India vs Australia ICC CWC, 2023 Full Scorecard

AUSTRALIA HAVE DONE IT! This is short of a length again from Siraj, on middle, Glenn Maxwell pulls it wide of deep square leg where Kuldeep Yadav runs to his right and dives to stop it but the batters have enough time to complete the second run. The whole Australian team runs into the field and celebrates together.

Glenn Maxwell is the next man in. Can he finish it off in style?

OUT! TAKEN! Mohammed Siraj gets a wicket now and Travis Head could not quite finish it off for his team. Siraj bangs this one into the pitch again and around middle, Travis Head backs away and looks to pull it away but fails to generate the required power and hits it flat and in the air towards deep mid-wicket where Shubman Gill moves to his right and takes a good catch. Travis Head walks back to a round of applause for his magnificent century and the Indian players are also congratulating him.

Full again, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne looks to drive but gets an inside edge through backward square leg for a run.

Overpitched and on leg, Travis Head drills it towards mid on for a single.

FOUR! Australia closer than ever to the trophy now! Mohammed Siraj lands this back of a length and around middle, Travis Head makes some room and swats it over mid off for a boundary.

Short of a length and on middle, Travis Head pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Pulls his length back a bit, on off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it towards short covers. Australia are 10 runs away from their sixth World Cup.

A low full toss, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne drills it towards mid off.

On a length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne nudges it towards deep square leg.

Pitched up and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out down the pitch.

Fuller one and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne tucks it towards mid-wicket.

Right in the blockhole, on leg, angling in, Travis Head digs it out towards wide of long on for a single.

Bowled on a good length around off, Marnus Labuschagne plays it on the up toward extra cover.

Another one that is pitched up around off, Labuschagne defends it out on the off side.

This is bowled very full on off stump, Labuschagne pushes it toward mid off.

FOUR MORE! Banged in short over middle and leg, Labuschagne takes it on and gets enough bat on it to take it fine toward the fine leg fence for a boundary. Just a couple of hits away now from the title.

This is full and pitched up around off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it out toward mid off.

Slower one, a bit shorter and around off, Travis Head stays back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR LABUSCHAGNE! A very important knock from him as he provided the perfect support to Head. This is full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne uses his wrist and flicks it with great timing towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Touch fuller and on off, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out.

Back of a length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne pats it down towards short covers.

Jasprit Bumrah nails the yorker, on middle, angling in, Marnus Labuschagne jams it off the bottom edge onto his pads as the ball rolls towards square leg. KL Rahul appeals for a LBW, but turned down.

Fuller and on leg, angling in, Travis Head whips it towards deep square leg for a run.

On a length and around off, Marnus Labuschagne runs it down to third man for a single.

Back of a length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne pulls it towards deep square leg for one.

A slower one, full and on leg, Travis Head heaves it towards deep square leg for one.

On a length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne flicks it through square leg for for another run.

Pitched up and on off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it towards short covers.

Goes fuller and around leg, Travis Head drills it towards long on for a run.

Short of a length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Flighted, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne clips it through square leg for one.

Short and around off, Travis Head punches it towards sweeper covers for a single.

Flatter, full and on middle, Travis Head stays back and keeps it out to the off side.

SIX! Into the crowd! This is tossed up, full and on middle, Travis Head once again goes down on one knee and whacks it over the wide long on fence for a maximum.

Floated, short and on off, turns in, Marnus Labuschagne pats it down towards long on for a run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Travis Head works it off the inner half through square leg for a single.

Siraj continues to bowl short here, on middle, Travis Head pulls it along the ground towards deep square leg for one.

Mohammed Siraj takes his pace off this time, short again, on middle, Travis Head backs away to upper cut it but misses it completely.

Fuller one and on middle, Travis Head backs away and drills it straight to mid on.

SIX! Travis Head is in a hurry now! Mohammed Siraj bangs in a bouncer now, on middle, Travis Head gets into a good positon and hammers it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Back of a length and around off, Marnus Labuschagne punches it towards sweeper covers for a run.

Short of a length and on middle, Travis Head pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Another short delivery, on off, Travis Head slaps it towards sweeper covers for one.

Flatter, short and on middle, Travis Head is late into his cut and gets an inside edge towards short mid-wicket.

Flighted, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne drills it towards long off for a run.

Tossed up, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it towards covers.

Short again, on middle, turns in, Marnus Labuschagne clips it wide of square leg.

Shorter in length and outside off, Travis Head cuts it towards sweeper covers for a single.

Drinks break! Just 49 runs are more needed for Australia to clinch their sixth World title in the ODI format and India need more than a miracle here to even have an outside chance. Travis Head has broken the back of the Indian bowling with a sensational knock. Let's see how the game ends and if there is a late twist in the tale or not.

Flighted, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it towards short covers.

Floated, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne knocks it back to the bowler.

Drags his length back a bit, on off, Travis Head punches it towards sweeper covers for a single.

Flighted, full and on off, Travis Head drills it straight to mid off.

Short and on off, Travis Head stabs ti towards short covers.

SIX! Up, up and away! This is tossed up, full and on middle, Travis Head goes down on one knee and smokes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Australia need just 50 runs to win now!

Flighted, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out.

HUNDRED FOR HEAD! What a fantastic innings this has been from him and that too in a World Cup final. This is short again, on off, Travis Head pushes it towards covers and sets off for the run, Ravindra Jadeja picks up but misses his shy at the bowler's end with Head nowhere near to be seen. He survives and celebrates by raising his bat and helmet. Head joins an elite list of players to have scored a century in the World Cup Final and this has been a staggering knock.

Flighted, full and on off, Travis Head keeps it out to the off side.

Shorter in length and around off, Travis Head punches it wide of long off for a brace.

FOUR! Just over! Kuldeep Yadav drags his length back now and on middle, Travis Head rocks back but mistimes his slap shot. However, he generates enough power to send it over mid on for another boundary.

FOUR! Nice use of the feet! This is tossed up and around middle, Travis Head skips down the track and chips it over mid on for a boundary. He moves onto 93 now!

Ravindra Jadeja continues with his shorter length and around off, Marnus Labuschagne cuts it towards point again.

Drags his length back, on off, Marnus Labuschagne dabs it straight to point.

Flighted, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne guides it with the outer half of the bat towards short third man.

