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'India To Perform, Australia To Falter' - Ian Chappell Predicts World Cup Final Winner

image-lp52f6twIndia and Australia clash for the World Cup trophy (Twitter)

Ian Chappell made his prediction for the high-voltage ICC World Cup 2023 final between arch-rivals India and Australia. The legendary former Aussie skipper backed Team India to lift the ultimate crown in front of a packed 1,30,000 crowd in Ahmedabad on Sunday (November 19) as he believes Australia would crumble under the weight of pressure versus the mighty hosts. 

Chappell backed Rohit Sharma's men to retain their dominance in the tournament after winning ten consecutive matches, including nine league stage fixtures and a commanding victory in the semifinal in Mumbai on Wednesday (November 15) against historic nemesis New Zealand. 

The 80-year-old wrote in glowing praise for Rohit & company in his piece for ESPNcricinfo and backed the home side to ensure they provide a fitting end to a competition they've aced right from the beginning. 



In contrast, Chappell foresaw Australia stumbling at the last hurdle, unlike the past, where they've peaked as an allround side in the business end of ICC events. Despite winning their previous eight matches, Australia would admit they have played rather unconvincing cricket in the build-up to the summit clash. 

Chappell Backs India To Lift the World Cup 2023 Trophy 

Chappell prophesied India coming up with their 'A' game under pressure of a final with skipper Rohit continuing to lead from the front despite the humongous weight of expectations. The skipper has been belligerent at the top against new-ball attacks and blasted 550 runs in his ten innings at a strike-rate of 124.15. 

"It's likely that India captain Rohit Sharma will try, as he has done in the past, to set the pattern by orchestrating a fast start. If Australia are superb in the field, as they were against South Africa, this will make Rohit's task more difficult," Chappell wrote. 


"If the final is competitive it will boil down to a nail-biting cliff-hanger, which is exactly what you should expect from the two best teams."


"I expect India to perform at their best and Australia to falter slightly, producing a narrow home victory that will set off yet another wild round of celebrations," he added.