India will meet Australia in the 2023 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19. India secured victory against New Zealand in Mumbai, while Australia triumphed over South Africa in Kolkata, earning both teams a spot in the title match.
The finalists of the 2023 World Cup have faced each other 13 times in the ODI World Cup, with Australia leading 8-5. Despite this, India has won their last two World Cup meetings against Australia, including one earlier in the current tournament.
Ideally, Rohit Sharma’s team would have liked playing against South Africa in the final. But winning against Australia on this big stage would be more satisfying. Here are three reasons why India would be happier facing Australia than South Africa in the 2023 World Cup final.
#3 Seeking revenge for the defeat in the 2003 World Cup final
Cricket enthusiasts from the older generation vividly recall the 2003 World Cup final when Australia dominated. Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden’s partnership set the tone, followed by Ricky Ponting’s outstanding unbeaten 140, leading to a formidable total of 359-2.
In response, India fell short, managing 234 with Virender Sehwag’s 82 standing out. This defeat is etched in the memories of 2000s cricket fans.
However, the current Indian team is more formidable, and the dynamic between Australia and India has evolved, with India posing a strong challenge in recent years.
#2 Rahul Dravid still has some things to settle with the Australians
Rahul Dravid, once a key player in India’s cricketing era from the 1990s to the 2000s, faced setbacks against formidable Australian teams. Now serving as the coach for the Men in Blue, a fairy-tale narrative would unfold if his team triumphs in the 2023 World Cup final.
As the captain in the 2007 World Cup, India experienced a major setback, being eliminated in the group stage after losses to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Australia went on to claim the title. Additionally, Dravid wasn’t part of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad, having retired from ODI cricket by then.
Therefore, securing victory in the 2023 World Cup final against Australia would be a particularly satisfying achievement for Dravid, who has faced numerous battles against the Kangaroos throughout his cricketing journey.
#1 India can make a statement by defeating Australia in the 2023 World Cup final
Defeating South Africa in the 2023 World Cup final might have seemed easier based on knockout records, but it wouldn’t be a significant statement.
Australia boasts an impressive history in ODI World Cup finals, having not lost since 1996 and winning the last four. Pat Cummins’ team is considered the greatest in ODI history, winning five World Cups out of 12.
Despite India’s unbeaten run and stellar form, beating Australia in the final would make a stronger statement than defeating South Africa.
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