Floated, full and on middle, Travis Head goes down and hoicks it across the line towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Flatter, short and on off, turns in, Travis Head moves back and stabs it wide of short mid-wicket.

Tossed up, full and on middle, drives it towards long off for a single.

Another short delivery, on off, Travis Head steers it towards short third man.

Quicker again from Jadeja, short and on leg, angling in, Travis Head gets hurried and misses his cut to get hit on the pads. An appeal for LBW, but turned down.

Floated, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne taps it in front of short third man for one.

Oh..this one keeps low! This is pushed through quicker, on middle, keeps low, Travis Head manages to knock it towards long off for a run.

Flatter, short and around off, Travis Head punches it straight to short covers.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Travis Head tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Angles this one into leg, full, Marnus Labuschagne clips it with soft hands towards deep square leg and comes back for the second run.

Darts this one full and on middle, angling in, Marnus Labuschagne defends it on the front foot.

Quicker, short and around off, Marnus Labuschagne steers it towards point.

Flatter, short and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne stabs it towards short covers again.

Tossed up, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it towards short covers.

Shorter in length and around off, Travis Head moves back and punches it wide of mid off for a single.

A well-directed bumper this around off, and angling in, Marnus Labuschagne ducks under it well.

Good length around off, Labuschagne pats it down in front of cover-point and looks for one but it isn't there.

Nails the yorker on middle, angling it in from around off, Travis Head jams it out toward cover for one more.

Full and a bit too straight, angling at the toes, Labuschagne flicks it away to deep square leg for a single.

Slower one, bowled full and outside, Marnus Labuschagne looks to drive it away but is beaten all ends up.

On a hard length around off, Marnus Labuschagne stays back and dabs it down toward point.

Flatter delivery around middle, Travis Head stays on the back foot and defends it out.

A touch fuller now and this is eased to long on for a single.

Flatter again on off, Labuschagne pushes it down in front of covers.

Flatter and quicker angled into middle and leg, Labuschagne keeps it out.

This is tossed up full on middle, Travis Head sets up for the slog-sweep but mistimes it down to long on for just a single.

Full and around off, Labuschagne leans on and strokes it away through mid off for a single.

FOUR! Bang! A third boundary in the over and Travis Head is firing on all cylinders. This is banged in short and outside off, Head gets on top of the bounce and plays a cracking pull shot in front of square for a boundary.

NOT OUT! Just millimeters in it but Marnus Labuschagne survives and the crowd is silenced once again. Jasprit Bumrah runs in from over the wicket and serves a yorker right at the toes. Labuschagne looks to flick it away but plays all around it and gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball thuds into the pads and there's a big appeal but it is turned down. The review is taken but Ball Tracking shows wickets as umpire's call. The ball rolls onto the leg side and they get a leg bye as well.

Is that out? Rohit Sharma takes the review for a LBW appeal. UltraEdge shows nothing but wickets is umpire's call. Marnus Labuschagne survives.

Bangs this one in short and wide, Travis Head reaches out and lofts it over the cover region for a single.

FOUR! What a shot! This is full and straight, Travis Head gets on the front foot and drills it straight back, beating mid on to his right and for a boundary as well.

Gets back in! Full and straight, Travis Head punches it back to the bowler and the ball gets deflected off Bumrah's hand onto the stumps but Labuschagne is well in.

FOUR! Controls it well does Travis Head! Starts the new spell with an off cutter full on middle, Head leans on and flicks it away aerially towards the vacant deep mid-wicket region for another boundary.

On the shorter side again and outside off, Travis Head rocks back and cuts it square toward deep covers for yet another single.

Quicker and flatter around off, tapped away off the back foot in front of square on the off side for a quick single. It's too easy at the moment for Australia.

Keeps bowling it short and around off, Travis Head plays it off the back foot in front of cover-point and gets it through for one more.

Short again outside off, eased off the back foot through the cover region for a single.

Slightly shorter and quicker around off, Labuschagne goes on the back foot and dabs it down in front of point.

Full and quick, angled onto off, Labuschagne defends it off the front foot.

FOUR! Easy pickings for Travis Head and at the moment, India have no answer to this pair! Comes from around the wicket and bowls it short around off, easy height for the batter and Head pulls it firmly behind square leg for the second boundary of the over.

A well-directed short ball now around off, this one rises up high and Marnus Labuschagne is caught on the crease. Labuschagne sticks out his bat and the ball flies off the top edge down to fine leg for a run.

Good length outside off, Labuschagne gets on the front foot and punches it straight to covers.

On a hard length over middle, Labuschagne hops back and nudges it down on the deck.

Length ball in the channel, Labuschagne blocks it out to covers.

FOUR! Glorious from Marnus Labuschagne! This is overpitched outside off, Labuschagne gets on the front foot and creams it through extra cover for another timely boundary.

Tossed up full and around off, Labuschagne leans on and strokes it to sweeper cover for yet another single.

On the shorter side, outside off and sliding on, eased through the point region for a single.

Flatter delivery outside off, this is hit away through covers for a run.

On a length and on middle, this is eased down through mid on for a single.

On middle and leg, tucked away to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Turn and bounce but no slip and the ball goes away into the fence yet again. This is bowled shorter around off, turning it in, Travis Head looks to cut off the back foot but gets it off the shoulder of the bat past KL Rahul and into the third man fence.

This is on a hard length over the stumps, Labuschagne stays back and keeps it down on the deck.

Wicket-to-wicket bowling as this one is pitched up on middle stump, Marnus Labuschagne solidly keeps it out.

Slower one, banged into the deck around off, Travis Head looks to pull it in front of square but gets it off the toe end toward mid-wicket for a single.

On a good length, hurled onto middle, Travis Head looks to defend but is taken aback by the extra bounce and dabs it down to backward point.

Pulls the length back this time and bowls it on off and middle, Travis Head keeps it out.

FOUR! Right back over the bowler's head! This is pitched up on middle, Travis Head clears the front leg and hammers it straight down the ground for a boundary.

Tossed up around off, Travis Head uses his feet well and eases it down to long on for a single. Five easy singles off that over and Australia cruising at the moment.

A touch shorter around off, played off the back foot but straight to covers.

Quicker and flatter around off, edged away off the back foot behind point for yet another single.

Flatter one onto middle, eased off the back foot down to long off for one more.

On the stumps again, Labuschagne punches it down to long on for an easy single.

