 was not an exception.

Australia dominated on the 1st day of the final as Travis head played bazball with a stunning 163 which kept India on the backfoot the whole day. Steven Smith was also in his zone where literally no one can do anything. They put India so behind in the game that India keep playing catch-up game with some resistance from Rahane, Jadeza, and Shardul. But that was not enough as Australia took a huge 173-run lead in the first inning which proved to be the difference between win and loss.

Even after bowling well in the 2nd inning Australia reached 270-8 with the help of Alex Carey who also did well in the 1st inning. Mitchell Starc also frustrated Indian bowlers and help Australia to set a huge target of 444 runs for India.

Captain Rohit Sharma started the inning with positive intent with Shubhman Gill. They both played some eye-catching shots. Things are looking good for India, but Cameron Green took a stunner to end Gill attacking approach. The catch was a bit controversial but the effort was top-class. Rohit put India in trouble after falling for a sweep against Nathan Lyon. After downfall of Pujara, Virat and Rahane took charge and played some classical shots and gave India a ray of hope at the end of Day 4.

But miracles won’t happen every day. Kohli falls again in the slip cordon as flying smith took a blinder. It was just a matter of time and India bundled out on 234, And Australia create history to become the first nation to claim all the ICC trophies.

Brief scores:

Australia 469 (Travis Head 163, Steve Smith 121; Mohammed Siraj 4-108) & 270/8 decl. (Alex Carey 66, Mitchell Starc 41; Ravindra Jadeja 3-58)India 296 (Ajinkya Rahane 89, Shardul Thakur 51; Pat Cummins 3-83) & 234 (Virat Kohli 49, Ajinkya Rahane 46; Nathan Lyon 4-41)