The 45-day tournament is drawing to a close, as the hosts take on Australia tomorrow morning in Ahmedabad: is India on the verge of ending its 12-year wait for a title? The hosts performed magnificently throughout the competition, ably winning all nine matches before defeating New Zealand in the semifinals. The hosts beat the Black Caps on Wednesday by 70 runs, guided by Kohli, Iyer and Shami. They come into this final matchup as heavy favourites thanks to their recent performances. India also defeated Australia back on October 8th in their first game in the tournament by 6 wickets.
However, Australia are the side that have won the most World Cups (5), and their eighth time in the finals. The Aussies started this competition shakily, losing their first two games against India and South Africa. Since then, they have won all their games, including a relatively nervy semifinal against the proteas. While they may be the more decorated side historically, Australia will have a tough task tomorrow. The hosts have shown no signs of weakness over the past six weeks, demolishing every opponent they’ve faced. Home icon Virat Kohli has already made 711 runs in the tournament, and will once again play a key role in his side’s success in the final game. Therefore, are India on the verge of a a major success? Indeed they are.
India to Win – 1.38
Australia to Win – 3.00