Short and wide outside off, cut away off the back foot but the fielder at point dives to his right and makes a half stop, the batters get a single.

Flatter and a bit shorter on middle, punched off the back foot down to long on for a single.

Tossed up again on the stumps, this is driven down the ground for a single.

Tosses this one up on off stump, turning it back in, Labuschagne looks to loft it over mid on but gets a big inside edge back onto the pads.

EDGED AND FOUR! The wrong'un now, bowled on a nagging length and around off, Labuschagne looks to cut but gets a thick outside edge that goes through the vacant slip cordon and into the third man fence.

FIFTY up for Travis Head and this could be a big, big inning in the outcome of this game. Pushed through flatter again on the stumps, Head makes room and eases it through the vacant cover region for a single.

Bowls this flatter and pushes it onto middle and leg, Travis Head gets on the back foot and pushes it out to the right of the bowler.

A touch fuller and zoning in on the stumps, Labuschagne pushes it to short mid-wicket and Virat Kohli attacks the ball well and throws it back to the keeper.

Hits the deck hard and bowls it around off, Labuschagne gets on the front foot to defend.

Short again over middle, pulled away firmly again but straight to deep square leg for a single.

FOUR! Hammered away! Comes from around the wicket and bangs it in short outside off, Travis Head gets on top of the bounce and muscles the pull short well in front of square on the leg side for a boundary. Head moves to 49 now.

Drop and run! Hard length around off, Labuschagne plays it late and with soft hands to the left of backward point for a quick single.

Pitches this one up right on the off stump, slinging it in, Marnus Labuschagne gets on the front foot and drives it to mid off.

Flighted, full and leg, turns in, Marnus Labuschagne works it throug square leg for one.

Shorter in length and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne moves back and slaps it wide of sweeper covers where Shreyas Iyer runs to his right and dives to make a fine stop. Two runs taken.

A beautiful googly, short and on off, turns away and skids through as well, Marnus Labuschagne looks to play at it but misses.

Short again and outside off, Travis Head cuts it through point for one.

Quicker, short and around off, Travis Head steers it towards short third man.

Tossed up, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne drills it towards long off for a single. 100 up for Australia!

Tip and run! This is on a hard length and around off, Marnus Labuschagne steers it wide of backward point for one more.

Short of a length and on middle, Travis Head pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for another run.

Pulls his length back this time, on off, Marnus Labuschagne drops it in front of short covers and scampers across for a run.

Pitches this one up, on middle, angling in, Marnus Labuschagne stays in his crease and knocks it down the pitch.

Back of a length and around off, Travis Head punches it towards sweeper covers for a single.

Fuller one and on middle, angling in, Travis Head backs away and pushes it straight to mid off.

A googly to end the over, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne knocks it back to the bowler.

Flatter, full and on off, Travis Head drills it through covers for one.

Flighted, full and on middle, Travis Head works it towards short mid-wicket.

Floated, full and on leg, Marnus Labuschagne flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Goes short this time around leg, Marnus Labuschagne clips it straight to short fine leg.

Tossed up, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne prods forward and blocks it out towards short covers.

Drinks break! The game is very evenly poised at the moment but Australia have their noses in front. Travis Head has done a fine job of weathering the storm and now he looks well-set. The partnership between Head and Marnus Labuschagne is probably the most important for both teams. Can the Indian spinners come into play and weave their magic? Or will Australia keep finding ways to score freely? We shall find out in the middle phase.

On a length and around leg, Marnus Labuschagne flicks it off his hips through backward square leg for one.

Mohammed Siraj bangs this one into the pitch, on middle, Travis Head mistimes his pull towards deep square leg for a single.

FOUR! Fine shot! Mohammed Siraj bowls this on a hard length and outside off, Travis Head accepts the width on offer and crunches it through point for a boundary.

A slower delivery now, short of a length and around off, Travis Head backs away and leaves it alone.

Back of a length and around off, Travis Head dabs it towards point.

Good Stop! Mohammed Siraj starts with a full delivery, on off, Travis Head absolutely drills it but straight to short covers where Virat Kohli collects it well.

Looped up, full and on off, Travis Head uses his feet and drills it towards long off for one.

SIX! BANG! Travis Head goes big now! This is flighted, full and on middle, Travis Head goes down on one knee and nails his slog-sweep over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Shortish and on off, Travis Head forces it wide of short covers where Virat Kohli dives to his left to make an excellent stop.

Flatter, full and on leg, Marnus Labuschagne clips it through square leg for a run.

In the air..safe! This is quicker, full and on leg, Marnus Labuschagne looks to flick but gets a leading edge just in front of square leg.

Shorter in length and outside off, Travis Head punches it through covers for a single.

Another short delivery, on middle, Travis Head works it toward long on for one.

Drags his length back again, on off, Travis Head stabs it towards short covers.

Pushed through quicker, short and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne slaps it towards sweeper covers for another run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out down the pitch.

Short again, on middle, Travis Head forces it towards long off for a run.

Shorter in length and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne punches it towards sweeper covers for a single.

A single to end the over as this short delivery is cut through point by Marnus Labuschagne.

Drags his length back and on off, Marnus Labuschagne steers it towards backward point.

Flighted, full and on middle, Travis Head drives it towards long off for another run.

A googly now, short once more, on middle, turns in, Travis Head only manages to forces it back to the bowler.

Short again and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne flicks it off the back foot through square leg for a run.

Floated, short and around off, Travis Head punches it towards deep point for a single.

Fires this one full and on midde, Marnus Labuschagne is solid in his defence.

Goes short and on off, Travis Head punches it towards long off for a run.

Darts this one full and around leg, Marnus Labuschagne flicks it through square leg for a single.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Quicker, short and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne pats it down to short mid-wicket.

Flatter, short and around off, turns away, Marnus Labuschagne moves back to cut it but misses.

Flighted, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne uses his feet and forces it towards long on for one more.

Short again and around off, Travis Head punches it through cover-point for a run.

Drags his length back and on middle, Travis Head moves back and pulls it straight to short mid-wicket.

Flatter, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne drills it towards long on for a single.

Tossed up, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out towards short covers.

Kuldeep Yadav begins with a short delivery as well around off, Marnus Labuschagne keeps it out to the off side.

