19 November,2023 07:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Sir Richard Hadlee
Australia’s Steven Smith (left), Alex Carey (centre) and bowling coach Daniel Vettori check the Motera pitch on Saturday. Pic/AFP
Australia are chasing a record-extending sixth World Cup title after edging South Africa in a thrilling semi-final at Eden Gardens. This is Australia's eighth appearance in the final of a World Cup and the current World Test champions have the credentials to pull off a potential surprise win over favourites India.
What's certain is that the Aussies can't ever be written off. They know how to win and when in trouble, they dig deep and find a way out of it. They will believe they can take down the front-runners in what could be an epic encounter in Ahmedabad.
Both teams are on a golden run. India have won 10 consecutive games while Australia have bounced back from defeats in their first two matches to run up a winning streak of eight matches.
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India have been unstoppable and there is every chance and opportunity that they can win their third ODI World Cup title. They have consistently been the best team of the tournament with several decisive and impressive wins. India systematically dismantled and demolished the New Zealand bowling first, and then the batting, in the semi-final.
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Australia have gotten better with each outing and won games from near hopeless positions. Who can forget Glenn Maxwell's heroic double-century against Afghanistan when Australia were 91 for seven, chasing 292 for victory? What an innings his unbeaten 201 was! It's the best knock I have seen; with his body racked by cramps, he found a way to stand tall and deliver with typically unorthodox stroke-play.
India and Australia met each other in their respective first matches of the tournament when Australia were bowled out for 199. India stumbled to three wickets down for two runs, but regrouped through Virat Kohli and KL Rahul for a memorable win. Both teams have played and won in Ahmedabad in this World Cup, so they will know what to expect from the pitch.
Chivach Sports
