Is India vs Australia World Cup 2023 final on the cards?

We all remember the 2003 World Cup final between India and Australia. While Australia's emphatic win against India is still vivid in our memories, for Indian fans, it remains a mission left unaccomplished.

Two decades later, we might be heading for another India vs Australia World Cup final, as India are just one match away from securing their spot in the finals.

Australia, too, have made a strong comeback in the tournament and are expected to reach the semi-finals after a convincing win against England, with only two fixtures left against Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Australia's ongoing match against Afghanistan is taking place at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

How the final can happen between India and Australia?

• India are currently at the top of the table with 16 points and has secured their place in the semi-finals.
• The team will play its first semi-final at the Wankhede stadium on November 15, facing the fourth-ranked team.
• The fourth team hasn't been decided yet, as there are three contenders: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and New Zealand.
• Either Pakistan or New Zealand are expected to qualify for the semis.
• If it's an India-Pakistan semi-final, India are expected to win the encounter, as Pakistan have never defeated India in a World Cup semi-final.
• If it's against New Zealand, India have again a strong chances of victory, as they have previously defeated New Zealand in the tournament.
• On the other hand, Australia are most likely to play against South Africa in the semi-final at Eden Gardens on November 16, 2023.
• Although Australia lost their previous encounter against South Africa in the World Cup, the team is back on a winning track and is expected to secure a win against South Africa.
• So, we could be heading for another India vs Australia final at the Narendra Modi stadium on November 19, 2023.

  

   

Why India can beat Australia and lift the World Cup?

• The Indian team has been the best in the last two decades.
• The Australian team is strong but not better than the Men in Blue.
• This was evident when the two sides met in their World Cup opener on October 8, 2023, where India handed Australia a historic defeat.
• India had also defeated Australia in the 2011 quarter-finals.
• Australia doesn't have players like Mathew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, or Ricky Ponting as they did in 2003.
• The Indian team boasts players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, and Mohammad Shami, who have proved their mettle in this World Cup.