Australia win cricket world cup. Australia have won their sixth Cricket World Cup title, defeating New Zealand by seven wickets in the final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The Aussies, who had lost their first two matches of tournament against India South Africa, staged remarkable comeback to win six games row lift trophy.

This article will explore how Australia achieved this feat, what were key factors behind their success, what this means for  future of Australian cricket.

The Turning Point: Australia vs Sri Lanka Australia Win Cricket World Cup

The match that changed Australia’s fortunes was their third game against Sri Lanka at Lucknow. After losing the toss and being asked to field first, Australia’s bowlers ripped through Sri Lanka’s batting line-up, dismissing them for 209 in 43.3 overs. 

Spinner Adam Zampa was the star of the show, taking four wickets for 47 runs in eight overs. He was well supported by Pat Cummins, who took three wickets for 38 runs in nine overs.

In reply, Australia had a shaky start, losing David Warner and Steve Smith in the same over to Dilshan Madushanka. However, Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis steadied the ship with a 77-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Labuschagne scored 40 off 51 balls, while Inglis made 58 off 64 balls^{,  Australia win cricket world cup.}

 Marcus Stoinis finished the chase with a flourish, hitting a six off the last ball to seal a five-wicket win for Australia with 88 balls to spare.

This victory gave Australia their first points of the tournament and boosted their confidence. Zampa was named the player of the match for his brilliant bowling performance.

The Momentum: Australia vs Pakistan and Netherlands

After beating Sri Lanka, Australia carried their momentum into their next two matches against Pakistan and Netherlands. Both these games were played at Bengaluru, where Australia enjoyed the batting-friendly conditions.

Against Pakistan, Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. They posted a mammoth total of 374 for 6 in 50 overs, thanks to centuries from Warner (132 off 119 balls) and Smith (108 off 95 balls). They also shared a 212-run stand for the second wicket, which was the highest partnership of the tournament. Pakistan were never in the chase, as they were bowled out for 256 in 44.4 overs. Cummins was once again among the wickets, taking four for 52 in nine overs. Warner was awarded the Player of the Match for his superb knock, Australia win cricket world cup.

Against Netherlands, Australia repeated their batting prowess, scoring 368 for 5 in 50 overs. This time, it was Labuschagne who shone with the bat, scoring his maiden ODI hundred (102 off 89 balls). He was well supported by Inglis (89 off 77 balls) and Stoinis (66 off 36 balls). The Netherlands put up a spirited fight but fell short by 64 runs. They were all out for 304 in 48.2 overs. Zampa picked up three wickets for 55 runs in 10 overs. Labuschagne was named the player of the match for his century.

These two wins ensured that Australia qualified for the semi-finals as the second-placed team in Group A behind India.

The Challenge: Australia vs England

Australia faced their arch-rivals England in the semi-final at Delhi. England had topped Group B with five wins out of six matches. They had also beaten Australia their last two ODI series before World Cup.

The semi-final was tense affair, both teams fought hard for place final. England won the toss and elected to bat first. They got off to good start, reaching 87 for no loss 15 overs. However, Zampa struck twice in quick succession, removing Jason Roy (45) and Jonny Bairstow (42). England then lost wickets at regular intervals and were reduced to 189 for 7 in 38 overs.

Ben Stokes (59) and Chris Woakes (43) added some valuable runs for the eighth wicket, but England could only manage 249 for 9 in 50 overs. Zampa was once again the pick of the bowlers, taking four wickets for 49 runs in 10 overs, Australia win cricket world cup.

Australia’s chase was not smooth either, as they lost Warner (12) and Smith (18) early to Jofra Archer and Mark Wood respectively. Labuschagne and Inglis came to the rescue again, with a 96-run partnership for the third wicket. Labuschagne scored 61 off 72 balls, while Inglis made 55 off 60 balls.

However, both of them fell in quick succession, leaving Australia at 168 for 5 in 34 overs. Stoinis and Alex Carey then took charge, with a 68-run stand for the sixth wicket. Stoinis scored 48 off 40 balls, while Carey made 37 off 31 balls. Australia needed 14 runs off the last over, which was bowled by Woakes. Stoinis hit the first ball for a four but was caught on the second ball.

Cummins came to the crease and hit the third ball for a six, bringing the equation down to four runs off three balls. He then ran a single on the fourth ball, giving the strike to Carey. Carey hit the fifth ball for a four, sealing a thrilling three-wicket win for Australia with one ball to spare, Australia win cricket world cup.

Australia celebrated their victory, they reached their eighth World Cup final. Zampa was named the player of  match for his four-wicket haul.

The Glory: Australia vs New Zealand 

Australia met their neighbours New Zealand in the final at Kolkata. New Zealand had beaten India other semi-final by six wickets. They had also beaten Australia their last ODI series before World Cup.

The final was one-sided affair, Australia dominated from start to finish. New Zealand won toss opted to bat first. They were soon in trouble, as they lost their openers Martin Guptill (8) and Devon Conway (12) cheaply to Cummins and Mitchell Starc respectively, Australia win cricket world cup.

Kane Williamson (32) and Ross Taylor (27) tried to rebuild the innings, but they could not cope with the pressure of the Australian bowling attack. Zampa continued his fine form, taking three wickets for 36 runs in 10 overs. He was well supported by Starc (2-40), Cummins (2-41) and Nathan Lyon (2-45). New Zealand were bowled out for 183 in 45.3 overs.

Australia’s chase was a walk in the park, as they cruised to their target in 33.1 overs. Warner and Smith gave them a solid start, adding 82 runs for the first wicket. Warner scored 50 off 56 balls, while Smith made 41 off 49 balls. Labuschagne and Inglis completed the formalities, with an unbeaten partnership of 102 runs for the second wicket. Labuschagne scored 59 off 65 balls, while Inglis made 33 off 38 balls. Australia reached 184 for 1, winning by seven wickets and clinching their sixth World Cup title, Australia win cricket world cup.

Australia’s players and fans celebrated their triumph, they lifted trophy amid fireworks confetti. Zampa was named player of match for his three-wicket haul. He was also named the player of tournament for his outstanding performance throughout World Cup. He took 21 wickets nine matches at average of 18.52 economy rate of 4.70.

Conclusion

Australia have proved once again that they are force to reckon with world cricket. They have shown great resilience determination to overcome their initial setbacks and win World Cup. They have also displayed a balanced versatile team, with contributions from all departments. Their spinners, especially Zampa, have been exceptional Indian conditions. Their batsmen have been consistent and aggressive. Their fielding has been sharp and energetic.