World Cup 2023 Final, IND vs AUS  | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Mohammed Shami is the highest wicket-taker of World Cup 2023 (AP Photos)

India-Australia clashes always seem to carry an aura that very few contests have been able to match in the last two decades or so. The Aussies have been a dominant force in world cricket, while the Indian team, with its huge fanbase and star-studded arsenal, has been one of the few teams that has constantly challenged Australian supremacy.

On Sunday, 19th of November 2023, another memorable chapter will be written in this fierce rivalry, when two teams go head-to-head at the Narendra Modi Stadium for the ultimate glory in the game of cricket. 

India and Australia clashed in the 50-over World Cup final exactly two decades ago, and it was Australia that emerged victorious at Johannesburg back then. Will history repeat itself at Ahmedabad? Or Will India settle the scores at their home turf? All questions will be answered soon, but let's just try to make more sense of the gravity of the battle by delving into some more finer details.

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IND vs AUS: Team Previews

India

The Rohit Sharma-led Indian team have dominated this home World Cup and are coming into this game on the back of an impressive win over Kiwis in the semifinal. They are on a 10-match winning streak in this World Cup, and it is their captain, Rohit Sharma who has set the tone for most of those wins with his belligerent strokeplay at the top of the order. He has scored 550 runs at a strike rate of over 124 while his young opening partner, Shubman Gill has also found his touch in the last few games after a slow start to the tournament. The Narendra Modi Stadium has also been a happy hunting ground for Gill and expect him to fire in the big final.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in World Cup 2023 (AP Photos)

The great starts at the top of the order have been backed by ever-dependable Virat Kohli who is now the only player to score more than 700 runs in a single edition of the World Cup. However, it is the performance of the duo of Shreyas Iyer (526 runs) and KL Rahul (386 runs) that has been the point of difference for India compared to the last two editions, and all these batters combined have helped India piled up some huge scores, something which they would like to replicate in the final too.

The bowling unit too has been top notch and Mohammed Shami has been the star of the show with 22 wickets in just 6 matches. Jasprit Bumrah (18 wickets) has lived upto his billing while the spin duo of Jadeja-Kuldeep has also been brilliant. They will have to play a big role in the final too, but Siraj also needs to get back to his best as he has been blowing hot and cold throughout the tournament.

Australia

Aussies, on the other hand, have played good cricket but have not played a perfect game so far in this World Cup. They were scratchy with the bat against the Proteas as well in the semifinal but managed to get over the line. However, they are a team full of match-winners who know how to deliver in big matches.

Australia have won 50-over World Cup title 5 times (AP Photos)

Undoubtedly, their strength in the batting department are their openers, David Warner and Travis Head. Warner has scored 528 runs and his experience and big-match credentials will be key. Head with his aggressive strokeplay can take the bowling line-ups apart something which India would have to be vary of. Their middle order though is a cause of worry as Steve Smith has not lived upto his billing and except Maxwell, no one has been able to deliver impact performances from the middle order.

On the bowling front, Adam Zampa with 22 wickets has been their trump card but it is the trio of Starc,Hazlewood and Pat Cummins that need to put pressure on India with early wickets with the new ball. Starc and Hazlewood did rattle India with the new ball in the group stage, and they would like to replicate that, and hunt down India in the game that matters the most.

IND vs AUS: Match Details & Live Streaming

IND vs AUS: Pitch Report

The Narendra Modi Stadium has 11 pitches with six black soil pitches and five red soil pitches. The pitch here is generally good for batting and we have seen some high scores on this ground. However, the bowlers, both pacers and spinners have extracted some help here too, and if the pitch number 5 is used, which has been used only once so far, we can expect some big runs. There are some reports though that the pitch number 6 might get a nod, and in that case, spinners might play a bit more role.

IND vs AUS: Probable Playing XIs

India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.

Australia: David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

IND vs AUS: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Prediction

India have been in red-hot form in this World Cup and have the psychological advantage of beating Australia earlier in the tournament as well. This might be a close game but expect India to lift their third 50-over World Cup title infront of their passionate home crowd.

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