The grand finale of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is set to be a thrilling showdown between India and Australia at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, November 19. India, the sole undefeated team in the tournament, boasts an impressive record of 10 consecutive victories.
In contrast, Australia, led by Pat Cummins, overcame a shaky start with two initial defeats but rebounded remarkably, maintaining an unbeaten streak since.
Australia’s journey began with losses to India and South Africa, but they avenged the latter in the semi-final, securing their spot in the World Cup 2023 final. India, on the other hand, redeemed themselves by defeating New Zealand in the semi-final after a previous loss to the same team in the 2019 World Cup semi-final.
As the highly anticipated final approaches, the spotlight is on the Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith debate. Kohli, in exceptional form, leads the run-scoring charts with an impressive 711 runs in 10 matches, including three centuries. Having shattered Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI ton record in the semi-final, Kohli aims to make a significant impact in the final, drawing on his experience from India’s 2011 ODI World Cup victory.
In contrast, Steve Smith’s contributions have been modest, totaling 298 runs in the ODI World Cup 2023. Australian cricket legend Ian Chappell, weighing in on the Kohli vs Smith debate, expressed admiration for Kohli’s exceptional skills and fitness. While acknowledging Smith’s importance, especially against spin, Chappell highlighted the crucial role of David Warner for Australia in the final.
“In my opinion, Kohli is arguably the finest batsman of this era. I admire his attitude. I heard an interview where he discussed his batting approach, and I find it truly remarkable,” Chappel was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Interestingly, this final marks the second time India and Australia meet in a World Cup final, with their previous encounter in the 2003 title clash resulting in Ricky Ponting’s Australia emerging victorious over Sourav Ganguly’s India.
