Cricket News: Why is Rashid Khan ruled out of BBL 2023-24? | Why Afghanistan legspinner Rashid Khan won’t play in BBL 2023-24
Afghanistan and Adelaide Strikers favourite Rashid Khan has been ruled out of the upcoming 2023-24 Big Bash League (BBL) season due to a back injury. The news comes as a blow not only to the Strikers, but to the competition as a whole as the legspinner is one of the star players who increases both crowd and viewership figures.
The Strikers are currently seeking a replacement, but it certainly won’t be easy. Since making his BBL debut in 2017, Rashid has taken 98 wickets in 69 matches at an average of 17.51 and superb economy rate of 6.44. This includes many memorable moments including helping the Strikers win the BBL in 2018 and taking a hat-trick in 2020.
Rashid Khan will be “extremely missed” in BBL 2023-24 – Adelaide Strikers
Strikers General Manager of Cricket Tim Nielsen released a statement. He said Rashid Khan’s unavailability is a big blow and the team will announce a replacement in due course.
“Rashid is a beloved member of the Strikers and a fan favourite who has been with us for seven years, so he will be extremely missed this summer,” Nielsen said.
“Rashid loves Adelaide and the Strikers, and we know how much he loves playing in the BBL, and we support him as he has treatment for this injury to ensure his long-term involvement in the game.
“Our list management and coaching staff will now look at our options for replacing Rashid for the upcoming season and a replacement player will be announced in due course.”
Harry Brook, who was a number one draft pick for Melbourne Stars, also pulled out of the tournament recently, citing international commitments and workload management.
The 2023-24 season of the BBL kicks off on 7 December at the Gabba where Brisbane Heat will take on the Melbourne Stars. This season will have a reduced number games (44) compared to recent seasons where 61 matches were played.
IND vs AUS 1st T20 2023 Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Possible XI Pitch Report| IND vs AUS 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | VisakhapatnamPitch Report
How about the international cricket calendar? Just like England’s three-match ODI series days after winning the T20 World Cup in Australia last year, nothing highlights the absurd schedule like a five-match T20I series kicking off four days after a World Cup Final.
As a result, we can expect to see a number of Australia’s World Cup players rested, including Travis Head, Adam Zampa, and Glenn Maxwell. However, the silver lining of such a series is it gives other players the chance to perform. The likes of Aaron Hardie, Matthew Short, and Tanveer Sangha will be keen to make a mark, with the experience of Steve Smith (possibly), Tim David, and Matthew Wade around them.
For India, the excitement in their squad stems from the fact that a number of talented IPL players will feature. Rinku Singh took the 2023 edition by storm, while the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Arshdeep Singh, and Ravi Bishnoi are set to feature. There is no doubt they start as favourites at home, but the Australians, even with newer faces and a recent 50-over World Cup title, can’t be taken lightly.
IND vs AUS 1st T20 2023: Possible Playing XIs
Suryakumar Yadav will lead a new-look India team. They have a few decisions to make regarding the team combination.
Which World Cup players will play for Australia is a bit of a mystery. Travis Head was looking a little worse for wear after celebrating Australia’s triumph.
Two players who could feature are Steve Smith and Josh Inglis. Smith could open.
Australia: 1. Steve Smith, 2. Matthew Short, 3. Aaron Hardie, 4. Josh Inglis, 5. Marcus Stoinis, 6. Tim David, 7. Matthew Wade (c & wk), 8. Sean Abbott, 9. Nathan Ellis, 10. Jason Behrendorff, 11. Tanveer Sangha
IND vs AUS 1st T20 2023 Dream11 Prediction: Fantasy Cricket Tips
India:
Ruturaj Gaikwad had an excellent IPL. In 15 innings, Gaikwad has hammered 590 runs at an average of 42.1 and strike rate of 147.5. Also, Gaikwad recently struck 102* for Maharashtra against Vidarbha.
Suryakumar Yadav returns to his favourite format and is a good pick in fantasy teams. Since the start of 2022, SKY has smashed 2,505 T20 runs at an average of 46.39 and strike rate of 172.64.
