IND vs AUS World Cup Final Match Details:
India will vie for their third ICC ODI World Cup title against Australia in the final of the ongoing edition on Sunday, November 19, at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, with the match set to commence at 2:00 PM IST. The Indian team has displayed exceptional form, securing victories in all nine league matches to clinch the top spot on the points table. In the semi-final clash against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium, they sealed a commanding win by 70 runs.
Opting to bat first, under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, India made an explosive start, amassing 84/1 in the initial powerplay. Virat Kohli marked his 50th ODI century, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record, and Shreyas Iyer’s back-to-back centuries propelled India to a formidable 397/4.
Mohammad Shami dismantled the Kiwi openers early in the powerplay. However, a strong partnership between Kane Williamson (69) and Daryl Mitchell (134) posed a challenge for India. Shami’s stunning 7/57, setting a record for the best bowling figures by an Indian in ODIs, eventually guided India into the World Cup final.
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As for the final match, the team management is likely to stick with the winning combination, fielding the same starting XI from the previous game against New zealands:
Openers: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill
The consistent opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill has been instrumental, providing strong starts with aggressive batting in the initial overs. Rohit Sharma has amassed 550 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 124.15, while Gill has contributed 350 runs in eight innings at an average of 50.00.
Middle-order: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav
Virat Kohli’s exceptional form with eight 50+ scores in 10 innings and three centuries has been a cornerstone of India’s success, leading the run charts with 711 runs at an astonishing average of 101.57. Shreyas Iyer’s consistency at the number 4 position, along with KL Rahul’s batting prowess and impressive wicketkeeping, adds depth to India’s middle-order.
All-rounder: Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja’s all-around contribution with 16 wickets and his proficiency in spin bowling, combined with impeccable fielding and lower-order batting, makes him a vital asset for India.
Bowlers: Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
The pace trio of Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj has been pivotal in India’s exceptional run, consistently delivering outstanding performances. Shami’s incredible 23 wickets in six matches, including three five-wicket hauls, stands out. Bumrah and Siraj have been effective in the powerplay overs, sharing 31 wickets between them.
Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist spinner, with 15 wickets at an economy rate of 4.32, completes India’s formidable playing XI.
India’s Predicted Playing XI for the final: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.
Ashwin might be a tempting inclusion, considering the pitch conditions and his potential threat against the Australians, but it remains to be seen if the team opts for this change in such a crucial match.
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