Another huge appeal for LBW, but turned down! Ravindra Jadeja continues to bowl quick here, full and on middle, turns in, Travis Head looks to play at it but just manages to get an inside edge onto his pads. Rohit Sharma decides against the review.

Another quick delivery, outside off, Travis Head looks to cut but gets a bottom edge just past the stumps towards the fine leg region. Two runs taken. There is also an appeal for LBW, but turned down.

Quicker, short and on middle, Travis Head stays back and pushes it back to the bowler.

Flighted, full and around leg, Marnus Labuschagne clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Flatter, full and on middle, amgling in, Marnus Labuschagne defends it on the front foot.

Tossed up, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne prods forward and blocks it out.

Ravindra Jadeja starts with a floated delivery, short and around leg, Travis Head misses his flick and KL Rahul also fails to stop it. It is called a wide and a bye is taken. Rahul is not having a good time with the gloves here.

Powerplay 2! Now, four fielders are allowed outside the circle till the 40th over. However, India may look to keep a couple of players in catching positions to put pressure on the Aussies.

Hard length around the top of off, Marnus Labuschagne stays watchful and defends it out. Australia 60/3 at the end of the first Powerplay.

This is bowled short and outside off, Travis Head sees the width and goes after it but gets an inside past leg stump. They get a single.

FOUR! Thumped down the ground! This is full and straight, Travis Head gets on the front foot and drills it right back past the bowler for back-to-back boundaries.

FOUR! Nicely done by Travis Head! Good length outside off, Head stays back and opens the bat face late to just guide it wide of the slip cordon and fine of backward point for a boundary.

Pitches this one up right on the stumps, Travis Head watches it well and defends it down the deck.

Goes wide of the crease and hurls this one on a length into the pads, Travis Head looks to stay back and tuck but fails to get it away.

Back of a length again and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne stays back and blocks it out.

FOUR BYES! Straight through the gate and KL Rahul will be very disappointed with that. Slower one, a touch fuller and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone but Rahul doesn't quite get his body behind it and the ball rolls through the legs into the fence.

Good length, right around the top of off, Marnus Labuschagne solidly blocks it out.

Goes full now and bowls it outside off, in the blockhole, Marnus Labuschagne jams this one out toward cover.

This is bowled slightly back of a length and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it down in front of covers.

Banged in a bit short and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne hops and dabs it down in front of covers.

Hard length again and around off, angling back in, Travis Head stays back and defends it out. Maiden!

On a hard length around off, Travis Head stays back and caresses it to point.

This is full and outside off, swinging away, Travis Head looks to drive at it but misses.

Bowled back of a length around off, Travis Head looks to play it close to the body but is beaten on the inside edge.

BEAUTY! Mohammed Shami lands this on a hard length and around off, angles in and skids through as well, Travis Head gets cut in half and misses it completely.

Bowled back of a length around off, Travis Head plays it off the back foot but straight to Ravindra Jadeja at point.

Marnus Labuschagne is the next man in,

OUT! LBW! A loud appeal and the finger is raised! Steven Smith departs now and Australia in a very precarious position at the moment. Jasprit Bumrah bowls the off-cutter now, on a nagging length around off, this one grips and turns back in sharply. Steven Smith is deceived by the slower one and looks to block it away. The ball beats the inside edge and raps Smith on the pads and he decides not to review either. Jasprit Bumrah wreacking havoc now! Oh, dear! The replays show that the impact was outside off and what a let down that is for Steven Smith.

Just a fraction fuller and around off, Steven Smith watchfully keeps this one out.

FOUR! Steven Smith is off the mark now and that is a top shot! On a good length over off and middle, Smith goes across and drives it on the rise, beautifully past the diving mid on fielder for a boundary.

On a good length, angling in from outside, Steven Smith defends it out from his crease.

On a good length around the top of off, Travis Head stays back and opens the bat face to nudge it down past backward point for a single.

Fuller in length and around off, Travis Head gets on the front foot and drives it past extra cover but can't beat the man at mid off.

Just a fraction fuller and closer to the off pole, angled in, Steven Smith manages to keep it out. Just one run for Australia in the last two overs.

Comes from over the wicket now to the right-hander and angles it in from outside off, Steven Smith makes a good block.

Can't get it through! On a length around middle and angling into the pads, Travis Head pushes it out from his crease to the right of mid on but Mohammed Siraj dives in to keep it down to a single.

Pitches this one up a lot fuller and attacks the middle stump, Travis Head solidly blocks it off from his crease.

Hits the deck hard and bowls it around the top of off stump, Travis Head watchfully blocks this one out in front of covers.

A huge, huge appeal from Mohammed Shami for LBW but the umpire remains unmoved. Shami goes wide of the crease and hurls across a length ball, angling it in sharply onto the pads. Travis Head hops back and looks to block but is caught on the crease and gets a blow to the pads. Rohit Sharma doesn't opt for the review as the keeper reckons it is missing leg stump.

A wicket-maiden! Bowls it on a hard length again and outside off, Steven Smith stays back in his crease and blocks it back on the pitch.

On a hard length around off and angling in, Steven Smith gets right behind the line of the ball again and makes the block.

Pitched up outside off and angling in, Steven Smith gets across the stumps and covers the line before blocking it out.

Steven Smith comes out to the middle now.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! KL Rahul pouches the ball and Mitchell Marsh is a dead man walking and Bumrah is all pumped up. This is bowled a touch short and wide, there to be put away, Marsh stands tall and looks to reach out and hammer it away but gets a bottom edge through to the keeper and Australia are two down inside the first five overs. This has been an electric start by both teams.

Another inswinger at over 143 clicks, on off and angling in sharply on a touch fuller length, Marsh punches it on the front foot to mid on.

On a hard length around off and angling in a long way, Mitchell Marsh goes on the back foot and negates the extra bounce well, nudging it down toward cover-point.

Full again at 141.6 clicks and around off, Mitchell Marsh walks toward the ball and drills it on the up down to long off for a single.

Pitched a bit further but outside off, Mitchell Marsh gets on the front fot and punches it nicely but can't get it past wide mid off.

Length again, on middle and leg, angling down, Mitchell Marsh pushes it down around the corner and gets back for two with ease. Good running!

SIX! Stand and deliver! Pitches this one up right in the slot around off, Mitchell Marsh flexes his muscles and hits through the line of the ball, thumping it well over the long off fence for the first maximum of the innings.

