In a significant moment during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final, Australian captain Pat Cummins created a memorable experience, particularly when he dismissed the formidable Virat Kohli. This pivotal moment in the match, witnessed by a silent crowd of over 90,000 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, marked a high point in Cummins' cricketing career, perhaps one of the "sweetest moments" he's ever experienced on the field.
"Yeah, I think so," Cummins nodded in affirmative when asked if the silence was his sweetest experience on a cricket field.
“We did take a second in the huddle just to acknowledge the silence that was going around the crowd. It just felt like it was one of those days where it was all made for him to score another hundred like he normally does and that was satisfying,” he added.
Cummins' achievement in the final went beyond just a personal victory; it elevated him to the status of being the fifth Australian captain to lead his country to its sixth ODI World Cup title. Post-match, Cummins shared his renewed passion for the 50-over format, a sentiment that was reignited through the course of the tournament.
The defining moment came when Cummins delivered a ball with extra bounce to Kohli, who was well-set at 54 runs. Kohli misjudged the delivery, attempting to play it towards the covers, only to be caught off-guard. This crucial wicket was not just a significant play but also a strategic victory, prompting the Australian team to convene an impromptu second huddle to acknowledge the game-changing nature of Kohli's dismissal.
Cummins also reflected on the enduring significance of the ODI World Cup, affirming its legacy and the personal narratives it creates for players. He suggested that while bilateral series may pose challenges, the World Cup remains an integral and celebrated part 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.
The Australian skipper's journey to this triumph was not without personal challenges. He had to leave a tour of India earlier in the year due to the loss of his mother in March. However, he made a strong comeback, leading Australia to victory in the World Test Championship, securing the Ashes, and now, achieving the ultimate feat in cricket - winning the ODI World Cup, which he described as the "pinnacle of this sport."
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