Tilak Varma has hit 816 runs at a strike rate of 136.91 between overs 7-16 since the start of last year. But, he strikes at just 115.9 in T20Is in this period. Can he improve on this?
Rinku Singh when chasing in T20s in 2023: 308 runs, avg. 102.7, SR 172.1.
Arshdeep Singh will be key in both the powerplay and death overs. In 35 T20s this year, Arshdeep has taken 16 powerplay wickets (econ.7.90) and 24 wickets between overs 17-20 (econ. 10.14).
Australia:
Steve Smith when opening the batting in T20s: 10 inns, 512 runs, avg. 56.89, SR 161.01.
Matthew Short can offer plenty of value to fantasy teams. He is likely to open the batting and provide overs with the ball as well. He is striking at 144.6 in 27 T20s this year (694 runs).
In T20s since the start of 2022, Marcus Stoinis has hit 377 runs at a strike rate of 199.47 between overs 17 and 20. Tim David is also very strong in this period, striking at 205.98.
Jason Behrendhorff will be key against Gaikwad. Since the start of 2021, the India opener has been dismissed 12 times by left-arm seam at an average of 29.75 and strike rate of 135.22.
Also, Behrendhorff has taken seven wickets in T20Is vs India at an average of 14.57 and economy of 6.80.
Nathan Ellis took 3/30 in his only T20I against India last year. Overall, he has picked up 18 wickets in eight T20Is at an average of 11.88 and economy of 7.13.
Other Stats and Facts
India beat Australia 2-1 in a T20I series last year. Axar Patel was player of the series.
Suryakumar Yadav hit 115 runs at a strike rate of 185.48 in three T20Is against Australia in 2022.
Nathan Ellis vs. Suryakumar Yadav could be an important battle. In 17 balls in T20s, SKY has scored 24 runs and has been dismissed once.
Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam Pitch Report and Weather
The bowlers may have a say in this game. In an ODI earlier this year, Australia bowled India out for 117 and won by ten wickets with 234 balls to spare. In three T20Is on this ground, the average first innings score is 129, which includes Australia’s victory over India in 2019 where they restricted the hosts to 126.
There is a chance of afternoon showers, but there should be a full match with a cloudy forecast.
IND vs AUS 1st T20 2023 Dream11 Prediction: Captaincy, vice-captaincy & team combinations
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
IND vs AUS 1st T20 2023 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IND vs AUS 1st T20 2023 Dream11 Prediction
IND vs AUS 1st T20 2023 Match Prediction: Who will win?
India should win this match.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
Cricket News: Australia Cricket Schedule 2023-24: 5 Tests, 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is | Which teams are touring Australia in season 2023/24?
Australia, fresh off their superb World Cup triumph in India, will play a total of five Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is in their home season from December to February. Pat Cummins’ team will face Pakistan and West Indies in the Tests, before the Australians play six white-ball games against West Indies in February.
Australia home schedule 2023-24: Pakistan and West Indies to tour
Pakistan will play three Tests downunder, including the Boxing Day Test. West Indies will play two. Both series are part of the World Test Championship (WTC), which Australia are seeking to successfully defend after winning the title in June.
Tests vs. Pakistan:
1st Test: December 14-18 2023, Optus Stadium, Perth.
2nd Test: December 26-30 2023, Melbourne Cricket Ground.
3rd Test: January 3-7 2024, Sydney Cricket Ground.
Pakistan will be under the leadership of new captain Shan Masood, who replaced Babar Azam after Pakistan’s unsuccessful World Cup campaign. Pakistan have not won a Test in Australia since 1995, and have a huge task in front of them with some inexperienced players and no Naseem Shah available due to injury. In their previous visit to Australia back in 2019, Pakistan lost both Tests by an innings. David Warner hit 335* at Adelaide.
2nd Test: January 25-29 2024, Gabba, Brisbane (D/N).
For the second-straight year, West Indies will tour Australia. They struggled last year, losing 2-0 despite showing some fight with the bat in the Perth Test. Again, it promises to be a tough ask for Kraigg Brathwaite’s team, especially with a day/night Test to be played in Brisbane.
ODIs vs. West Indies:
1st ODI: Friday February 2, 2024, Melbourne Cricket Ground.