On a good length and in the channel around off, Mitchell Marsh makes a good leave.

A touch fuller and around off, angling it in, Mitchell Marsh looks to drive it through covers but the ball goes off the inner half of the bat and rolls back to the bowler.

THREE WIDES! Full again, trying to attack the mark but pushes it well down the leg side. KL Rahul dives to gis left but the ball goes off his gloves and the batters get two more runs.

Beaten again! Good length right around the top of off stump, Travis Head looks to push off the back foot and close to the body but is beaten on the outside edge again.

This is pitched up on the stumps, Travis Head tentatively gets on the front foot and pushes it down to mid off.

Nicely bowled! Bowled from around the stumps and angling it onto the off stump on a good length, this one straightens off the deck and the ball zips past Head's outside edge.

Bowled on a hard length around off, Mitchell Marsh stands tall and punches it away through the cover region for a single.

Good length again and outside off, swinging away, Mitchell Marsh with another play and a miss.

Close but not close enough! This is bowled on a good length outside off and nipping away late. Mitchell Marsh stys planted on his crease and looks to play away from the body but is beaten past the outside edge.

Bowled from around the stumps, on a good length and honing in on off stump, Travis Head blocks it out on the off side.

Leg bye! Goes full now and attacks the pads, Mitchell Marsh fails to flick it away and the ball goes off the pads down to fine leg. They pick up a leg bye.

FOUR! Put away with disdain! This is banged in short and wide, there to be hit, Mitchell Marsh frees his arms and slaps this one away over cover-point to pick up his first boundary.

FIVE WIDES! Poor line and India simply cannot afford these freebies. A bit too full and too wide down the leg side, no chance for KL Rahul this time and the ball runs away to the fine leg fence.

BYE! That one nipped back a long way! Perfect length in and around the off stump, coming back in off the deck, Travis Head makes a watchful leave but KL Rahul can only manage to get a glove on in it diving to his right and they get a bye.

Streaky! Hard length around off, Mitchell Marsh stands tall and looks for the booming drive but gets an inside edge that goes just behind square leg and Marsh is off the mark with a single.

OUT! CAUGHT! Mohammed Shami with the big wicket on the biggest stage and the crowd is alive once again! Bowls it with an upright seam, pushing it wide of off stump. David Warner stays back and goes after the width but his feet don't go anywhere and the outside edge is found. The ball goes to the left of Virat Kohli at first slip and he makes no mistake this time, gobbling it up with both hands. Warner departs early and it's game on!

Mitchell Marsh walks in at number 3 for Australia.

Wide! Comes from around the wicket and starts off with a loosener, angling it down leg, David Warner shuffles across to flick but misses and a wide is called.

It will be Mohammed Shami to steam in from the other end.

FOUR! Wow, the crowd is absolutely silenced here and Jasprit Bumrah has been hammered for 15 runs in the very first over. Pitches this one up outside off again, Travis Head gets his weight well forward and creams it wide of mid off for another boundary.

Hard length in the channel, Travis Head stays back and nudges it down in front of point.

FOUR! Travis Head is off the mark with a lovely boundary and Australia are flying here! Overpitched by Bumrah outside off, Head leans on and thumps it away between mid off and covers to get going.

Comes from around the wicket now and bowls it on a length in the channel, getting it to straighten a bit. Travis Head leaves it alone.

Full again, outside off and swinging away, David Warner leans on and strokes it nicely past the diving fielder at covers and Ravindra Jadeja sprints after it. Jadeja manages to pull it back in and they get three runs.

FOUR! Oh, dear! What a start! Unbelievable! Bumrah starts from over the wicket and bowls a lovely outswinger a touch fuller and on off. David Warner is very tentative and has a late push at it and gets a thick outside edge that goes down between first and second slip. Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill look at each other but really Kohli had to dive at that one and Australia are off the mark with a boundary.

OUT! RUN OUT! India get just one run off the last ball! This is another short ball from Hazlewood, on middle, Mohammed Siraj pulls it off the top edge wide of deep mid-wicket and turns around for the second, Marnus Labuschagne picks up and throws the ball towards the bowler's end where Pat Cummins collects and breaks the stumps with Kuldeep not even in the frame. India finish on 240!

Short of a length and on middle, Kuldeep Yadav pulls it towards deep square leg for one.

Josh Hazlewood bowls a fine slower bouncer, on middle, Kuldeep Yadav goes through his pull shot way early and misses.

Back of a length and on off, Mohammed Siraj swats it towards mid off this time for another run.

FOUR! The crowd finds its voice again! Josh Hazlewood lands this on a good length and around off, Mohammed Siraj uses his feet and slaps it past mid off for a welcome boundary.

Fuller one and on middle, angling in, Kuldeep Yadav taps it wide of short covers for a single.

It will be Josh Hazlewood (9-0-52-2) to bowl the final over.

On a length and on off, Kuldeep Yadav guides it towards third man for one more.

Another fiery bumper at around 142 clicks, on middle and leg, Mohammed Siraj gets hurried and loses his bottom hand as the ball goes off the top edge towards fine leg for one.

Short of a length and around off, Kuldeep Yadav pulls it towards deep square leg for a run.

Overpitched and on off, Mohammed Siraj drills it towards mid off for a single.

Pat Cummins bangs in a quick bouncer now, on middle, Mohammed Siraj sways away from it.

Full again but down the leg side, Mohammed Siraj misses his glance. Wided.

Pat Cummins serves this full and on off, nips away a bit, Mohammed Siraj looks to play at it but misses it.

This is on a hard length and around off, slower too, Kuldeep Yadav has a poke at it but misses it completely.

Back of a length and on middle, Kuldeep Yadav stays back and blocks it out solidly.

Full and on middle, Mohammed Siraj clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammed Siraj is the last man in for India.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Another one bites the dust! This will surely make a difference in the final total. Josh Hazlewood continues with his shorter length, slower once again, Suryakumar Yadav moves across to hook but goes through his shot early again, and the ball loops up off his gloves behind where Josh Inglis makes no mistake. India nine down now!

This is pitched up, outside off, Suryakumar Yadav uses his feet and drills it wide of sweeper covers where David Warner runs to his left and dives to keep it inside. Two runs taken.

Goes for another slower bouncer, on middle but too high for the batter, Suryakumar Yadav misses his hook this time. Wided.

