Australian top-order wobble in pursuit of World Cup final victory

Jasprit Bumrah (C) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Australia`s Steve Smith (R) (Pic: AFP)

IND vs AUS ICC World Cup 2023 final: Australia star batsman Steve Smith was dismissed for just four as India fought back with the ball in the ICC World Cup 2023 final at Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Jasprit Bumrah deceived Smith with a slower ball that had the right-hander lbw, the India paceman celebrating wildly with his team-mates as a near full house of around 130,000 fans erupted with joy. Smith decided against a review and his exit left Australia 47-3 from seven overs, chasing a target of 241 to win a record-extending sixth one-day international World Cup title.

Also Read: How Australian pacers managed to rule over Motera?

Australia were 60-3 at the 10-over mark, with opener Travis Head 19 not out and Marnus Labuschagne yet to get off the mark. Earlier, India, bidding for a third World Cup title and second on home soil after their 2011 triumph, were dismissed for 240 after being sent into bat.

Earlier, left-arm quick Mitchell Starc took 3-55 and Australia captain Pat Cummins a miserly 2-34 in his maximum 10 overs. KL Rahul top-scored with 66 but hit only one boundary in 107 balls. Key batsman Virat Kohli made 54 after India captain Rohit Sharma struck a fluent 47 off just 31 balls opening the innings.