2nd ODI: Sunday February 4, 2024, Sydney Cricket Ground.
3rd ODI: Tuesday February 6, 2024, Manuka Oval, Canberra.
T20Is vs. West Indies:
1st T20I: Friday February 9, 2024, Bellerive Oval, Hobart.
2nd T20I: Sunday February 11, 2024, Adelaide Oval.
3rd T20I: Tuesday February 13, 2024, Optus Stadium, Perth.
Australia’s first ODIs since winning the World Cup will be against the Windies at Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra in February. It will be interesting to see if the Australians test some new talent especially in the T20Is to follow as the series will take place following the Big Bash League.
Cricket News: ICC bans transgender athletes from women’s international cricket | Transgender athletes not permitted to play women’s cricket
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made the decision to ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s international cricket. The change was made with integrity and player safety in mind, but the ICC confirmed there is scope to review the regulation by the end of 2025.
In a release, the ICC stated, “It [the decision] is based on the following principles (in order of priority), protection of the integrity of the women’s game, safety, fairness and inclusion. The regulations will be reviewed within two years.”
ICC CEO Geoff Allardice also weighed in. “Inclusivity is incredibly important to us as a sport, but our priority was to protect the integrity of the international women’s game and the safety of players,” Allardice said.
Transgender player Danielle McGaheyno longer permitted to feature in women’s cricket internationals
Following the change in regulations, Danielle McGahey will not be permitted to feature in women’s international matches. Earlier this year, McGahey became the first transgender player to feature in international cricket, lining up for Canada after moving from Australia in 2020 and then undertaking a medical transition in 2021.
McGahey featured in six T20Is, hitting 118 runs at an average of 19.66 and a strike rate of 95.93. McGahey took to Instagram in reaction to the ICC’s decision, vowing to fight for the future.
Brazil women’s captain Roberta Moretti Avery, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, said it is “unfortunate that this decision has been made after the event [of McGahey’s debut] once Danielle’s hopes had been raised and after she has already been exposed to a huge amount of scrutiny and abuse. The ICC lifted the hopes of a whole community and it feels like those hopes have now been dashed.”
Transgender athletes can feature in domestic cricket matches at the discretion of the boards. “The gender eligibility at domestic level is a matter for each individual Member board, which may be impacted by local legislation,” said the ICC.
Ryan Head, brother of Travis, reveals the opener has had an incredible recovery from his fractured hand | Travis Head leads Australia to World Cup win
Ryan Head, brother of Australia’s World Cup hero Travis, has revealed the opener’s incredible recovery from a fractured hand that kept him out of the first half of the tournament. Head picked up the nasty injury during Australia’s five-match ODI series in South Africa in September after he was struck by a Gerald Coetzee delivery, which put his World Cup dream in jeopardy.
However, he returned with a bang. He marked his comeback with a magnificent 67-ball 109 against New Zealand at Dharamsala on October 28, which was Australia’s sixth match. But, it was Head’s performances in the semi-final and final that fully vindicated the team management’s decision to keep him in the squad despite his injury, winning player of the match on both occasions.
Just over a month ago, Travis couldn’t even open a bottle of water – Ryan Head
Speaking on the TODAY Show from Adelaide, Ryan revealed that Travis needed assistance to open a bottle of water as recent as a month or so ago. When asked whether he believed Travis could play in the World Cup Final, Ryan said it seemed like a long shot.
“Look, when we were sitting on the couch just over a month ago, and he’s in a splint, probably not,” he said. “For it to progress so quickly, get back in the nets, and start hitting them alright and feel good to go back out there and have that first game against New Zealand, and hit a ton… I don’t think you can almost get back as good as that.”
“He was sitting on the couch with his daughter on his lap asking Jess [Travis’ wife] to open a bottle of water for him because he can’t do it himself. It’s pretty surreal to think that’s the situation he was faced with early doors,” he continued. “And then to get back and have the two performances like that is just astonishing, really.”
Travis Head’s performances in the two crunch games vindicated Australia’s call to keep him in the squad. Since the start of 2022, Head has smashed 1,120 runs in 22 ODIs at an average of 58.9 and strike rate of 122. Add to that his bowling capability – on show in the semi-final where he dismissed Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen in consecutive deliveries – as well as his remarkable fielding, headlined by a stunning catch to dismiss Rohit Sharma and turn the final on its head.