A slower bouncer now, on middle and leg, Suryakumar Yadav goes through his hook shot early and it goes off the bottom edge wide of the keeper where Josh Inglis moves to his left to make a good stop.

Pat Cummins nails the yorker this time, on middle, angling in, Kuldeep Yadav gets his bat down in time and digs it out well. Cummins appeals for the LBW, but nothing doing.

A slower one now, full and on off again, Kuldeep Yadav steers it towards point.

This is on a good length and around off, Kuldeep Yadav tries to cut it away but chops it down to the keeper.

Pat Cummins bangs in another bumper around middle, angling in, Suryakumar Yadav sways away a bit and upper cuts it wide of third man for a run.

Pat Cummins bangs this one into the pitch again, on middle, Kuldeep Yadav pulls it through square leg for a single.

Short of a length and around off, Kuldeep Yadav stabs it down towards backward point.

Fullish delivery, on middle, Kuldeep Yadav drills it towards long on for one more.

Goes fuller and outside off, way otutside off, Kuldeep Yadav leaves it alone. Wided.

Overpitched and on the pads, Kuldeep Yadav flicks it nicely wide of deep square leg for a brace.

Back of a length and on off, Kuldeep Yadav dabs it towards short covers.

Pitched up and around off, Kuldeep Yadav steers it towards point.

This is on a good length and around off, Suryakumar Yadav looks to work it away but gets a leading edge towards long off for a run.

Full and on middle, Kuldeep Yadav manages to clips it away towards fine leg for a single.

Loops it up, googly, full and on leg, Kuldeep Yadav strokes it towards wide long on and the batters decide to cross for the single despite it being the last ball of the over.

Kuldeep Yadav walks out to bat now.

OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! Adam Zampa gets into the act now for Australia! Zampa bowls this one flatter and quicker through the air, on middle, Jasprit Bumrah prods forward and plays for the ball turning away. The ball keeps straight and skids on to thud onto the front pad. Australia go up in unison and up goes the finger. Jasprit Bumrah knows he is a goner and decides to keep walking without wasting a review.

Dishes out the googly but the length is short, on middle and leg, Jasprit Bumrah reads it well and watchfully keeps it out towards backward square leg.

Skidding on, short and on leg, Suryakumar Yadav stays back and knocks it towards wide long on for a single.

Offers flight, full and on off, Suryakumar Yadav reaches out in front and slices it to point.

Bowls it fractionally short, on middle, Suryakumar Yadav gets behind the line and pats it to cover.

At 143.8 clicks, on a fuller length but on the pads, Suryakumar Yadav clips it through mid-wicket and retains the strike with a single. End of another successful over from Mitchell Starc.

Drifts a bit on the pads, on a good length, Jasprit Bumrah does well to work it in front of square and gets off the mark with a single.

Jasprit Bumrah comes out to the middle now.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Mohammed Shami runs out of patience and hands Mitchell Starc his third wicket! Starc continues from around the wicket and delivers it on the fourth stump line, on a length, Mohammed Shami backs away and looks to hit this one towards mid on. The ball straightens enough to catch the outside edge which is snaffled safely by Josh Inglis. Another one bites the dust for India and they are now 7 down!

Delivers it on a short of a length, over middle, Mohammed Shami makes room and dabs it along the ground towards backward point.

Zoning in on the off-stump line, on a length, Mohammed Shami stays leg side of the ball and drives it straight to cover.

Missed out! Strays on the pads, on a good length, Mohammed Shami swings to help the ball away behind square with the angle but misses out. The ball rolls off his thigh pad behind to Josh Inglis.

Serves it in the blockhole, outside off, Mohammed Shami is up to the task as he squeezes it wide of backward point and keeps the strike with a single.

Back of a length again and with pace on, on off, Suryakumar Yadav swivels and pulls it aerially but in front of David Warner at deep square leg for a run.

Bangs it into the deck and on middle, slower as well, Suryakumar Yadav is a bit early into the pull and wears it near the midriff.

This is bowled with pace behind it, back of a length, outside off, Mohammed Shami lets the ball come to him and glides it down to third man for a single.

Digs it in short by taking pace off, over middle, Mohammed Shami goes for the pull a bit tentatively and gets an under edge which rolls behind to Josh Inglis.

Cummins bowls the off-cutter, a bit full and on middle, Suryakumar Yadav turns this one in front of square on the leg side and takes a single.

Lands it on a back of a length, on off, Mohammed Shami hangs back and pats it in front of cover safely.

FOUR! Nicely done! A bit too straight by Starc, on a nagging length, on leg, Mohammed Shami gets inside the line nice and early and tickles it towards the fine leg fence for his first boundary.

Targets the stumps, on a length, Mohammed Shami accounts for the inward angle and gets behind the line to keep it out.

Mohammed Shami is the next man in.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! An inspired bowling change from Pat Cummins as Mitchell Starc strikes right away! Body blow for India as KL Rahul's long vigilance comes to an end. Steams in from around the wicket and angles it into the right-hander, on a nagging length, KL Rahul hangs back in his crease and tries to run it down to third man by opening the bat face. The ball straightens off the deck and catches the outside edge which is pouched safely by Josh Inglis comfortably. India in even more trouble now.

A bit fuller this time and angled in, around off, Suryakumar Yadav checks his shot as he pushes it away to deep point for a run.

Offers width this time outside off, on a good length, Suryakumar Yadav extends his arms and caresses it towards point.

TWO WIDES! A wayward start from Mitchell Starc! Strays down leg, on a length, KL Rahul lets it go. Josh Inglis dives away to his left but fails to pouch it safely. The ball pops out and rolls away for a run.

Flatter this time and a bit shorter, on middle, Suryakumar Yadav defends it with a straight bat towards the bowler.

Floated up, on middle and leg, KL Rahul uses his feet and knocks it down to long on for one. 200 comes up for India!

Drops it short now and a bit of extra bounce, on middle, KL Rahul stands tall and guides it from the crease to point.

Loopy delivery, full and on leg, Suryakumar Yadav drags the sweep by taking his bottom hand off and hits it along the ground to deep backward square leg for a run.

Gives even more air and bowls it full, on middle, KL Rahul drills it hard towards deep point for a single.

Tossed up, turning away, on off, KL Rahul lunges forward and dabs it towards point.

