World Cup 2023, Final | Strategic Corner - Can India Outshine Australia in the Grand Finale for World Cup Glory?
Australia is due to face India in the final of the World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)
After 47 enthralling matches, including two riveting semi-finals, the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 has set the stage for an epic showdown between the tournament's two standout teams – India and Australia. The grand finale, slated for November 19, 2023, will unfold at the illustrious Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world's largest cricketing arena.
India's path to the final has been marked by clinical performances across batting, bowling, and fielding, securing an impressive string of 10 consecutive victories. Led by Virat Kohli, who has amassed a staggering 711 runs in 10 innings at an average exceeding 100, India appears in peak form. Mohammad Shami's exceptional bowling prowess has been a key factor, with 23 wickets in just 6 games.
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On the other side, the five-time champions, Australia, enter the final on the back of their own formidable streak, boasting 8 consecutive wins. David Warner has been a standout performer, accumulating 528 runs in 10 games at a stellar average of 52.80. In the bowling department, Adam Zampa has been a force to reckon with, claiming 22 wickets in the tournament. With both teams looking for the prestigious World Cup title in what is expected to be a historic match at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium.
WC 2023 Figures: A Detailed Look at the Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch
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A Detailed Pitch Analysis of World Cup Final
The Narendra Modi Stadium, where four matches of the tournament have taken place, including the opener, has proven to be less favourable for high-scoring matches. The highest team total recorded on this ground is 286 by Australia. In a notable instance, England attempted to chase this target but fell short, getting all out for 253.
In the current World Cup at the venue, the team chasing has emerged victorious in three out of the four matches held so far. Despite this trend, historical data suggests that there isn't a significant bias towards chasing teams in Ahmedabad. Out of the 30 ODIs held at the venue, both teams batting first and those chasing have secured victories in an equal number of matches—15 each. In the most recent 10 matches, teams batting second have a slight advantage, winning six out of those games.
Reports suggest that the final will take place on the same black soil pitch used for the league-stage match between India and Pakistan. In that encounter, the Men in Blue efficiently chased down Pakistan's target of 192 runs, securing victory with seven wickets in hand and almost 20 overs to spare.
The Ahmedabad pitch in the 2023 World Cup has proven to be spinner-friendly. Despite pace bowlers claiming more wickets (35) compared to spinners (22), the spinners have been highly economical, conceding just 4.89 runs per over. Notably, bowlers like Adam Zampa (three for 21) troubled English batters on this pitch, while India's Kuldeep Yadav (two for 35) had Pakistan's middle-order in a spin during their encounter on this surface.
Conclusion
The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch in Ahmedabad has favored spinners throughout the World Cup. Although pace bowlers have taken more wickets, spinners have been impressively economical, allowing for an interesting balance. The final showdown promises an intriguing battle, with teams likely to strategize around the pitch conditions. The even split between teams batting first and chasing adds an element of unpredictability, making the upcoming match a thrilling encounter where adaptability will be key.
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