Heartbroken. Shattered. The only words that encapsulate the prevailing sentiment among Indians, as the Men in Blue came agonizingly close to clinching the World Cup 2023 title, only to fall short against Australia in the intense finale. Right from the outset, the visitors dominated the game, leaving a nation that had eagerly anticipated a triumphant moment reminiscent of the historic 2011 victory led by MS Dhoni.
A decade after the euphoria of 2011, India had set their sights on reliving that glory this year, having displayed exceptional form throughout the tournament, except for the crucial final encounter. It seemed as if fate conspired to make India endure more anticipation, making them miss the coveted title by just one match.
Australia’s decisive 6-wicket victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium shattered the hearts of millions of Indians. The defeat was particularly poignant given India’s smooth run of wins throughout the tournament, making this loss all the more unexpected. Fans could do little but share heart-wrenching memes on social media, attempting to find solace in humour after witnessing a victory slip away so close to their grasp.
Also Read: Fans Blame Ahmedabad Pitch For India’s Low Score Against Australia in World Cup Final
Despite the disappointment, the internet buzzed with spirited memes, offering a bittersweet consolation to fans who coped with their sorrow through shared laughter.
These face hurts badly #INDvAUS #INDvsAUS #AUSvIND#AUSvsIND #INDvAUSFinal #INDvsAUSfinalpic.twitter.com/hhaUJD9VvJ— Dank jetha (@Dank_jetha) November 19, 2023
guys himmat mat haaro look at the positive side aur agar koi dekh le toh mujhe bhi dikha dena— vishal dayama (@VishalDayama) November 19, 2023
This was the best team but one bad day ruined it all. This game is ruthless pic.twitter.com/t7V3aCPekk— Sagar (@sagarcasm) November 19, 2023
Pat Cummins has everything. ODI world cup. T20 World Cup. Ashes. WTC. And that face.— dorku (@Dorkstar) November 19, 2023
pic.twitter.com/OkYojBy7r1— S (@MissSingh04) November 19, 2023
boycotting masterchef austraIia— babaganoush (@ohwareee) November 19, 2023
In the pivotal match, Australia secured their sixth World Cup title, with Travis Head’s masterful 137 off 120 balls setting the tone. Despite a shaky start that saw the top order falter, Head and Marnus Labuschagne, an unexpected inclusion and an early injury casualty, forged a monumental partnership of 192 runs. Head’s sublime century and Labuschagne’s gritty fifty paved the way for Glenn Maxwell to deliver the finishing blow, leaving Indians in desolation.
On the bowling front, the Australian attack commendably restricted a formidable Indian batting line-up to under 250 runs. Rohit Sharma’s explosive start was par for the course, and Virat Kohli, blazing into the scene, witnessed Rohit’s departure just three runs shy of a half-century. Despite KL Rahul’s and Kohli’s attempts to stabilise the innings, the boundary fest dwindled, and Kohli’s exit at 54 off 63 created a void. Rahul, valiantly reaching a half-century, succumbed to Mitchell Starc on 66 off 107, further dampening India’s hopes. Ravindra Jadeja, promoted ahead of Suryakumar Yadav, met his match in the 36th over.
And so, as the once vibrant stadium hushed into silence, enthusiasm extinguished, Indians find themselves in a poignant hiatus, waiting for the next World Cup to vie for the coveted trophy.
Also Read: ‘Sanjay Manjrekar Jinxed India’: Why Fans Want Commentator ‘Dismissed’ in WC Final Vs Australia
The air is heavy with the weight of disappointment, casting a pall of sorrow that stretches far and wide…everywhere!