The 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup final in Ahmedabad is set for a thrilling climax as hosts India face the formidable five-time champions Australia this Sunday. This high-stakes match will be a showcase of individual matchups that could significantly impact the game's outcome.
At the heart of this eagerly awaited final are key players from both teams, each bringing their unique strengths to the fore. India's hopes rest on the shoulders of stars like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami. For Australia, players such as Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Steve Smith will be central to their strategy.
Rohit Sharma vs Mitchell Starc
One of the most crucial duels will be between India's captain Rohit Sharma and Australia's pace spearhead Mitchell Starc. Rohit, with an impressive tally of 550 runs and a strike rate of over 120 in the tournament, has been a formidable force, particularly in the Powerplay. His aggressive approach in the first 10 overs, with a strike rate of 133.08, has often set the tone for India's innings. Starc, aware of Rohit's prowess, will aim to dismiss him early, as Rohit’s susceptibility to left-arm pace has been noted in the past. Starc's form picked up in the semi-final, and his battle against Rohit, who faced down Trent Boult in the semi-finals, will be a key contest.
Virat Kohli vs Josh Hazlewood
Another pivotal matchup is between India's run machine Virat Kohli and Australia's Josh Hazlewood. Kohli, fresh from his 50th ODI century, has been in sublime form, consistently scoring over fifty in most innings. Hazlewood, known for his lethal new-ball spells, as seen against South Africa, will be looking to claim Kohli's wicket early. Historically, Hazlewood has had an edge over Kohli in ODIs, having dismissed him five times. In their group stage encounter, Kohli managed 85 runs before falling to a Hazlewood short ball, and there was a near-miss earlier in the game which Australia failed to capitalize on.
This high-profile clash between India and Australia is not just about team strategies but also individual brilliance and tactical nous. The outcome of these individual battles could well dictate the flow and ultimately the result of the match. With both teams peaking at the right moment, the final is poised to be a classic encounter in the annals of cricket.
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