In an electrifying showdown at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, Australian opener Travis Head etched his name into World Cup history, becoming the seventh player to score a century in the final and steering his team to a resounding six-wicket triumph over hosts and favored contenders, India.
Head’s spectacular innings of 137 off just 120 deliveries propelled Australia to chase down India’s total of 240 all out, reaching an impressive 241-4 in 43 overs. His stellar performance, comprising 15 boundaries and four sixes, mesmerized the record crowd of approximately 120,000, leaving them in awe-struck silence.
India, having surged into the final with ten consecutive victories, were perceived as the likely victors by the passionate majority of their supporters. However, Australian captain Pat Cummins’ bold decision to bowl first yielded immense dividends.
Amidst the pressure, Marnus Labuschagne’s understated contribution proved pivotal in World Cup history. His Test match-style innings of 58 from 110 balls, entering the crease at a challenging 47-3, formed a crucial part of the match-winning fourth-wicket partnership of 192 alongside Head, although his role remained less sensational yet equally significant.
