Pat Cummins’ team delivered an exceptional performance to defeat the tournament hosts, India, in the final, marking a remarkable streak of nine consecutive victories after Australia’s initial two losses.
Let’s revisit the campaign that saw Australia, the World Test Champions, add the 2023 Cricket World Cup to their trophy collection.
Match 1: Australia vs India in Chennai
India capitalized on a spin-friendly pitch, while David Warner and Steve Smith’s valuable forties helped Australia reach 199. Despite a challenging target of 200, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc’s striking performance reduced India to 2/3. However, a strong partnership between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul helped India secure a six-wicket win.
Match 2: Australia vs South Africa in Lucknow
Quinton de Kock’s aggressive century set the pace for South Africa, with other batters pushing the score past 300. Australia struggled against the pace of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen and the spin of Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi.
Match 3: Australia vs Sri Lanka in Lucknow
Sri Lanka’s positive start saw them quickly amass 125 runs. However, a spectacular catch from Warner turned the tide. Sri Lanka succumbed to Zampa’s leg spin, losing their remaining wickets for just 84 runs. Despite losing five wickets, Australia comfortably chased down the target.
Match 4: Australia vs Pakistan in Bengaluru
An early missed catch proved costly for Pakistan as Warner scored a stunning 163. Alongside fellow centurion Mitchell Marsh, he propelled Australia to a massive 367. Despite a valiant effort from their top order, Pakistan couldn’t keep up with the chase.
Match 5: Australia vs Netherlands in Delhi
A change in venue didn’t disrupt Australia’s momentum. Maxwell’s record-breaking century helped Australia finish on 399. A Zampa-led bowling attack then dismissed the Netherlands for 90, securing Australia’s largest winning margin in the tournament’s history.
Match 6: Australia vs New Zealand in Dharamsala
Travis Head’s scintillating century pushed Australia’s total to great heights. Rachin Ravindra and James Neesham nearly clinched it for New Zealand, but Australia prevailed by five runs.
Match 7: Australia vs England in Ahmedabad
A crucial partnership between Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green helped Australia recover from an early setback, finishing at 286. Zampa’s excellent bowling performance neutralized threats from Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, and Moeen Ali.
Match 8: Australia vs Afghanistan in Mumbai
Inspired by Ibrahim Zadran’s century, Afghanistan posted 291/5. Their bowlers then reduced Australia to 91/7. Glenn Maxwell’s masterful double century, despite battling severe cramps, led Australia to a thrilling three-wicket win.
Match 9: Australia vs Bangladesh in Pune
Bangladesh posted a strong total on a good batting pitch, but Mitchell Marsh’s blazing 177* overpowered their effort.
Semi-final 2: Australia vs South Africa in Kolkata
Australia’s pacers dismantled South Africa’s top-order, but David Miller’s century helped South Africa post 212. A strong start from Warner and Head put Australia ahead, and they eventually won by three wickets.
Final: Australia vs India in Ahmedabad
Australia delivered a near-flawless performance, starting with Pat Cummins’ decision to bowl first against India’s formidable batting line-up. The bowlers responded brilliantly, picking up crucial wickets at key moments. Despite losing three early wickets, Travis Head’s century and Marnus Labuschagne’s composed half-century led Australia to victory.
Head was aptly named Player of the Match, but it was a team effort that saw Australia clinch their sixth men’s Cricket World Cup title.