Despite India's sensational run throughout the ICC World Cup 2023, they succumbed to a disappointing defeat against Australia in the all-important final clash. India remained unbeaten in the World Cup 2023 until the grand finale with 10 straight victories while Australia, who lost their first two matches to India and South Africa, went on to notch back-to-back eight wins and eventually lifted the World Cup 2023 title, beating India by six wickets in the summit clash.
Meanwhile, legendary Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram attributed India's loss to a single off-day, acknowledging the team's overall strength and the positive trajectory of Indian cricket.
Akram emphasised that India's loss was the culmination of a single ordinary performance, rather than a reflection of their overall prowess. He expressed optimism about the state of Indian cricket, highlighting its promising future.
“Obviously they must be shattered to lose the final but in cricket, these things happen. India had one bad day, and unfortunately, it came in the final. You look at their structure, the money for players, the well-thought-out programs, and the backup talent, and they really just need to continue doing these things. Their cricket is in a good place,” Wasim Akram told PTI.
Akram further observed that Australia have a remarkable knack for transforming into a formidable force in the final. He vividly recounted Australia's triumph over Pakistan in the 1999 ODI World Cup final.
“I was captain when we played them in the 1999 World Cup final and although we had beaten them in the league stage, in the final they were a different side just like yesterday in Ahmedabad,” Akram further added.
In the highly anticipated World Cup 2023 final, Australia opted to field first after winning the toss. India's batting lineup faltered despite blistering start by captain Rohit Sharma, who struck a fiery 47. Virat Kohli (54) and KL Rahul (66) chipped in with brilliant fifties to help India post a total of 240. Mitchell Starc was the wrecker-in-chief for Australia, claiming three wickets, while Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins chipped in with two each, restricting India to a modest 240. In response, Australia got off to a shaky start with early dismissals of David Warner, Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh. But Travis Head with a scintillating century and Marnus Labuschagne with a patient fifty took Australia past finishing line.
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