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Despite a stellar performance throughout the World Cup tournament, the Indian team led by Rohit Sharma came crashing down in the all-important final against Australia on November 19. Pat Cummins' Australia outplayed India in the final clash securing a six-wicket victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, claiming a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
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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.
Despite India's heartbreaking loss in the final, many acknowledged their dominant performance throughout the tournament. The team swept through almost every opponent on their path to the final, securing an impressive ten consecutive wins. Meanwhile batting great Sunil Gavaskar, who was part of the commentary panel, shared similar sentiments. Speaking to Star Sports after the match, Gavaskar expressed his sadness but also emphasised his immense pride in the team's remarkable journey throughout the tournament.
"I'm sad. This team played such terrific cricket for ten games but just wasn't able to take that one step that could have got them the trophy. But with that said I think all of us have to be mighty proud of them. This team has played superb cricket and yes it happens sometimes the final doesn't go your way. But this team has been sensational in all aspects for ten matches.
“This time a couple of things that could have gone their way, which didn't happen, so that's fine. That is how luck can go against you. But like I said there's no shame in losing to a better team. A team that was better on the day, just like India was better on the day of the first match. There's no shame in losing to the five-time champions. They know how to win the finals. Very proud of all the effort that they've done, very proud of the joy that they have given millions who have been following them,” Gavaskar concluded.
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