‘A Billion Dreams Shattered’, responds PAK Media after India surrenders to Australia in ODI World Cup final
India were completely blown away by Travis Head, who single-handedly took Australia home with a match-winning 137 in the final.
Ahmedabad: “A billion dreams shattered,” Pakistan responded Geo.TV after India lost to Australia by six wickets in the 2023 ODI World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. India reached the final after ten straight wins but faltered when it mattered most. It was India’s second ICC final loss of 2023 after Rohit Sharma’s men lost the World Test Championship final against Australia at the Oval in June.
Both the Indian and Pakistani media are keeping a close eye on each other, especially because of the cricket rivalry between the two countries. Similarly, there was keen interest in the Pakistan team for this World Cup, which traveled to their neighboring country after seven long years. It should be noted that India and Pakistan do not have major ties with each other due to political reasons.
Despite their indifference, India extended great hospitality to the Babar Azam-led Pakistan team during their stay in India, a fact that was praised by the cricketers themselves. However, the Men in Green left the league stage with five defeats and four wins.
Heads high, hearts proud #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/1oITOFWMrf
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) November 19, 2023
However, many Pakistani media chose not to cover India’s defeat in detail as their team has already exited the competition. ‘Dil toot gaya…’ read part of Geo.TV’It’s another cup. India started the tournament as title contenders and played like they were the ones. From the first match, India dominated in all departments throughout the competition, with Virat Kohli (765 runs) and Mohammed Shami (24 wickets) holding most of the limelight.
KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer also put up match-winning performances during the tournament to convince people that India will lift the cup. In the final, India finished with a below-par 240 after being asked to bat first despite contributions from Rohit (47 off 31 balls), Kohli (54 off 63) and Rahul (66 off 107).
Similar to his performance in the WTC final against India in June, Travis Head made a match-winning 137 off 120 balls as Australia chased down the target in 43 overs. Indian hopes were raised when Australia lost three wickets for 47, but a 192-run partnership between Head and Marnus Labuschagne (58 not out) closed the door for the opposition.
ℂℍℙℕ ℍ ℍ #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/7PGtzziVoc
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) November 19, 2023
This loss continued India’s ICC title drought. The last time India won an ICC trophy was the Champions Trophy in 2013. “Head breaks India’s hearts as Australia wins sixth World Cup title,” read Dawn‘s head. “Australia takes the Cricket World Cup title for the sixth time,” wrote PTV. “Aussies roar to victory,” I read Bol News‘ head.
India’s defeats in ICC events in the last decade include losing in the 2014 World T20 final, 2016 World T20 semi-final, 2017 Champions Trophy final, ODI World Cup semi-final of 2019, the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final and the runners-up finish. in the 2021 and 2023 World Test Championship cycle.