It was another heartbreak for the Indian cricket team as it failed to cross the line in another ICC tournament. Australia beat India in the World Cup final by 6 wickets on Sunday at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The massive crowd at the biggest cricket stadium remained silent for the majority of the game as they witnessed another heartbreak by the Indian cricket team in recent times.
Travis Head scored a fine century while chasing a 241-run target which was below-par target despite a tricky batting surface. Australia outclassed India in all three departments to lift their record-extending sixth World Cup title.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a message in support of the Indian team which played dominant cricket till the semi-final.
“Dear Team India, Your talent and determination through the World Cup was noteworthy. You’ve played with great spirit and brought immense pride to the nation. We stand with you today and always,” PM Modi wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Dear Team India,Your talent and determination through the World Cup was noteworthy. You’ve played with great spirit and brought immense pride to the nation.
We stand with you today and always.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 19, 2023
India 2011 World Cup-winning hero Gautam Gambhir called Rohit Sharma and Co. a champion team irrespective of the result.
“As I’ve said we are a champion team irrespective. So chin up boys….Many many congrats to Australia!,” he wrote on X.
As I’ve said we are a champion team irrespective. So chin up boys….Many many congrats to Australia!— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) November 19, 2023
Former India cricketer and NCA director VVS Laxman also posted a consolation message for the Indian team.
“Heartbreak for India but Rohit and his men must hold their heads high for a memorable run at the World Cup. One defeat does not define this team. Congrats to Australia for being crowned World Cup champions for a sixth time, and to Travis Head for a blistering century. Rohit will be bitterly disappointed now, but he should be proud of how he and the boys played throughout the last seven weeks. #CWC2023Final,” he wrote.
Heartbreak for India but Rohit and his men must hold their heads high for a memorable run at the World Cup. One defeat does not define this team. Congrats to Australia for being crowned World Cup champions for a sixth time, and to Travis Head for a blistering century. Rohit will…— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 19, 2023
Just one bad game in the entire World Cup for team India and that to in the final. Love and respect for our team. #WorldCup2023— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 19, 2023
Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan also shared a message for the Men in Blue.
“The way the Indian team has played this whole tournament is a matter of honour and they showed great spirit and tenacity. It’s a sport and there are always a bad day or two. Unfortunately it happened today….but thank u Team India for making us so proud of our sporting legacy in cricket…u bring too much cheer to the whole of India. Love and respect. You make us one proud Nation,” he wrote.
The way the Indian team has played this whole tournament is a matter of honour and they showed great spirit and tenacity. It’s a sport and there are always a bad day or two. Unfortunately it happened today….but thank u Team India for making us so proud of our sporting legacy in…— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) November 19, 2023
Chasing a tricky 241 for victory in the final, Australia slipped to 47-3 before the left-handed Head hit his second century of the tournament to steer the team home with seven overs to spare.
Head’s knock and his marathon stand of 192 with Marnus Labuschagne, unbeaten on 58, ended India’s dominant run of 10 unbeaten matches at the event.
Head fell after his 120-ball knock laced with 15 fours and four sixes before Glenn Maxwell hit the winning runs to trigger wild celebrations in the Aussie camp.
