NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary cricketer, congratulated Australia on their record sixth ODI World Cup victory and shared a sweet message with the Indian squad.
India came close but fell short of capturing the much-coveted World Cup trophy. Australia played their greatest cricket of the competition at the Narendra Modi Stadium, leaving Indian fans devastated.
Sachin stated that the Baggy Greens played better cricket than the Men in Blue but applauded them for giving it their all throughout the competition.
"Congratulations to Australia on their sixth World Cup win. On the most important day of the biggest stage, they played better cricket. Hard luck Team India, just one bad day in an otherwise sterling tournament can be heartbreaking," Sachin wrote on X.
"I can imagine the agony of the players, fans and well-wishers and what they must be going through. Losses are a part of the sport but let us remember that this unit gave their all for us throughout the tournament," Sachin added.
Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag hailed Australia's management decision to stick with Travis Head even though he was on the sidelines for the majority of the tournament due to injury.
1/7:Hits and flops at ICC ODI World Cup
Agencies
2/7:Afghanistan's Stellar Performances
The Afghans enjoyed stellar performances starting with their stunning win over defending champions England. They kept up their giant-killing act and hammered neighbours Pakistan by eight wickets to trigger wild celebrations.ANI
3/7:Maxwell's unforgettable innings
Maxwell smashed the tournament's fastest century in 40 balls in a match-winning 106 against the Netherlands. But Maxwell had only just got started as he then defied cramp and back spasms in a knock for the ages when he lifted Australia to victory with an unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan.Getty Images
4/7:Kohli's record-breaking century
Virat Kohli lived up to his billing as one of the modern-day greats, recording a 50th ODI century to go past compatriot Sachin Tendulkar's 49 tons. He achieved the feat in India's semi-final against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium.ANI
5/7:Babar Azam's Pakistan struggle
Babar Azam's team came in with huge expectations and started with two victories before their campaign hit a wall in the shadow of right security which director of cricket Mickey Arthur branded as "stifling".Reuters
6/7:England's disappointing campaign
Jos Buttler came into the tournament as captain of one of the fancied teams out to defend their title but their campaign fizzled out early after just one win in the first seven matches.Getty Images
7/7:Mathews' controversial dismissal
Sri Lanka batsman Angelo Mathews became the first batsman in 146 years of international cricket to be given "timed out" in an ill-tempered match against Bangladesh.ReutersShewag congratulated Australia for their triumph and wrote on X, "Many Congratulations Australia on winning the World Cup. They were the best side on the day of the finals. Travis Head was simply unbelievable, was the POTM in WTC finals, won the semis for Aus and played one of the best ever innings in a WC Final and finished the game.
"Australia's decision to have him in the squad despite him missing the first half of the World Cup to injury was a top decision. We can hold our heads high for the effort our boys gave throughout the tournament, they gave us many moments of joy throughout the WC, but unfortunately weren't able to cross the line in the finals."
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah hailed the unwavering spirit and the never-die attitude of the Indian team.
"Although the Men in Blue may have fallen short in the Cricket World Cup 2023 finals against Australia, their journey has left an indelible mark of inspiration. From triumph to tribulation, each match became a testament to the unwavering spirit, determination, and skill of our team. Winning all 10 matches leading up to the finals, they showcased the true essence of cricket - a game that is as unpredictable as it is beautiful," Shah wrote on X.
1/10:Markram's 49-ball hundred against Sri Lanka
<p>The tournament was just two days old when South Africa's Aiden Markram smashed the fastest World Cup century off 49 balls against Sri Lanka in New Delhi. His team also entered the record books with the highest ever tournament total of 428 in a 102-run win. Markram's blitz bettered the 50 balls Ireland's Kevin O'Brien needed to hit a hundred against England in Bengaluru in 2011. However, Markram said he "wouldn't be surprised" if his record was beaten by the end of the tournament. He was proved right by Glenn Maxwell just 18 days later. (Getty Images)<br /></p>
2/10:Pakistan chased down the highest target in World Cup history
<p>Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique made centuries as Pakistan chased down the highest target in World Cup history to beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in Hyderabad. Rizwan overcame leg cramps to score 131 not out while Shafique hit 113 as Pakistan overhauled their 345-run target. Sri Lanka's imposing total of 344-9 was built around hundreds from Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama. (TOI Photo)<br /></p>
3/10:Afghanistan pulled off a big World Cup shock
<p>Afghanistan pulled off one of the greatest World Cup shocks when they defeated defending champions England by 69 runs in New Delhi. Chasing 285 to win, after opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz had hit a blistering 80, England were bowled out for 215 with spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan claiming three wickets each. Eight days later in Chennai, Afghanistan chased down 283 to shock neighbours Pakistan with Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah and Gurbaz all scoring fifties. (TOI Photo)<br /></p>
4/10:Glenn Maxwell scored the fastest World Cup century
