(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] The cricketing world’s focus narrows to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as India and Australia gear up for the highly anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final on Sunday.
India’s undefeated journey to the final positions them as the hot favorites to claim the prestigious World Cup trophy, a feat they last achieved 12 years ago. In contrast, Pat Cummins’ Australia, eyeing their 6th title, is taking this as an opportunity to silence more than 1 lakh Indian fans in the stadium.
Australia’s cricketing legacy boasts previous World Cup triumphs in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2015, making them the sole team with such an impressive record. Notably, in the 2003 edition, Australia emerged victorious against India in the final, while in 2007, the Men in Yellow clinched back-to-back titles by defeating Sri Lanka. The captain leading them to glory in both instances was the legendary Ricky Ponting.
Shubman Gill, India’s star opener, who is set to make his maiden ODI World Cup final appearance against Australia, reflected on these significant achievements. Ahead of the clash, Gill expressed his dislike as a kid to see Australia repeatedly lifting the trophy, especially under Ponting’s captaincy in 2003 and 2007.
“As a kid, I hated watching Australia win every time especially in 2003 & 2007 (smiles) – every time I play them, it’s inside me,” Gill said as quoted on Star Sports.
Driven by this motivation, Gill will take guard in the grand finale, partnering with India captain Rohit Sharma as they aim to set a formidable opening stand. Despite the pursuit of his maiden World Cup century, Gill has already showcased his batting prowess in the competition. In the 2023 World Cup, the Punjab-born batter has amassed 350 runs in eight innings with an impressive average of 50, including four fifties.