Ashish Ranjan
Indian supporters are devastated as their team once again failed to perform in the elimination stages of an ICC competition. India finished second in the WTC final for the second consecutive year, as Pat Cummins’ Australia defeated them by a colossal 209 runs.
Australia scored 327 runs with only three wickets lost on the first day of the match, putting India in a precarious position. Travis Head scored a century, while Steve Smith remained unblemished with 95 runs. Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj were unable to impress on a verdant pitch. On Day 2, however, India was able to restrict Australia’s score from 361/3 to 469 all out. According to former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, India’s dearth of intent with the ball on Day 1 allowed Australia to advance.
“Mohammad Siraj delivered a delivery to Steve Smith in the first session of Day 2 of the WTC final, after which India’s bowling from both ends changed. This was lacking (on Day 1),” Ganguly told Sports Tak.
While Siraj was preparing to deliver the opening over of Day 2, Smith abruptly withdrew from the match for the unseeded. As an expression of his displeasure, the Indian pacer threw the ball towards the custodian.
Australia became the first team to win ICC world championships in all three formats of the game. India made a significant comeback on Day 2, bowling Australia out for 469. However, the Indian batters were unable to reach their full potential against the Australian bowling attack. The team captained by Rohit Sharma surrendered a 173-run lead in the first innings.
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Australia declared at 270/8 in their second innings, setting India a formidable victory target of 444 runs. India fought valiantly but was ultimately bowled out before lunch on Day 5.With this crushing victory, Australia became the first team to win ICC world championships in all three formats of the game. In 2021, the five-time ODI World Cup champions won the T20 World Cup for the first time.
