Exposing the Blue WaterAs the World Cup in Ahmedabad took place, there was a tangible sense of excitement. India was ready to celebrate at the magnificent cricket stadium, having won ten games in a row in perfect form. Australia, on the other hand, had different ideas and aimed to quiet the 132,000-person Ahmedabad.
A yellow charge
An obstacle to India’s dreams materialised twelve years after Australia, dressed in yellow, won the 2011 World Cup in Mumbai. Australian captain Pat Cummins said in the pre-match press conference that the massive yellow festival had muffled Ahmedabad’s blue shout.
Modi Stadium Is Changed
Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad underwent a metamorphosis on November 19, becoming a large sea of blue. The idea of Rohit Sharma lifting the World Cup in his own country consumed the aspirations of 1.4 billion people. With ten straight wins under their belt, the team was flying high. But in the end, Marnus Labuchen and Travis Head dashed India’s hopes.
The Tipping Point
Head and Labuchen took charge of the game after initially losing three wickets. In addition to leading Australia to victory, their 192-run partnership also cost India the match. With six wickets remaining, Head scored a spectacular century to help India reach their target of 241 runs.
The Resurgence of Yellow
Despite suffering from an injury since the beginning of the season, Australia’s opener, Travis Head, was crucial to the run chase. Although Head lost early wickets, including David Warner for seven runs, his aggressive style combined with Labuchen’s disciplined performance turned the tide of the game.
Bumrah’s Influence
Taking two wickets for just seven runs, Jasprit Bumrah’s stunning strikes immediately placed Australia behind. Nevertheless, it turned out to be India’s lone victory of the game. The rest of the match was a yellow carnival as Head and Labuchen’s alliance took control.
The Valuable Pitches
Head ended his inning prematurely, having amassed 137 runs at a rate of four sixes and fifteen fours. Glenn Maxwell took over after him and used the first ball to complete the victory. Labuchen’s undefeated 58 runs further shattered India’s hopes of winning the World Cup.
India’s Battle
India had earlier set a goal of 240 runs after losing the toss. The middle order struggled after a solid start, raising doubts about a poor score. There was some steadiness thanks to Virat Kohli and Lokesh Rahul, both in their fifties. But Australia’s Mitchell Starc stood out as the bowler of the match with 3 wickets for 55 runs.
Australia’s yellow wave ultimately won out, dashigning India’s hopes in Ahmedabad.