“He was sitting on the couch with his daughter on his lap asking Jess to open a bottle of water for him because he can’t do it himself.”
Ryan Head on Travis’ fractured hand injury
Next up for Australia and Travis Head is a five-match T20I series against India starting this Thursday in another example of cricket’s unforgiving schedule. Videos surfaced online of Head enjoying himself in the post-World Cup final celebrations, and will quickly need to recover in time for the series should Australia select him in the playing XI right away.
This is now number 1 in my vault. Marvellous stuff.
Travis is having such a great time that brother Ryan hasn’t been able to get in touch. “I haven’t spoken to him. Haven’t been able to get a hold of him. He might be missing I think,” Ryan joked. “Hopefully he can get on the water before they start the T20s [against India].”
India vs Australia T20I series schedule
Thursday, November 23 (7:00pm IST): 1st T20I at Visakhapatnam.
Sunday, November 26 (7:00pm IST): 2nd T20I at Thiruvananthapuram.
Wednesday, November 29 (7:00pm IST): 3rd T20I at Guwahati.
Friday, December 1 (7:00pm IST): 4th T20I at Rajpur.
Sunday, December 3 (7:00pm IST): 5th T20I at Bengaluru.
Cricket Opinion: 5 reasons why Australia won the 2023 Cricket World Cup Final | Why Australia won the ODI World Cup Final vs India
Australia won another World Cup. What’s new? In this case, quite a bit.
In arguably their greatest Cricket World Cup triumph, Australia overcame an Indian team that was so dominant throughout the tournament in front of nearly 100,000 fans in a sea of blue at the Narendra Modi Stadium at Ahmedabad. Pat Cummins’ team ended up winning nine games in a row after losing their first two in convincing fashion, peaking at the perfect time to extract revenge against South Africa and India after those early defeats.
The performance in the final was as clinical as it was remarkable. Captain Cummins called for his team to silence the mammoth crowd, and that they did, sealing an incredible sixth title in 13 World Cups with victory by six wickets and 42 deliveries to spare.
5 reasons why Australia won the 2023 Cricket World Cup Final
A display to remember. Australia’s calmness and execution was simply outstanding. It is a performance that will be looked back upon with great joy by all associated with Australian cricket.
Here is a deeper look into the five reasons why Australia won the 2023 Cricket World Cup Final against a highly-fancied India team.
Read the conditions perfectly
We’ve all heard the cliché. Bat first in a final, get runs on the board, and put scoreboard pressure on the opposition in the second innings. However, Pat Cummins does not operate in clichés. The captain sent shockwaves through the Australian cricket fanbase with the decision to bowl first, with a slow looking pitch and evening dew in mind.
In the group stage, the chasing team won three of four matches, but it was still a big call to chase in a final. But, Cummins and the thinktank got it spot on. India’s quest to beat Australia on a slow pitch backfired as the Australians got the best of the conditions off the back of a brave and decisive move at the toss.
A relentless fielding display that sets the standard for all aspiring cricketers
Rohit Sharma got his team off to a flyer once again, smacking a 31-ball 47 that contained three sixes and four fours. So, it would have been easy for Australia to panic and doubt their decision at the toss.
However, amid the storm was a sense of calm in the Australian camp. Their fielding in the early stages oozed confidence, and a feeling was in the air that if one chance came their way, they’d take it. Travis Head delivered, taking one of the great World Cup Final catches to turn the game on its head (no pun intended). Rohit, looking to take Maxwell on again, skewed one over the cover region. Head, running back, took a classic, after which India managed just 164 runs in the remaining 40.2 overs.
WHAT A CATCH, TRAVIS HEAD.
Australia's fielding has kept them in games right throughout this World Cup, and it's happening again.
The middle overs were an almighty struggle for India, with Kohli and Rahul combining for a laborous 67 off 109 balls. But it wasn’t for the want of trying. It felt like no matter where or how well the Indians hit the ball, a man in a yellow shirt was there to cut it off, whether in the circle or in the deep.
