The stage is set for the grand finale of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, as India and Australia will lock horns at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 19 November. The two teams have been the most dominant and consistent in the tournament, and have earned their place in the final with some brilliant performances. The final will be a clash of the titans, as both teams have a rich history and rivalry in the World Cup, and will be eager to lift the trophy for the third time.
India's journey to the final has been flawless, as they have won all 10 of their matches, including the semi-final against South Africa. They have been the best team in all departments, scoring the most runs (3,526) and taking the most wickets (102) among all teams. They have also registered the highest total (410/4) and the lowest total conceded (138) in the competition.
India's batting has been led by captain Rohit Sharma, who has scored 694 runs at an average of 115.66, including three centuries and four fifties. He is the highest run-scorer in the tournament, and has also hit the most sixes (42). He is followed by Virat Kohli, who has scored 594 runs at an average of 99, including two centuries and four fifties. Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav have also contributed with vital knocks in the middle order.
India's bowling has been spearheaded by Mohammad Shami, who has taken 26 wickets at an average of 17.38, including three five-wicket hauls. He is the highest wicket-taker in the tournament, and has also bowled the most maidens (12). He is supported by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja, who have also been effective with the ball, while Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel have provided the spin options.
India's fielding has been sharp and agile, with Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav taking some spectacular catches. India has also been efficient with the reviews, using the Decision Review System (DRS) wisely and successfully.
India's road to the final has not been easy, as they have faced some tough challenges from their opponents. They have had to chase down targets of 338 against England¹, 307 against Australia and 294 against Pakistan, while defending totals of 397 against New Zealand, 410 against Netherlands and 308 against South Africa. They have also overcome some injury scares, with Shubman Gill recovering from a hamstring pull in the semi-final and Hardik Pandya returning from a back spasm.
Australia's journey to the final has been impressive, as they have won eight out of 10 matches, including the semi-final against New Zealand. They have been the second best team in terms of run rate (6.23) and wicket rate (6.67) among all teams. They have also scored the second highest total (398/5) and conceded the second lowest total (139) in the competition.
Australia's batting has been dominated by Glenn Maxwell, who has scored 701 runs at an average of 116.83, including one double century and four fifties. He is the second highest run-scorer in the tournament, and has also hit the second most sixes (40). He is followed by David Warner, who has scored 491 runs at an average of 81.83, including one century and four fifties. Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh have also chipped in with useful runs in the middle order.
Australia's bowling has been led by Adam Zampa, who has taken 24 wickets at an average of 18.25, including one five-wicket haul. He is the second highest wicket-taker in the tournament, and has also bowled the most dot balls (240). He is complemented by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott, who have also been impressive with the ball, while Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh have provided the all-round skills.
Australia's fielding has been athletic and energetic, with Steve Smith, David Warner and Glenn Maxwell taking some stunning catches. Australia has also been smart with the reviews, using the DRS effectively and accurately.
Australia's road to the final has not been smooth, as they have lost two matches against India and England, and have also faced some close encounters against Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand. They have also had to deal with some injury concerns, with David Warner missing a few matches due to a groin strain and Pat Cummins suffering a finger fracture in the semi-final.
The final will be a thrilling contest, as both teams will be eager to prove themselves on the biggest stage of cricket. The fans will be treated to a high-quality display of skills, talent and passion, as the two best teams in the world will battle it out for the ultimate glory. The final will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 19 November, and will be watched by millions of cricket lovers across the globe. It will be a fitting finale to a spectacular tournament, which has showcased the best of cricket and the spirit of the game.