The International Cricket Council (ICC) gave an average rating to the pitches at the Narendra Modi Stadium and the Eden Gardens that were used for the 2023 World Cup final and second semi-final.
Andy Pycroft who is the ICC match referee has given the pitch rating for the final, while former Indian speedster Javagal Srinath rated the pitch that was used for the second semi-final. The second semi-final that was played in Kolkata was a low-scoring clash where both Australia and South Africa failed to score big. The Proteas needed up making 212 and in reply, the Aussies also found it difficult to chase the score but then they finally did in the 48th over.
Following India’s defeat, former Australian great Ricky Ponting said the wicket backfired on India.
“It was very, very sub-continental conditions today. A wicket preparation that has probably ended up backfiring on India to be totally fair," Fox News quoted Ponting as saying.
“They’ve clearly got a very clever think tank. I don’t think they are a 320 side, they are a 280 side, and preparing a pitch like this gave Australia a chance," said Vaughan.
“They did exactly what Pat Cummins said they would, they’ve silenced the crowd. They’ve done it in great fashion. I don’t know anyone who thought the game would be done in 43 overs with Australia coasting to the target."
Talking about the final, the Indian team managed to score 240 on a two-paced Ahmedabad wicket, and in response, the Aussies completed the chase by six wickets in just 43 overs. Before the start of the mega event, the Indian team came as favourites and they also played like one. The Men in Blue under the leadership of Rohit Sharma won all the games in the group stages before perishing in the final against Australia.
Players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were the stars with the bat as they scored 765 runs and 597 runs respectively. Mohammed Shami on the other hand was the star with the ball as he scalped 24 wickets.