<p>Glenn Maxwell took Aiden Markram's fastest World Cup century record by hitting a 40-ball hundred in Australia's 309-run rout of the Netherlands at New Delhi. Australia made 399-8 before the Dutch were dismissed for just 90 in 21 overs. Maxwell's ton was also the fourth fastest century in all ODIs. (ANI Photo)<br /></p>
5/10:Highest-scoring World Cup game in history
<p>Australia edged out New Zealand by just five runs in the highest-scoring World Cup game in history in Dharamsala. Australia scored 388 as Travis Head top-scored with 109 and fellow opener David Warner made 81. New Zealand battled hard with Rachin Ravindra making 116. With a total of 771 runs, it was the highest scoring game at a World Cup, beating the 754 scored in South Africa's win against Sri Lanka earlier in the tournament. (IANS Photo)<br /></p>
6/10:Mohammed Shami's fifer took India to semis
<p>Mohammed Shami took five wickets as Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 55 as India secured a semi-final place with a colossal 302-run win in Mumbai. Sri Lanka's woeful innings featured five noughts, with both their openers falling for golden ducks as they flopped in pursuit of 358. (AP Photo)<br /></p>
7/10:Angelo Mathews 'timed out'
<p>Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews branded Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan as "disgraceful" after he became the first player in 146 years of international cricket to be given "timed out". Mathews was adjudged to be out after failing to take strike within the two-minute time limit when he came out to bat in New Delhi. Shakib refused to withdraw the appeal. "I had to take a decision to make sure that my team wins," he said. (Reuters Photo)<br /></p>
8/10:'The greatest one-day innings ever played'
<p>Australia captain Pat Cummins described it as "the greatest one-day innings ever played" as Glenn Maxwell's stunning 201 not out guided Australia into the semi-finals in a sensational three-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Mumbai. At 91-7, chasing 292, Australia were staring at defeat before Maxwell's 128-ball innings which featured 21 fours and 10 sixes as he became just the third batsman to score a World Cup double century. He achieved the mark despite battling cramps and back spasms. (ANI Photo)<br /></p>
9/10:Virat Kohli's record 50th ODI hundred
<p>Virat Kohli scored a record 50th one-day international hundred in the semi-final win against New Zealand in Mumbai, hailing the landmark as being "like a dream". Kohli, 35, reached his century with a two off fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, having faced 106 balls, to break the record of 49 ODI hundreds he had shared with Sachin Tendulkar. He did so on his former India team-mate's home ground, with Tendulkar among those applauding at the Wankhede Stadium. (Reuters Photo)<br /></p>
10/10:Travis Head's title-winning hundred
<p>Travis Head hit 137 and took a spectacular catch to dismiss Rohit Sharma to steer Australia to a six-wicket win over India in the final for a sixth World Cup title. India were dismissed for 240 before Australia reached their target with seven overs to spare in front of over 90,000 fans in Ahmedabad. "That's huge, that's the pinnacle in cricket, winning a World Cup, especially here in India, and these are the moments you remember for the rest of your life," said skipper Pat Cummins. (Getty Images)<br /></p>"The entire nation rallied behind our boys, transforming this World Cup into a nationwide celebration of cricket in India. The energy, passion, and unyielding support from the entire population were truly incredible. To every single member of Team India, I express heartfelt gratitude. Your dedication, hard work, and perseverance have provided moments of pure joy throughout this tournament. You've made us proud, not just with your victories, but with the way you've played the game - with heart, with pride, and with a never-say-die attitude. This World Cup wasn't just about the wins; it was about the emotions, the camaraderie, and the indomitable spirit of Team India. Thank you for the joy and the unforgettable moments. Here's to the Men in Blue - true champions in every sense. The journey may have ended, but the pride and love for our team will resonate forever," Shah added.
Coming to the match, India was bundled out on a score of 240 in 50 overs. While chasing 241, India had the Aussies down at 47/3. Knocks from Travis Head (137 in 120 balls, with 15 fours and four sixes) and Marnus Labuschagne (58 in 110 balls, with four boundaries) left the Indian team without answers and guided them to a six-wicket win.
1/10:Head breaks India hearts as Australia win sixth World Cup title
Reuters
2/10:Travis Head's heroic Century
Travis Head's sparkling knock of 137 led Australia to victory in the World Cup final.AFP
3/10:Head & Labuschagne's partnership
Travis Head's marathon stand of 192 with Marnus Labuschagne secured the win for Australia in the final.AFP
4/10:End of India's unbeaten streak
Travis Head's century ended India's dominant run of 10 unbeaten matches at the World Cup.AFP
5/10:'Pinnacle of Cricket'
Captain Pat Cummins describes winning the World Cup as the pinnacle of cricket.AFP
6/10:Head's impact despite injury
Travis Head's match-winning century proved his resilience after recovering from a hand injury.AFP
7/10:India's trophy drought continues
India's hopes of ending their trophy drought since 2013 were dashed by Australia's dominant performance.AFP
8/10:Bowlers set up victory
Australia's bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, played a crucial role in the team's victory.AFP
9/10:Head's century in World Cup final
Travis Head's century became the seventh in a World Cup final and the third by an Australian player.AFP
10/10:India's bowlers struggle
India's bowlers failed to break the partnership between Head and Labuschagne, allowing Australia to take control of the game.PTI(With inputs from ANI)
