Australia won in the highly anticipated World Test Championship Final against India by a convincing margin of 209 runs. The triumph sealed the prestigious title and cemented Australia's status as the first team to win ICC titles in all three formats. Let's delve into the major highlights of this captivating encounter.
Stellar performances from Steve Smith and Travis Head contributed to Australia's success early in the game. Head displayed his brilliance by smashing an impressive 163 runs off 174 deliveries. Smith contributed a vital 121 runs during their remarkable partnership of 285 runs for the fourth wicket. These exceptional innings propelled Australia to a mammoth first-innings total of 469.
Following Australia's dominant batting display, India was in a precarious situation at 71/4. The fighting spirit of Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shardul Thakur revived India's hopes. Jadeja played a crucial knock of 48 runs, and Thakur showcased his batting prowess with an impressive half-century. Then Rahane's resilient 89 gave India a glimmer of hope. Against all odds, their collective efforts enabled India to reach a respectable total of 296, which seemed unlikely at one point.
In the second innings, India's bowling performance showed improvement as they managed to restrict Australia to 167/6. But Alex Carey's unbeaten 66, combined with Mitchell Starc's contribution of 41 runs, extended Australia's lead to 444 runs with a final total of 270/8.
As India fought to salvage the match, the hopes rested on the shoulders of Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. The duo batted magnificently, suggesting the possibility of at least a draw, if not a miraculous victory. Scott Boland dismissed Kohli shy of a half-century, while Mitchell Starc claimed the crucial wicket of Rahane for 46. These breakthroughs triggered a collapse in India's batting line-up. Nathan Lyon added to India's woes by claiming four wickets, dismantling the tail, and bundling India out for 234. Boland was the standout performer with three wickets in the innings, concluding the match with five wickets. Australia emerged triumphant with a commanding victory margin of 209 runs.
Travis Head's extraordinary knock of 163 earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award. His contributions were pivotal in Australia's resounding victory. It solidified their claim to the prestigious World Test Championship title.
As the dust settles on this captivating clash, Australia's triumph in the WTC Final will be etched in cricketing history. It will serve as a testament to their exceptional skills and unwavering determination.