“It’s like the ball is in a maximum security prison, it can’t escape” said Harsha Bhogle on commentary. Later in the innings, he was again full of praise for the fielders. “It’s like there are 25 Australians out there,” he said as the Australians saved countless runs once again – a feature of their cricket since that awful day in the field back on October 12.
Superb tactics by the Australian thinktank
At the cornerstone of Australia’s fielding performance were rock solid tactics. The Australians had specific plans for every single Indian player, starting from a deep point right away to Rohit Sharma to an extremely fine third-man for Suryakumar Yadav’s ramp shot over the wicket-keeper.
Behind every fielder’s position was meticulous planning. You could tell the Aussies did their homework as just five boundaries were struck following Rohit’s dismissal two deliveries before the end of the tenth over. A lot of thought went into this match, and Australia did not have a lot of time to do so given it was just a few days after their tense, tight win over South Africa at Eden Gardens.
Kudos to Pat Cummins and the Australia thinktank. The field placements have been absolutely outstanding. Great knowledge of the opposition and the ground dimensions.#INDvsAUS#CWC23Final
Even better execution with the ball – reverse swing and changes of pace
Heading into the tournament, the worry for India was their lower order. This concern grew bigger with the injury to Hardik Pandya. However, it wasn’t felt throughout the campaign as the top order was so dominant.
But, that came to a halt at the worst possible time. Australia chipped away in the middle overs, knowing that the wicket of Virat Kohli can force a serious rethink for India. That it did, with the hosts sending in Ravindra Jadeja ahead of Suryakumar Yadav, with the latter kept for the finishing role. But, Jadeja, along with KL Rahul and the lower order, were done by some magnificent reverse swing bowling.
Mitchell Starc’s delivery to Rahul was particularly impressive, indicative of a bowler who knows how to step it up when it really matters in crunch World Cup games. Couple that with Australia’s regular changes in length and pace, and India simply couldn’t get a foothold. The crowd knew it, with anxiety building right around the Narendra Modi Stadium, with good reason.
Glorious partnership by Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne
Australia’s chase of 241 hit very rocky waters in the powerplay. Each ball was an event, with three wickets falling relatively quickly to put India right in the game. Also, Head was struggling significantly early, but the fact he got through the powerplay spelt trouble for the Indians.
How Travis Head hasn't been dismissed yet is one of life's great mysteries.#INDvsAUS#CWC23Final
Head got going with the calm and composed Marnus Labuschagne with such authority that the fielders’ heads dropped with each passing run. The latter, who was persisted with over Marcus Stoinis, was solid as a rock, enabling Head to do his thing en route to the second-highest ever partnership (192) in a World Cup Final.
The first? Ricky Ponting and Damien Martyn’s 234 in that 2003 Final that still haunts many India fans to this day.
Head taking down Jasprit Bumrah was a highlight of the chase. Also, he was at his attacking best against spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, who barely fired a shot. In the end, they finished with combined figures of 0/99 off 20 overs. Economical, but nowhere near what India needed when defending a moderate score.
Indeed, the fact it was Head and Labuschagne to deliver victory is reflective of the team management’s decision making. They made the call to keep Head in the squad as he was recovering from his broken hand, believing that he could make a difference at the business end of the tournament. And that he did. Also, the thinktank decided to not only include Labuschagne at the 11th hour, but play him in every match, even with all squad members fit and available in the semi-final and final.
Cricket News: ODI World Cup Final Twitter Reactions: Australia win 6th title, more heartbreak for India | Reactions to Australia winning 6th title
Incredible. Australia have won their sixth Cricket World Cup title, putting on a clinic to defeat favourites and previously unbeaten India by six wickets at Ahmedabad. Captain Pat Cummins surprised many by choosing to bowl first, but it was a decision that was well and truly vindicated after the team produced a magnificent bowling and fielding display to limit India to 240 on a slow pitch.
Not only did Australia bowl beautifully in the conditions on offer, but the field placements and tactics were a credit to Cummins and the team management. It seemed like every shot India played, there was an Australian fielder there to cut it off. In fact, after Travis Head’s magnificent catch to dismiss Rohit Sharma and turn the match on its head (no pun intended), India hit just five boundaries in a hard-fought slog to reach 240.
