NEW DELHI: In a cricketing spectacle of grand proportions, India, the unbeaten hosts, are set to carry the hopes of billions when they face off against Australia in the highly anticipated World Cup final at the majestic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
The 130,000-capacity stadium, named after the Indian Prime Minister, is not only the battleground for this high-stakes encounter but also the canvas for pre-match extravaganzas.
A pre-match fly-past by the Indian Air Force and meticulously choreographed displays featuring dancers and light shows during innings breaks are all part of the pageantry, underscoring India's status as the economic powerhouse of the cricketing world.
India's cricketing dominance in the tournament has been nothing short of spectacular, winning all 10 games leading up to the final.
1/10:India vs Australia: Clash of titans in World Cup final
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2/10:India vs Australia: Clash of Titans
India will come to a virtual standstill on Sunday when its cricket team led by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli takes on five-time champion Australia in the Cricket World Cup final.Getty Images
3/10:Narendra Modi stadium: World's largest cricket venue
The final will be played at Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket venue with a seating capacity of 132,000.AFP
4/10:India's unbeaten streak
India have played in front of partisan crowds during the six-week tournament. The home side has channeled that weight of expectations and pressure to win ten consecutive games — the only unbeaten team.AFP
5/10:Virat Kohli: The focal point of India's success
Virat Kohli has been the focal point for this Indian performance. Now the foremost ODI batter in history with 50 centuries, he has scored 711 runs in 10 innings at average of 101.57.Reuters
6/10:India's dominant bowling attack
India's dominance in this World Cup has been underlined by their bowling attack. Mohammed Shami has been the leader — 23 wickets in only six games.AFP
7/10:Australia: Most dominant side in World Cup history
Going for their sixth title, Australia are the most dominant side in World Cup history. Now in their eighth final, they stand between India's quest for a third title.AFP
8/10:India vs Australia: A history of knockout matches
Australia beat India in the 2015 World Cup semifinal at Sydney, enroute to their fifth title. In 2011, Yuvraj Singh's heroic half-century allowed the eventual championship-winning home side to beat Australia in the quarterfinals at Ahmedabad.Getty Images
9/10:Ricky Ponting's heroics in the 2003 final
The 2003 final in Johannesburg was the last time the teams met in a championship match. Skipper Ricky Ponting smashed an unbeaten 140 as Australia won by 125 runs, amassing 359/2 before India surrendered meekly with 234/9.PTI
10/10:Rohit Sharma: India's key player
Rohit Sharma will once again look to take the attack to Australia captain Pat Cummins and his fellow bowlers. Sharma especially loves short deliveries and has hit the most sixes in this tournament — 28.AFPVirat Kohli, the tournament's leading batsman, has been in sublime form, setting a new record of 50 ODI hundreds in the semi-final victory over New Zealand. Mohammed Shami, leading the tournament bowling charts with 23 wickets at an impressive average of 9.13, has been a potent force for the hosts.
Captain Rohit Sharma, acknowledging the immense pressure, stated, "Playing for India is as good as playing any World Cup game because there's so much pressure. There's so much expectation." He added, "Not many have played the finals, but like I said, playing for India is as good as playing any World Cup game."
Australia, bidding for a record-extending sixth World Cup title, enter the final with a team boasting survivors from their triumphant 2015 World Cup campaign. Captain Pat Cummins emphasised the team's experience, saying, "We know that feeling and won't be afraid to go out there and be brave and take the game on."
Australia's journey in this tournament has been a testament to their resilience, overcoming early setbacks with losses in the first two matches before rallying with eight consecutive wins. Captain Cummins highlighted the team's tenacity, stating, "We've had to fight for every win, but we've found a way to win."
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the clash between these giants, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter that could leave an indelible mark on the sport's history. The hopes of billions ride on India, while Australia seek to etch their name further into cricketing glory.
(With inputs from AFP)
