Cricket World Cup on Sunday, defying the odds and a partisan home crowd in Ahmedabad, to defeat host nation India by six wickets.
India fell just short of fulfilling its country’s expectations after it had dominated much of this tournament, cruising to 10 consecutive wins and ratcheting up the pressure in this cricket-obsessed nation that has waited 12 years for another one-day trophy.
But its near impregnable batting line-up faltered in the face of Australia’s savvy bowling while Travis Head’s spectacular 137 off 120 balls anchored Australia’s run chase as it cantered towards victory and another World Cup trophy. Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister, presented the winners with the World Cup trophy alongside Australia’s deputy prime minister Richard Marles. Australian batsman Travis Head gave the performance of the night, scoring 137 at a packed Narendra Modi stadium, the world’s biggest cricket arena, which is named after the country’s prime minister and is located in Ahmedabad, the largest city in his home state of Gujarat. Australian batsman Travis Head gave the performance of the night, scoring 137 at a packed Narendra Modi stadium, the world’s biggest cricket arena, which is named after the country’s prime minister and is located in Ahmedabad, the largest city in his home state of Gujarat.  Head missed the first five games of the tournament with a fractured hand but Cummins, knowing his value, did not blink. And the gamble to keep the spot open delivered the ultimate payout at the end, a masterful 137 from 120 balls – alloyed by a steadfast 58 not out from Labuschagne – reeling in the target, four wickets down with seven overs to spare.
As Labuschagne chiselled away at one end, blunting India’s spinners, the South Australian southpaw with the bushy moustache had taken on the riskier role, crunching 15 fours and four sixes. Among them was a four that greeted what felt like Shami’s pivotal return in the 24th over, Head sending it back whence it came en route to his 95-ball century.
Australia, and that initially carried into the batting. David Warner and Head put on 15 runs in the first over before Warner got out in the second over to Mohammed Shami, giving India a sliver of hope.
Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith fell shortly afterwards to leave Australia 47-3 and suddenly it was India with the momentum. Every play and miss provoked deafening cheers from the crowd, willing India to take another wicket and press home its advantage.
But an outstanding Head, who was named player of the match, and Marnus Labuschagne, who scored 58, built a partnership that tore the game away from India.
Head’s innings ended prematurely when he holed out two runs shy of victory leaving Maxwell to come on and hit the winning runs, prompting wild celebrations among the Australians.
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