Image Source: Instagram
[Saba Sports News] Marnus Labuschagne has decided to retire the bat he used in the 2023 ODI World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
India hosted the ODI World Cup exclusively for the first time last October-November, with the final played on November 19 between two-time champions India and five-time champions Australia.
Labuschagne played a crucial innings, scoring an unbeaten 58 off 110 balls to help Australia secure their record-extending sixth World Cup title. Recently, Labuschagne shared a photo of the worn-out bat he used in the final, revealing his decision to retire it.
“Think it’s finally time to retire the World Cup final bat,” Labuschagne wrote on Instagram.
In the final, Australia won the toss and opted to field on a tricky surface. India, led by Rohit Sharma’s blistering start and Virat Kohli’s half-century, struggled to 240 all out, with Mitchell Starc taking three wickets.
Australia had a shaky start, losing three wickets early, but Labuschagne and Travis Head steadied the innings with a 192-run partnership. Head was dismissed just before the finish, but Glenn Maxwell sealed the win with a single ball, as Australia won by six wickets with seven overs to spare.
While Head stole the spotlight, Labuschagne’s steady performance was also highly praised.