On This Day: Australia stun India to lift sixth ODI World Cup
Cricket fans around the globe witnessed a high-stakes showdown as India and Australia battled for supremacy in the ODI World Cup final at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While India entered the final as the tournament’s dominant force, their quest for a third title was derailed by an all-round performance from a resolute Australian side, who secured their record-extending sixth World Cup title with a six-wicket victory.
India’s innings, after being sent to bat first, started with promise as Rohit Sharma unleashed a fiery 47 from 31 balls. However, his dismissal marked the beginning of a middle-order collapse. Despite half-centuries from KL Rahul (66) and Virat Kohli (54), India’s scoring rate slowed drastically after the Powerplay and the hosts could only muster 240 runs before being bowled out. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood starred with the ball, sharing five wickets between them, while Adam Zampa and Pat Cummins provided crucial breakthroughs during the middle overs.
Australia’s chase stumbled early as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami claimed quick wickets to leave the visitors at 47/3. However, Travis Head (137) delivered one of the greatest knocks in World Cup final history, anchoring the chase alongside Marnus Labuschagne (58*). Head’s audacious strokeplay silenced the 120,000-strong home crowd, and his 192-run partnership with Labuschagne sealed the win with more than three overs to spare.
The victory capped an incredible year for Australian cricket, which also saw them win the World Test Championship and retain the Ashes. For India, despite a near-perfect campaign leading up to the final, the loss extended their ICC trophy drought to a decade, highlighting the fine margins at cricket’s highest stage.
This final will be remembered as a showcase of individual brilliance, tactical supremacy, and the unyielding pressure of World Cup glory. Australia’s triumph added another illustrious chapter to their storied legacy in the sport.