From there, it was chaos. Each delivery was an event in the Australian powerplay, with Cummins’ team reduced to 47/3 against the moving ball. Jasprit Bumrah had fire in his eyes, Mohammed Shami was in the wickets once again, and the crowd was at its loudest since the Indian powerplay. It seemed things were set up perfectly for the spinners to take over.
However, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne had other ideas, combining for a remarkable 192-run stand to break the hearts of billions. Australia’s call to keep Head in the squad despite his broken hand worked wonders, with the all-rounder winning player of the match in both the semi-final and final. He enjoyed luck in the powerplay, but never looked back as he and the solid Labuschagne silenced the 100,000 fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium. It was a true clinic from Head in particular, wowing all with his ambitious and brilliant strokeplay, with excellent support from Labuschagne.
Indeed, Australia peaked at the right time after reaching the top four despite not playing their best cricket. However, on the other side, India seemed to run out of steam when it mattered most. Rohit Sharma’s team, so dominant and brilliant all tournament, saved their worst display for last in yet another missed attempt at an ICC trophy. Their batting never got going after the powerplay, with KL Rahul’s struggle to rotate strike and Cummins’ dismissal of Kohli the key talking points from the middle overs. Then, with the ball and in the field, they seemed lost for ideas, which was a disappointing way to end a campaign that promised so much.
Twitter Reactions to the ODI World Cup Final: Australia wins sixth title
Brilliant Australia:
Yet again, Australia have produced when it mattered in ODI World Cups. Here are some reactions to Australia’s brilliance.
Well done Australia .. an incredible achievement against all the odds against a great team in there own backyard .. I personally have this as the greatest World Cup victory for a team .. to win here in #India is hardest place to claim the trophy .. #CWC2023Final
So proud of this Australian team and crew. So much goes into achieving what they have. To win another World Cup in the manner and circumstance they have is one of the finest victories in our sporting history I reckon. Time to celebrate. XXX
This game is a perfect example of why South Africa have never won a Cricket World Cup. Not only do you need to be brave, but you also need to be flexible. There's no way South Africa would've chosen to chase in a CWC Final. You can't just rely on Plan A. Assess the conditions.
I do think there’s something in this. There’s a reason Australian teams are so good at tournament play. Commiserations to India. They’ve been brilliant all the way through. Australia were just better at the final hurdle. #CWC23#INDVAUSpic.twitter.com/ug8zVwZbuQ
Since taking over as head coach, Andrew McDonald has:
Won the ICC Test Championship ✅ Won the ICC World Cup ✅ Retained the Ashes in England ✅ Won a Test series in Pakistan ✅ Hasn’t lost a Test at home ✅#CWC23pic.twitter.com/gsobBCU2FI
And huge credit to Cummins. He has had his critics, but he is a gritty man who smiles a lot.
He took that brilliant catch v SA. When Hazlewood struggled to hit the deck hard upfront, Cummins stepped up by pounding it hard and using cutters. His bowling changes were top-notch.…
The defeat represented another occasion where India fell short in an ICC knockout match. This one may hurt them the most given they were so dominant in the tournament and were odds on favourites to win the title.
Dear Team India,
Your talent and determination through the World Cup was noteworthy. You've played with great spirit and brought immense pride to the nation.
Our worst fears are realized. The off day came in the final. The ultimate truth is that once again in a knockout game, luck and the conditions deserted us. 💔
The moving ball could have had Head out in the powerplay..even DRS
You want to hear a fact? They made a slow pitch and just like Indore in BGT, it played into Australia's hands. Aus got better batting conditions which is why bowling first was right.
