Cricket World Cup 2023: Travis Head’s brilliant century helps Australia clinch their sixth title, shocking the hosts India

The men’s cricket World Cup was won by Australia for the sixth time, shocking hosts India in Ahmedabad.

Before Travis Head’s incredible century allowed Australia to cruise to victory with seven overs remaining, they had silenced the raucous cheers from the 100,000-strong home crowd. Australia had previously defeated their opponents for 240.

Australia found themselves down to 47-3 as their bowlers skillfully exploited a slow pitch, but India responded with a brilliant new-ball performance that left Australia reeling.

However, Head and Marnus Labuschagne calmly with a stand of 192 withstood the storm as Indian hope dissipated from the biggest cricket stadium on earth.

Labuschagne finished 58 not out from 110 balls, but Glenn Maxwell blasted the winning runs a ball later when Head was caught for 137 from 120 balls with just two runs required.

Following their incredible triumph, Australia has maintained their position as the most successful team in the 50-over World Cup, leading them by four titles.

This concludes a half-year span during which they triumphed over India to secure the World Test Championship and hold onto the Ashes in England.

As they advanced easily through the group and semifinal stages, India appeared certain to win the white-ball title for the first time since 2011. However, their attempt to do so was dashed at the last hurdle.

BBC