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Following Australia's stunning victory over India in the World Cup 2023 final, former Pakistan captain Babar Azam extended his congratulations to the Australian team. India yet again faltered at the bigger stage and suffered a heartbreaking six-wicket defeat at the hands of Australia at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19. With this win, Australia recorded their sixth ODI World Cup title.
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India failed to capitalise on the blistering start given by skipper Rohit Sharma. After winning the toss Australia elected to bowl first, and India's batting lineup found themselves struggling against the formidable Australian pace attack. Slow pitch conditions forced the Indian batters to prioritise strike rotation over big hits, resulting in a modest total of 240 runs in 50 overs. Despite half-centuries from Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, their innings lacked the necessary momentum. Australia's chase began sluggishly, and they were reduced to 47/3 within the first seven overs after the early dismissals of David Warner, Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith. However, a steady partnership between Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head silenced the packed stadium and propelled Australia to their sixth World Cup title. Head (137) smashed a century, becoming the third Australian after Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist to achieve this feat in a World Cup final. Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 58 (110). The duo's partnership of 192 runs for the fourth wicket proved decisive.
A wave of congratulatory messages from across the globe bombarded on Australia after their World Cup title triumph. One of these messages that resonated with fans was from Pakistan's former skipper Babar Azam, who took to his Instagram and wrote,“Congratulations @CricketAus. What a commanding performance in the final.”
While Azam's congratulatory message was undoubtedly well-intentioned, some fans couldn't help but wonder if the Pakistani cricketer was subtly seeking revenge for Virat Kohli's congratulatory post to England following their victory in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
In 2022, Jos Buttler's England defeated Pakistan by five wickets to become only the second team after the West Indies to claim two T20 World Cup titles.
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