Had they played on a good batting pitch, the result could have been different. https://t.co/1eedZ9VWKJ
Was a good campaign for the Indian team with some memorable performances for what could be a last dance for a few members of this team. Really feel for the players because they really put in their best effort, but you cannot fight luck & the change in conditions. Will have to…
losing a final is heartbreaking. but losing a final when your team dominated the entire tournament, won every single match, broke records, stayed on top of the table and entered the finals with a smashing 10/10 win is next level traumatizing 🙁 this is breaking me like nothing 💔
Proud of this team. All I could give you was my support and heart and I have given that to you, and it will be with you irrespective of the heartbreak. Stay strong, and hopefully it will hurt a bit less tomorrow 💔
Maybe we have to just accept the fact that it's just not in our hands. Should have been less heart breaking had we lost a group game or 2. Life goes on…
Can’t really point a finger at anyone in this moment. This team gave us some amazing moments this WC. Just wasn’t meant to be yet again. Absolutely numb and heartbroken right now. I don’t think I will be able to watch this game again. Adios everyone
Cricket News: List of highest successful run chases in ODIs at Ahmedabad | What is the highest run chase at Narendra Modi Stadium in ODIs?
The first innings of the 2023 World Cup Final delivered in spades when it comes to momentum shifts and tension. India, after a strong start courtesy of Rohit Sharma, had to fight tooth and nail to put together a competitive score at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
But, what kind of total could challenge Australia? In 30 ODIs on the ground, 300 has been chased twice and 270+ on three occasions. Also, in the World Cup, the chasing team won three of four matches in the group stage.
Top 5 run chases in ODIs at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Here is a look at the top five successful run chases at Ahmedabad in One Day Internationals.
5. India 275/4 vs Sri Lanka, 2014
Ambati Rayudu’s 121* off 118 balls led India to comfortable six-wicket win in the second of five ODIs against Sri Lanka in 2014. Angelo Mathews struck 92* off 101 balls along with Kumar Sangakkara’s 86-ball 61, but it was nowhere near enough as India won with 33 balls remaining.
Virat Kohli, who struck a half-century in the 2023 World Cup Final, hit a 44-ball 49 in that game.
4. New Zealand 283/1 vs England, 2023
In the 2023 World Cup opener, England would have thought they were in with a chance after every batsman made double figures in their score of 282/9. However, New Zealand made a mockery of the target. Rachin Ravindra (123* off 96 balls) announced himself on the world stage, while Devon Conway (152* off 121 balls) further showcased his class.
The pair put on an unbroken 273-run stand to cruise to the target with a massive nine wickets and 82 balls to spare.
3. Sri Lanka 286/5 vs India, 2005
The Sri Lankan team of the mid-late 2000s was a joy to watch. Hundreds for Gautam Gambhir (103 off 97 balls) and Rahul Dravid (103* off 120 balls) gave India an imposing 285/8.
It then seemed the Indians would run away with the win. They reduced Sri Lanka to 155/5 after 29.5 overs. However, Russel Arnold (49* off 47 balls) and man of the match Tillakaratne Dilshan (81* off 67 balls) produced a superb, unbeaten 131-run stand to seal victory with five wickets and 14 balls to spare.
2. Pakistan 319/7 vs India, 2005
Pakistan won a final-ball thriller against India, which leveled the six-match series 2-2. Sachin Tendulkar produced one of his usual gems, striking 123 off 130 balls to guide India to 315/6 off 48 overs. However, what followed was a big team effort from Pakistan, with each of their top five players hitting 40+ scores.
Shahid Afridi, who was sent in to open, hit 40 off 23 balls to get the innings going. Then, man of the match Inzamam-ul-Haq finished things off with an unbeaten 59-ball 60.
1. India 325/5 vs West Indies, 2002
India’s chase of 325 against West Indies in 2002 remains the highest successful run chase on this ground. Chris Gayle (140 off 127 balls) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (99* off 104 balls) ended up on the losing side despite excellent performances with the bat.
For India, it was VVS Laxman (66 off 74 balls) and Rahul Dravid (109* off 124 balls) who set things up with a 103-run stand after two early wickets. Then, Sanjay Bangar played a gem, hitting an unbeaten 41-ball 57 to guide India home with five wickets and 14 balls to spare.
Cricket News: Will Australia pick Marnus Labuschagne or Marcus Stoinis for the World Cup Final?| Labuschagne vs Stonis debate
Just like the semi-final, Australia have a decision to make regarding the final place in the playing XI, with either Marnus Labuschagne or Marcus Stoinis to line up at Ahmedabad. Labuschagne was preferred against South Africa, but Stoinis is considered a chance of replacing him in what could be better batting conditions than what the Australians encountered at Eden Gardens.