Powerplay 3! With 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle now for the last 10 overs, it will be even more tougher for India to find the boundaries. Also, it will be interesting to see Pat Cummins' tactics during this phase.

Another full delivery, outside off, KL Rahul guides it with the outer half of the bat for one.

Good cricket all around! This is pitched up and on middle, Suryakumar Yadav whips it wide of short mid-wicket where the fielder dives to his left to make a decent stop and parries it towards mid on. The batters are on their toes and takes a quick run.

Back of a length and on leg, KL Rahul works it through mid-wicket for another run.

Touch fuller, on middle, shaping in, Suryakumar Yadav moves across to flick but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball goes towards fine leg. They cross.

This is on a good length and on off, Suryakumar Yadav drops it to the off side and refuses the run.

Short of a length and around leg, KL Rahul hooks it towards fine leg for a single.

FOUR! A welcome boundary for India! Adam Zampa drags his length back, outside off, Suryakumar Yadav rocks back and opens the face of the bat at the last moment to cuts it past short third man for four runs.

Flighted, short and on off, KL Rahul is early into his defensive push as the ball hits high on the bat and rolls towards long off. They cross.

A bit short and around leg, Suryakumar Yadav flicks it off the back foot through square leg for one.

Pushed through quicker, full and around off, turns away, Suryakumar Yadav slashes at it but fails to connect.

Tossed up, full and on off, KL Rahul pushes it with soft hands wide of short covers and scampers across for a run.

Darts this one full and down the legs ide, Suryakumar Yadav goes down to paddle it away but misses and Josh Inglis also only manages to parry it towards short third man. It is called a wide and a bye is taken.

Flatter, short and around off, KL Rahul moves back and punches it towards sweeper covers for a single.

Adam Zampa (7-0-29-0) returns to the attack now.

Goes fuller and on middle, Suryakumar Yadav flicks it nicely but straight to mid on.

Back of a length this time, on off, KL Rahul punches it towards sweeper covers for a run.

Overpitched and on middle, Suryakumar Yadav nudges it wide of mid on for a run.

This is on a good length and on off again, Suryakumar Yadav stays back and keeps it out to the off side.

On a length and around off, Suryakumar Yadav taps it towards point.

Fuller and angling into leg, KL Rahul flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short again and around middle, Suryakumar Yadav moves back and clips it towards short fine leg.

Quicker one, short and on middle, KL Rahul punches it towards long on for one.

Glenn Maxwell gives this one some air again, full and on off, no turn this time, KL Rahul prods forward and plays for the turn but misses as Josh Inglis collects and breaks the stumps. The umpire sends it upstairs where UltraEdge shows nothing and KL Rahul's foot is also grounded.

Flighted, full and on off, turns in again, KL Rahul opens the face and guides it wide of short third man, he wants the run but is sent back.

Floated, full and on off, turns in, KL Rahul uses his feet and tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Tossed up, full and on middle, KL Rahul pushes it back to the bowler.

Fuller in length and on middle, shaping in, Suryakumar Yadav knocks it towards covers.

Suryakumar Yadav walks out to the middle with India struggling at 178-5.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! No need for a review this time! Josh Hazlewood hits that good length and just around off, angles in and then straightens after hitting the deck, Ravindra Jadeja is drawn forward as he looks to push it away without much footwork. As a result, he only manages to get a thin outside edge behind where Josh Inglis makes no mistake. India lose half their side now!

A slight appeal for caught behind, but turned down! This is on hard length and outside off, Ravindra Jadeja slashes at it but misses as the ball goes to the keeper where Josh Inglis collects it and feels there is an edge. Australia takes the review but UltraEdge shows nothing and they lose it.

Short of a length and around leg, KL Rahul pulls it towards fine leg for a single.

More Overthrows! This is full and around off, KL Rahul drills it wide of mid off where Marnus Labuschagne dives to his right to stop it, he then throws at the batter's end which results in two more extra runs.

Buzzers! Josh Hazlewood nails the yorker, on middle, KL Rahul jams it out towards mid on, Jadeja sets off for the run but is sent back, Glenn Maxwell has a shy at the bowler's end but misses with no back up as the ball goes towards the third man region. Two runs taken.

Josh Hazlewood (5-0-35-0) is brought back into the attack, replacing Travis Head.

Mitchell Starc hits the hard length again and outside off, tempting the batter but Ravindra Jadeja offers no shot at it.

FIFTY FOR RAHUL! A gritty knock from him and when his team needed it the most. He will be crucial if India wants to get to a good total. This is short of a length and around off, KL Rahul taps it in front of point for one more.

This is on a hard length and on middle, Ravindra Jadeja stabs it towards mid on and scampers across for one.

Full again from Starc, on off, KL Rahul pushes it through covers for a run.

Fuller one, on middle, angling in, Ravindra Jadeja clips it towards mid on for a quick single.

Back of a length and outside off, Ravindra Jadeja cuts it hard but straight to backward point.

Flighted, full and on middle, KL Rahul uses his feet but works it straight to short mid-wicket again.

Drags his length back again, on middle, KL Rahul pats it down towards short mid-wicket.

Tossed up, full and on leg, turns in, KL Rahul misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards wide of fine leg. Two leg byes taken.

Short again from Head, outside off, Ravindra Jadeja cuts it towards deep point for a run.

Quicker one, short and on leg, angling in, Ravindra Jadeja moves back and tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Short and around leg, KL Rahul flicks it off the back foot towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short of a length and outside off, Ravindra Jadeja lets it go to the keeper. No signal from the umpire. A dot to to end the over!

Starc overpitches it this time, outside off, KL Rahul opens the face and squeezes it wide of sweeper covers for one.

This is pitched up and on middle, shaping in, Ravindra Jadeja knocks it off the inside half of the bat towards mid on for a run.

Back of a length and around off, KL Rahul punches it towards sweeper overs for a single.

Length again from Starc, on off too, KL Rahul dabs it towards point this time.

Mitchell Starc comes 'over the wicket and lands this on a good length, on off, angling in, KL Rahul stabs it towards short covers.

Drinks break! Australia continue to have India on the back foot in this final. Just when the Men in Blue were starting to breathe easy, Pat Cummins brought himself on and got the big fish. With only one recognised batter left in the shed in the form of Suryakumar Yadav, the Aussies will want to keep doing what they have done so far and keep the pressure on. With 18 overs remaining in the innings, India are going at 5.06 RPO but they cannot afford to lose another wicket here while trying to get a move on. KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja must continue to knock it around and aim to change gears towards the back end of the innings. It will be Mitchell Starc to bowl after the break for Australia.

