Australia’s clash with India was their 997th ODI. But none of their 605 previous wins in the format compared to a six-wicket triumph over the previously undefeated hosts in the World Cup final. Glenn Maxwell hit the winning runs to secure the sixth title. The win was Australia’s finest in colored clothing. Travis Head made an incredible 120-ball 137, playing a major role in the victory. Marnus Labuschagne finished unbeaten on 58, steering the team from a rocky 3/47 to the brink of victory with a 192-run partnership. The win was surely sweet enough.
Both teams displayed supreme Australian supremacy, from Mitchell Starc to David Warner. Pat Cummins’ bold decision to bowl first and his figures of 2/34 from 10 miserly overs sealed his legacy. Head, who looked in danger of missing the entire tournament, played a vital role, enhancing his legacy. He has quickly become a titan of the game.
The Australians mobbed Maxwell and Labuschagne after the winning two was struck, in almost total silence as the Narendra Modi Stadium stared in stunned disbelief and their beloved Indian team fought back tears on the field. This was defended just 240, that India would need to bowl well to be a chance was manifest: but when Bumrah found Warner’s outside edge off of the first ball of the run chase, luck appeared to be against them. It was Shami’s tempting new ball that sealed the victory.