Labuschagne’s 304 runs at 33.77 are not world-beating numbers, but he does offer a more reliable option in the middle order should Australia lose early wickets. Also, he is a livewire in the field, saving countless runs and creating opportunities as well.
On the other hand, Stoinis provides another bowling option, which could come in handy against a firing Indian batting lineup. However, he has not hit an ODI fifty since the 2019 World Cup, and is averaging just 21.75 in this tournament. His highest score of 35 came at Ahmedabad against England back on November 4.
Could Marcus Stoinis replace Marnus Labuschagne? Pat Cummins has his say
Pat Cummins said Australia will wait until the toss to make the decision. The captain inspected the pitch yesterday, and said he would see how the pitch looks right before the game.
The surface has a firm feel to it, which could bring Stoinis’ skillsets into play. In the pre-match press conference, Cummins was asked if Stoinis could replace Labuschagne. “Potentially, yeah,” he replied. “Those are things we’ll weigh up before every game.”
Labuschagne played his best and most important innings of the tournament at this ground. He hit 71 against England, arresting what could have been a big slide after Australia lost early wickets. Pat Cummins’ team eventually won the contest, with Adam Zampa (29 and 3/31) winning man of the match.
No matter which way Australia go, they need a massive effort to beat this India team in front of over 100,000 fans. Rohit Sharma’s team has been outstanding in this World Cup, winning all ten matches by comfortable margins, making them red-hot favourites. But, Australia is always a dangerous proposition, and the team has some crucial head-to-head matchups to tap into.
Should Australia prevail, it will be their sixth ODI World Cup title. If India get the job done, they will lift their first title since 2011 and officially end their 10-year ICC trophy drought since winning the Champions Trophy in 2013.
Cricket News: Ahmedabad pitch report – how will it play in the World Cup Final? | Will the Ahmedabad pitch spin in the 2023 World Cup Final?
Much has been made of the pitches in the World Cup. The whole furore around the Mumbai surface for the semi-final between India and New Zealand did little to disrupt the hosts’ magnificent run in this tournament, eventually winning by 70 runs after thumping 397/4.
So, what does the Ahmedabad pitch have in store? In this World Cup, the surface has played pretty well, offering something to everyone, particularly the bowlers. The average first innings score in four matches was just 248.25, with Australia’s 286 against England the highest. Also, both the team batting first and second won two games each, with India winning their game with ease, beating Pakistan by seven wickets and 117 balls to spare after dismissing them for 191.
What will the Ahmedabad pitch be like for the 2023 ODI World Cup Final?
The dry nature of the surface plus the pressure of a World Cup Final will surely prompt the captain who wins the toss to bat first. Speaking to PTI, an Ahmedabad pitch curator said “if a heavy roller is being used on a black soil strip then the idea is to create a slow batting track where you can get a big score but you possibly can’t consistently hit through the line. 315 could be a defendable score as batting second will be difficult.”
So, the pitch is likely to take turn. Also, the pace bowlers could look to bowl cutters into the wicket and make the batsmen hit to the big square boundaries.
Ahmedabad pitch curator said, "315 could be a defendable score as batting second will be difficult". (PTI). pic.twitter.com/NyvxRZWB9i
Australia captain Pat Cummins inspected the surface and took photos on the eve of the match. Speaking to the media in the pre-match press conference, Cummins said the surface looked a good one.
“Yeah, just had a look. I’m not a great pitch reader, but it looked pretty firm,” he said. “They’ve only just watered it, so yeah, give it another 24 hours and have a look, but it looks like a pretty good wicket.”
Its firmness may also bring the pace bowlers into the game. Both sides have bowlers who can get the ball to carry through nicely. However, there are some drier patches on the surfaces in the photos that have surfaced online, which should make spin a factor.
In terms of the final itself, India start as undoubted favourites. They have won all ten matches quite comfortably in this World Cup, including Australia by six wickets back on October 8 at Chennai. However, the Australians have bounced back well after a poor start to the World Cup, winning their past eight matches including a hard-fought three wicket win in the semi-final against a fancied South Africa unit.
