(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 culminated in a thrilling final showdown between Pat Cummins’ resilient Australian side and the hosts, India, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The clash saw Australia claim their illustrious sixth title, overpowering India by six wickets in a tense high-stakes final.
Batting first, India set a somewhat underwhelming target of 241 runs in 50 overs. However, Australia, in a commanding display of skill, effortlessly chased down the total in just 43 overs, losing a mere four wickets along the way. The hero of the final was none other than Australia opener Travis Head, whose blistering 137 runs off 120 balls propelled the Men in Yellow to a resounding victory.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the ODI World Cup 2023 team of the tournament, showcasing the dominance of Indian players. Six out of the eleven players hail from India, with Australia contributing two players, while South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka provided one player each to complete the team.
Leading the star-studded line-up is India skipper and opener, Rohit Sharma. Rohit’s consistent and breathtaking performance throughout the tournament earned him this prestigious accolade. Notably, he amassed an impressive 597 runs in 11 matches.
Joining him at the top as the second opener is the retired South African dynamo, Quinton de Kock. De Kock, who bid adieu to ODI cricket post-World Cup, stood as the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament, notching up 594 runs in 10 matches at an average of 59.40.
In a display of sheer batting prowess, the legendary Virat Kohli set the tournament ablaze with his remarkable form. Kohli emerged as the highest run-getter, smashing 765 runs in 11 matches at a staggering average of 95.62, featuring three centuries and six fifties.
Contributing significantly to the team’s success were New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, tallying 552 runs in nine innings with an average of 69, and India’s KL Rahul, amassing 452 runs at an impressive average of 75.33.
The team of the tournament also spotlighted the all-round brilliance of Australia’s Glenn Maxwell, scoring 400 runs at an average of 66.66 and claiming six crucial wickets, alongside India’s Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed 120 runs at an average of 40 and snared 16 wickets at an impressive average of 24.87.
Moreover, the formidable bowling unit comprised four exceptional talents – India pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, Australia spinner Adam Zampa and Sri Lanka fast-bowler Dilshan Madushanka. Bumrah and Shami scalped 20 and 24 wickets respectively at averages of 18.65 and 10.70, while Zampa and Madushanka claimed 23 and 21 wickets, respectively, at averages of 22.39 and 25. Completing the line-up as the 12th man is South Africa’s Gerald Coetzee, who bagged 20 wickets at an average of 19.80, displaying exceptional bowling prowess throughout the tournament.
ICC Team of the Tournament: Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Daryl Mitchell, KL Rahul, Glenn Maxwell, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Adam Zampa, Mohammad Shami, Dilshan Madushanka