As the five-time champions, Australia, gear up for their record eighth World Cup final, they are set to face India, a team they previously defeated in the 2003 World Cup final by a significant 125-run margin. Despite an initial stumble, the Aussies have since been on an unstoppable winning spree.
The team’s top-order has been consistently delivering, but it’s Glenn Maxwell’s renewed vigor that has made them a formidable force during the middle overs. The pace attack has been commendable, and Adam Zampa’s game-changing performances have been noteworthy. Let’s delve into their journey in the tournament so far:
Match 1: Australia vs India in Chennai
Despite a challenging pitch, David Warner and Steve Smith’s forties helped Australia reach 199. However, India’s early loss of three wickets was quickly rectified by a strong partnership between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, leading to a six-wicket victory for India.
Match 2: Australia vs South Africa in Lucknow
Quinton de Kock’s aggressive century set the pace for South Africa, helping them cross 300. Australia struggled against the pace and spin of South Africa’s bowlers, leading to their defeat.
Match 3: Australia vs Sri Lanka in Lucknow
Despite Sri Lanka’s strong start, a game-changing catch from Warner and Zampa’s leg spin led to their collapse. Australia managed to chase the target with relative ease, despite losing five wickets.
Match 4: Australia vs Pakistan in Bengaluru
Warner’s dropped catch proved costly for Pakistan as he scored a stunning 163, helping Australia set a massive target of 367. Despite a valiant effort, Pakistan fell short in the chase.
Match 5: Australia vs Netherlands in Delhi
Maxwell’s record-breaking century helped Australia set a mammoth target of 399. Zampa’s bowling prowess then led to the Netherlands’ collapse at 90, resulting in Australia’s largest winning margin in the tournament’s history.
Match 6: Australia vs New Zealand in Dharamsala
Travis Head’s ton helped Australia set a high target. Despite a close call from New Zealand’s Ravindra and Neesham, Australia managed to secure a five-run victory.
Match 7: Australia vs England in Ahmedabad
After an early setback, a crucial partnership between Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green, followed by Zampa’s cameo, helped Australia reach 286. Zampa’s excellent bowling performance then neutralized threats from England’s Malan, Stokes, and Ali.
Match 8: Australia vs Afghanistan in Mumbai
Inspired by Ibrahim Zadran’s century, Afghanistan set a target of 291. Despite a challenging start, Maxwell’s double century, one of the greatest ODI innings, helped Australia clinch the match with three wickets to spare.
Match 9: Australia vs Bangladesh in Pune
Despite Bangladesh’s strong total, Mitchell Marsh’s unbeaten 177 led Australia to victory.
Semi-final 2: Australia vs South Africa in Kolkata
Australia’s pacers dominated the Proteas’ top-order, but David Miller’s century helped South Africa reach 212. A strong start from Warner and Head, followed by a resilient tail-end performance, secured Australia’s victory by three wickets.