A Look At Lowest Totals Defended In World Cups After India Fail To Defend 240 In IND Vs AUS Final

Despite a lengthy batting order, India struggled to post a competitive total, managing only 240 runs within 50 overs, losing all their wickets.

India's KL Rahul plays a shot during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 final match between India and Australia, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023.

Source : PTI

The Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team faced challenges against Pat Cummins' Australia at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 final held at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on November 19 (Sunday). Despite a lengthy batting order, India struggled to post a competitive total, managing only 240 runs within 50 overs, losing all their wickets. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Adam Zampa displayed tight bowling, restricting India's scoring opportunities.

Statistics from matches played at the stadium reveal a balanced record, with 17 wins for the team batting first and 15 for the team chasing. The average first innings total stands at 237, while the second innings average is 208. Notably, the West Indies defended the lowest total of 196 runs against India at this venue.

India Defended 183 In The 1983 World Cup Final

In the men's ODI World Cup of 1983 final, India successfully defended a small total of 183 runs, restricting the West Indies to 140. Mohinder Amarnath and Madan Lal played pivotal roles, each claiming three wickets during that match. Pakistan achieved success in the 1992 World Cup final, posting 249/6 against England and winning by a margin of 22 runs. Australia claimed victory in the 1987 World Cup final, scoring 253/5 against England and triumphing by 7 runs.

In various World Cup editions, there have been notable instances where teams defended low totals successfully. Zimbabwe showcased their resilience by defending a modest total of 135 runs against England in 1992, clinching a thrilling victory by 9 runs. Another remarkable feat was England's defence of 166 runs against Pakistan in 1979, securing a hard-fought win by 14 runs in the World Cup encounter. Kenya stunned the West Indies by defending 167 runs in 1996, claiming a dominant victory by 73 runs in the World Cup match.

Coming to the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final, Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl first. Despite promising starts by Rohit Sharma and early contributions from KL Rahul (66), Virat Kohli (54), and Rohit Sharma (47), India struggled, failing to build substantial partnerships, and no other batter managed to surpass 20 runs. Mitchell Starc claimed three wickets for Australia, while Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins took two each. Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa secured one wicket apiece.

Although Australia faced a slight hiccup, losing three wickets for 47, a formidable 192-run partnership between Head and Marnus Labuschagne (58 not out) sealed the victory, shutting the door on India's hopes.