In a crucial juncture of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final, Australian captain Pat Cummins crafted a memorable instance, notably by taking the wicket of the formidable Virat Kohli. This significant occurrence during the match, observed by a hushed crowd of over 90,000 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, stands out as a pinnacle in Cummins' cricketing journey, arguably ranking among the most gratifying moments he has ever encountered on the field.
Recalling the moment in Sydney Morning Herald, Cummins said, "We're in the huddle (after the Kohli wicket) and Steve Smith says, 'Boys, listen to the crowd for a second' and we just took a moment of pause, and it was as quiet as a library; 100,000 Indians there and it was so quiet. I'll savour that moment for a long time."
Cummins' accomplishment in the final transcended mere personal triumph, propelling him to the distinction of being the fifth Australian captain to guide his team to its sixth ODI World Cup title. Following the match, Cummins expressed his revived enthusiasm for the 50-over format, a sentiment rekindled over the course of the tournament.
The pivotal moment unfolded when Cummins delivered a ball with added bounce to Kohli, who was comfortably set at 54 runs. Kohli misjudged the delivery, attempting to play it towards the covers, only to be taken off guard. This crucial wicket proved to be not only a noteworthy play but also a strategic triumph, prompting the Australian team to spontaneously convene for a second huddle to acknowledge the game-changing nature of Kohli's dismissal.
Cummins also pondered the lasting significance of the ODI World Cup, affirming its legacy and the individual narratives it weaves for players. He suggested that, despite the challenges presented by bilateral series, the World Cup remains an indispensable and celebrated facet of cricket.
"I must say, maybe because we won, I did fall in love with ODI again this World Cup. I think the scenario where every game really matters, it does mean a bit different to just a bilateral," Cummins said.
"I mean, the World Cup's got such rich history, I'm sure it's going to be around for a long time. Yeah, there's so many wonderful games, so many wonderful stories within this last couple of months. So, I think there's definitely a place," he added.
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