ICC World Cup 2023 Final, IND vs AUS | 5 Player Battles to Watch Out For
India beat Australia during the league stage
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world's largest cricket stadium, is primed for a grand spectacle as it hosts the final of the ICC World Cup 2023, pitting the formidable Indian team against the experienced Australians. This summit clash on November 19 promises to be an epic culmination of a tournament that has witnessed scintillating cricket.
IND vs AUS: Player battles to watch out for
India, with an unbeaten winning streak in the tournament, including a clinical victory over New Zealand in the semifinals, enters the final with confidence and form on their side.
Australia, in a remarkable turnaround after a shaky start, has showcased its depth and grit, stringing together seven consecutive league victories and an impressive win over South Africa in the semifinal.
As the two cricketing giants brace for what could be a classic final, here’s a look into the top five IND vs AUS player battlers that could shape the destiny of the World Cup.
Rohit Sharma vs Mitchell Starc
Rohit Sharma (Twitter)
Rohit Sharma, renowned for his grace and destructive batting, faces a formidable adversary in Mitchell Starc, Australia's pace spearhead known for his tremendous pace and lethal swing. Their battle will be a classic display of aggressive batting meeting aggressive bowling. Rohit has managed to score 146 runs off 141 balls against Starc. However, Starc's success in dismissing him thrice reflects his capacity to exploit Rohit's early innings vulnerabilities, particularly against left-arm pace. Starc's strategy often involves targeting the stumps with in-swinging yorkers or testing the batsmen with bouncers, a tactic he might employ against the India captain. In contrast, Rohit's approach against Starc's initial spell could involve counter-attacking, respecting the good deliveries, and capitalizing on any scoring opportunities. The outcome of this clash could significantly influence the momentum of India's innings.
David Warner vs Mohammed Shami
David Warner (Twitter)
David Warner’s battle against an in-form Mohammed Shami will be a contest to watch out for. Warner, known for his ability to dominate bowling attacks, has accumulated 103 runs off 117 balls against Shami. However, Shami's ability to dismiss Warner three times showcases his effectiveness against the Aussie opener. Shami's skill set, particularly his knack for seam movement and ability to bowl pin-point yorkers, will be crucial in this battle. Shami may look to exploit Warner's tendency to play away from his body early in his innings, possibly with deliveries that move away from the left-hander. On the other hand, Warner might look to counter this by playing closer to his body and waiting for deliveries in his zone to score. Their contest could play a vital role in setting the tone for Australia's batting performance.
Virat Kohli vs Josh Hazlewood
Virat Kohli (Twitter)
Virat Kohli, who has been in sublime form in the tournament, faces a stern challenge against Josh Hazlewood, a bowler known for his precision and impeccable accuracy. Despite Kohli's skills, he has found it tough against Hazlewood, managing only 51 runs off 88 deliveries and falling to him five times. Hazlewood's strategy against Kohli has been a mix of disciplined line and length along with subtle seam movement. He's been successful in curtailing Kohli's scoring and inducing mistakes, mainly by keeping the ball in the corridor of uncertainty. Kohli, on his part, will need to employ a cautious yet assertive approach, focusing on his strengths, such as impeccable wrist work and strong drives. Kohli's ability to adapt and counter Hazlewood's tactics will be key to India's middle-order stability.
Steve Smith vs Kuldeep Yadav
Steve Smith (Twitter)
Steve Smith, known for his unorthodox yet highly effective batting style, will be up against Kuldeep Yadav, who is famed for his ability to turn the ball both ways. Smith, with 126 runs from 145 deliveries against Kuldeep, has shown he can tackle spin well, using his feet effectively to negate Kuldeep's spin. However, Kuldeep, having dismissed Smith twice, can trouble the batsman with his variations. Kuldeep might look to bowl a tighter line and length, mixing up his pace and using the googly to confuse Smith. In contrast, Smith will likely continue to play his natural game, using his unique ability to direct the ball into gaps and convert singles into doubles. Their clash will be fascinating to watch during the crucial middle overs.
Shreyas Iyer vs Adam Zampa
Shreyas Iyer (Twitter)
Shreyas Iyer faces a challenging opponent in Australia's frontline leg-spinner, Adam Zampa. Iyer, known for his aggressive approach against spin, has scored 56 runs off 64 balls against Zampa, albeit being dismissed twice. Zampa's leg-spin, characterized by its flight and turn, poses a significant challenge to Iyer's natural game. Zampa might look to exploit any potential over-aggression from Iyer, especially with flighted deliveries or well-disguised googlies. On the other hand, Iyer's strategy could involve playing Zampa on merit, looking for bad deliveries to score, and avoiding risky shots against the spinner. This matchup could be a crucial one in the middle overs, potentially influencing the direction of the innings.
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