After India’s batting meltdown in the World Cup 2023 final against Australia, the playing surface has been questioned. The batting superpower India was limited to 240 runs in 50 overs. The Kangaroos won their sixth ODI World Cup by batting second and reaching 241 runs. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting blamed India’s “blunder with the pitch” for their loss to Australia in the final.
The ‘blunder with pitch’: Did India lose the World Cup?
Despite early setbacks, Travis Head’s 137-run knock helped the Kangaroos win the crucial match. Head was helped by a calm and patient Marnus Labuschagne, who started his innings cautiously and rotated the strike, giving Head freedom to locate scoring opportunities. The two hitters’ 192-run partnership helped Australia win another title.
India’s top batter, Kohli, was crowned “Man of the Tournament” for amassing 765 runs in the mega-event. India’s first innings started poorly as Mitchell Starc dismissed star opener Shubman Gill for four runs in the fifth over. Right-handed batter caught by Adam Zampa at mid-on.
Sharma was bowled in the 10th over, and Shreyas Iyer followed him after four runs. KL Rahul and Kohli put together a 67-run partnership and looked to score big. After his half-centuries, Cummins mishandled a short ball and victimised the latter. Rahul continued to play, but the other Indian batsmen kept losing wickets, and the team was all out on the last ball of the match.
Official Statement
“What an amazing day! Just thrilled to be a part of it. It’s a lot better than seeing the World Cup on the couch at home (on his injury),” Head — who was awarded the “Man of the Match” award — said as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.
“I was a little bit nervous but Marnus played exceptionally well and soaked all the pressure. I felt the way Mitch [Marsh] took the game on setting the tone and that was the energy we wanted,” he added.
“What an amazing day! Just thrilled to be a part of it. It’s a lot better than seeing the World Cup on the couch at home (on his injury),” Head — who was awarded the “Man of the Match” award — said as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.
“I was a little bit nervous but Marnus played exceptionally well and soaked all the pressure. I felt the way Mitch [Marsh] took the game on setting the tone and that was the energy we wanted,” he added.
