Rohit Sharma-led India have been dominant in the World Cup 2023. The closest any team came to challenging India was New Zealand. They were expected to be challenged by South Africa who have posted big scores in the ongoing edition and also hit the most sixes in a World Cup edition. But on a tricky track at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, they were bowled out for 83. After India’s 243-run win that sealed their spot at the top of the points table, former Australian spinner Brad Hogg feels that there is no need for a final.
“After last night it looks like no need for a final, have India v rest of the world match to finish off the tournament. They have been scintillating,” Hogg wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter on November 6.
India played their first match of the World Cup against Pat Cummins-led Australia on October 8. A complete bowling display helped India bowl out Australia for 199 with three balls left in the innings at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. India faced a major setback in the run chase as Rohit, Ishan Kishan, and Shreyas Iyer departed without scoring a single run. From 2/3 in the second over, Virat Kohli's 85 and KL Rahul's unbeaten 97 helped India beat Australia by eight wickets with 52 balls to spare.
Since then, India beat Afghanistan by eight wickets, Pakistan by seven wickets, and New Zealand by four wickets. They were asked to bat first by England and Sri Lanka. India beat the defending champions by 100 runs and Sri Lanka by a record margin of 302 runs.
Now, India will face the Netherlands at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on November 12 in their last league game.
Meanwhile, Australia have five wins from seven games and a healthy NRR. They will lock horns with Afghanistan at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 7 followed by Bangladesh at MCA Stadium, Pune on November 11.
If Babar Azam-led Pakistan finish fourth on the points table, the hosts will go up against them at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on November 16. Otherwise, they will take on the fourth-placed side at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on November 15.
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