The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 saw some brilliant knocks in the tournament that helped their respective countries win matches. Australia stunned favourites India in front of a capacity crowd at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on 19th November 2023.
India has not been able to win an ICC title since 2013. The 13th edition of World Cup 2023 saw some high-scoring affairs and centuries that entertained the crowd.
The tournament saw some underrated knocks that contributed to the team’s performance but failed to garner any limelight.
Here we look at the 5 Underrated knocks in World Cup 2023.
- Marnus Labuschagne 58* versus India (World Cup Final)
Marnus Labuschagne came to the crease with Australia struggling at 47 for 3. The Indian bowling looked sharp as Jasprit Bumrah and Shami created lots of pressure.
Travis Head survived few anxious moments before putting an attack on Indian bowling. Labuschagne kept the strike rotating against the spinners and kept the momentum going for Australia. Both Head and Labuschagne added 192 runs partnership for the 4th wicket, he ensured that Aussies were on course for a title.
Labuschagne remained not out on 58 off 110 deliveries with four boundaries and helped Australia win the sixth World Cup title. Despite some poor performance in the tournament, he played a vital knock in helping Australia win the match by six wickets.
- Pat Cummins 12* versus Afghanistan (League Match)
Glenn Maxwell played one of the best innings in One-day international cricket against Afghanistan at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Coming with Australia tottering at 91 for 7, Maxwell survived a few anxious moments as Maxwell took the attack to Afghanistan bowlers hitting them all over the park.
Australian captain Pat Cummins stood from one end and gave strike to Maxwell. Maxwell struggled with cramps and other injuries. Cummins looked solid with his defensive technique remaining not out on 12 off 68 deliveries while Maxwell remained not out on 201 off 128 deliveries that helped Australia snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
- Rohit Sharma 40 versus South Africa
The Indian captain Rohit Sharma showed his class with an attacking mindset in the first 10 overs putting pressure on the bowling. He scored 597 runs from 11 matches and made sure that India got flying starts.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss at Eden Gardens, Kolkata against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. He took attack right from word go putting enough pressure on Ngidi and Jansen.
He was dismissed by Rabada caught by Bavuma at mid-off. He hit six fours and 2 sixes for his 40 off 24 deliveries that laid a strong foundation to build 326 for 5 in 50 overs.
- Suryakumar Yadav 49 versus England
Suryakumar Yadav had a disappointing outing in the World Cup 2023 with 106 runs from 7 matches at an average of 17.66.
He came with a well complied 49 off 49 deliveries against England at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. The pitch looked tough to bat on as Rohit Sharma was the top scorer with 87. With wickets falling at the other end, Surya showed his class against England bowlers. He was eventually dismissed for 49 off 47 deliveries in the 47th over.
His knock ensured that India posted 229 for 9 in 50 overs. The Indian team won the match by 100 runs as Shami grabbed 4 wickets, Bumrah 3, Kuldeep Yadav 2, and Jadeja 1.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz 65 versus Pakistan
Afghanistan proved their worth winning 4 matches in the ICC World Cup 2023. They defeated England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands. It was a great performance by Afghanistan as they almost stunned Australia and gave good fight to South Africa.
Chasing 283 runs against Pakistan at Chennai, Gurbaz looked cautious initially. He showed his class putting pressure on the bowling lineup reaching fifty off just 38 deliveries. The stylish opener hit 9 fours and 1 six in his 65 off 53 deliveries. Ibrahim Zadran and Gurbaz laid strong opening partnership that helped Afghanistan chase down the target.
Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi remained not out as Afghanistan registered their first victory over Pakistan in the ODI format.
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