In a breathtaking finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Australia secured their record-extending sixth Cricket World Cup title, ending India’s formidable run in their home tournament with a commanding six-wicket victory.

The atmosphere inside the colossal 132,000-capacity stadium was electric, with a heavily partisan crowd initially backing the home team. Gradually silencing the cheering, Head and his teammate Marnus Labuschagne (58 not out) formed an outstanding 192-run partnership, successfully chasing down the target of 241 runs set by India.

Australia’s chase for 241 began shakily with Warner, Marsh, and Smith falling early to India’s fierce bowling attack, leaving them struggling at 47/3 within seven overs. However, a remarkable partnership between Head and Marnus Labuschagne turned the tide in Australia’s favor. Head scored a magnificent century, while Labuschagne provided the ideal support, anchoring the innings with a determined half-century of his own.

Game slipping away from India

Australia’s pace attack put on a clinic on Sunday, restricting India to 240 all out in the World Cup final. Winning the toss, Australia captain Pat Cummins elected to bowl first, and his bowlers vindicated his decision. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins shared seven wickets among them, with Starc taking 3-55, Hazlewood taking 2-60, and Cummins taking 2-34. India got off to a fast start, with Rohit Sharma reaching 47 off 31 balls. Glenn Maxwell dismissed him with a brilliant catch from Travis Head, and India never really recovered from that blow.

Virat Kohli came in at number three and scored a fighting 54 off 63 balls, but he was also dismissed by Cummins. KL Rahul top-scored for India with 66 off 107 balls, but he was unable to find a partner to stay with him for long periods.

Take a bow, Travis Head!

Travis Head emerged as the game-changer in both innings, disrupting India’s momentum with a remarkable catch to dismiss Rohit Sharma at 47. Head’s influence continued as he secured the Player of the Match award with a stylish innings of 137, joining the elite company of Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist as the third Australian to score a century in a World Cup final.

“Not in a million years did I think that would happen, What an amazing day. I’m just thrilled to be a part of it.”

Head said as his teammates celebrated their victory against an India side who had stormed into the final as the only unbeaten side of the tournament.

Pat Cummins’ Captaincy Masterclass

Pat Cummins produced an all-time great captaincy performance in the World Cup final. He made all the right bowling changes and field placements, and he finished with figures of 10-0-34-2 with not a single boundary conceded. Cummins’ captaincy was a major factor in Australia’s victory.

This victory marks Australia’s sixth World Cup title, solidifying their position as one of the most dominant teams in cricket history. Their performance in the final was a testament to their skill, determination, and unwavering spirit.