A googly now, full and on middle, turns in, KL Rahul eases it towards long on for one.

Flighted, full and on middle, Ravindra Jadeja drills it towards long on for another run.

Tossed up, full and on off, KL Rahul strides forward and pushes it through covers for a run.

Pushed through quicker, full and around leg this time, Ravindra Jadeja goes down and paddles it towards fine leg for a single.

Flatter, short and on middle, Ravindra Jadeja flicks it straight to square leg.

Floated, short and around off, Ravindra Jadeja stays back and steers it towards short third man.

Pat Cummins bowls this into the body of the batter, on leg, Ravindra Jadeja gets a bit cramped but manages to nudge it towards fine leg for one more.

Back of a length and around off again, KL Rahul punches it towards sweeper covers for one.

Pat Cummins bangs this one into the pitch and around leg, Ravindra Jadeja controls his hook towards fine leg for a run.

Pat Cummins lands this on a hard length and on middle, angling in, Ravindra Jadeja tries to work it away but misses and gets hit high on the pads.

This is on a good length and on off, KL Rahul pushes it through covers for a single.

Short of a length and around off, KL Rahul stands tall and pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

An optimistic shout for caught behind and stumping but turned down! Adam Zampa bowls the googly, full and outside off, Ravindra Jadeja reaches out in front to defend but the ball spins away to beat him on the outside edge. Josh Inglis is quick to take the bails off and then appeals for caught behind as there was a noise when the ball went past the bat. Nothing on UltraEdge, the front-on replays show that it was the bat hitting the ground which made the noise and the side-on replays show that Jadeja had his back leg grounded firmly inside the crease.

Drifting in, full and on middle and leg, KL Rahul pushes it off the front foot towards long on and rotates the strike.

A bit quicker this time, on off, KL Rahul gets on the front foot again and drives it to cover.

Floats it up now, turning away, outside off, KL Rahul lunges forward and slices it to cover-point.

A drag down by Adam Zampa, googly, on off, Ravindra Jadeja does not go for the big shot and he is happy to punch it down to long on for a run.

150 comes up for India! Bowls it flatter and shorter, skidding on, on off, KL Rahul hangs back and knocks it down to long off for a single.

Directs another bumper but it is much straighter this time, at the batter, Ravindra Jadeja ducks underneath and lets it go. End of a successful over from Australia.

WIDE! Looks to go short again but the line is down leg, Ravindra Jadeja gets inside the line and lets it go for a wide.

Bowls it into the wicket now and over middle, Ravindra Jadeja goes for the pull but gets an inside edge onto the pads before rolling to square leg.

Goes full this time and on middle, Ravindra Jadeja works this one off his toes to mid-wicket.

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Pat Cummins brings himself back on and strikes gold for Australia! Virat Kohli stands there in disbelief as the Narendra Modi Stadium is stunned into silence. Cummins bends his back and bangs it in short while taking pace off, over off and middle, Virat Kohli waits on the back foot and tries to play it fine to third man. The ball gets a bit big on him as he fails to get on top of the bounce. Ends up dragging it back onto the stumps as he plays with an angled back. Ravindra Jadeja is the new batter in for India.

Pace now and angling in at the hips, on a back of a length, KL Rahul gets a bit hurried but does well to take the bottom hand off and helps it to fine leg for one.

Starts his new spell by digging it in short, on off, slower as well, Virat Kohli waits for the ball to arrive and steers it down to third man for a single.

Short and sliding onto the pads, Virat Kohli flicks it off the back foot to the right of deep square leg but he has to settle for a single.

Slows it up even more and bowls it full, outside off, KL Rahul lunges forward and strokes it through covers for one.

Drops it short, on middle, Virat Kohli rocks back and whips it past the diving Glenn Maxwell at mid-wicket for a single.

A googly again, full and turning in, Virat Kohli defends but gets an inside edge towards square leg.

Full again, on middle, KL Rahul knocks it down the wicket where Adam Zampa fails to stop the ball with his right boot and concedes a single.

Dishes out the googly, full and on middle, KL Rahul reads it well and turns this one away to mid-wicket.

Skidding in, on off, KL Rahul opens the bat face and steers it wide of backward point for one more run.

Slower and fuller, on middle, clipped past mid-wicket by Virat Kohli for a run.

Tossed up, on off, KL Rahul steps out and knocks it past mid-wicket for a single.

Flighted, on off, KL Rahul prods forward and keeps it out down the wicket.

FOUR! Clever batting and India have a boundary after 97 balls! Tossed-up delivery but the line is a bit too straight, KL Rahul is quick to read it as he shuffles and paddles it past Josh Inglis. The ball has more than enough legs to trckile into the fine leg fence.

Short and turning in, on off and middle, KL Rahul plays it with the turn back towards Maxwell.

Floated up, on middle, Virat Kohli drives it back to the bowler.

Short and on off, KL Rahul dabs it wide of point and gets to the other end.

Turning away, short and on off, KL Rahul hangs back and pushes it back to the bowler.

Excellent fielding! Floats it up, spining away, outside off, KL Rahul reaches out in front and smothers the spin before driving it through covers. David Warner covers good ground to his right and dives to save a couple of runs for his side.

Drifting in, on middle, short in length, tucked to mid-wicket by KL Rahul.

FIFTY for Virat Kohli! Fifth consecutive fifty for the King! Time and time again, he has stood up for India and he is doing it again here in the final. Adam Zampa bowls it short now, on middle, Virat Kohli uses the depth of the crease and eases it down to long on for a single. The crowd get on up their feet but just a raise of the bat from Kohli as he knows the job is far from over yet.

Strays down leg, fuller and slower, Virat Kohli glances it with the angle to fine leg and keeps the strike with a run. Another quite over passes by and still no boundaries hit in this partnership.

Dropped short by Glenn Maxwell, on off and middle, Virat Kohli punches to the left of the bowler where the mid-wicket fielder slides across to his left and denies the single.

Much slower and fuller, on leg, KL Rahul gets forward and works it wide of mid-wicket for a run.

This is bowled short and around off, KL Rahul opts to stay back in his crease and pushes it to cover.

Drops it short now, on off, the ball keeps a tad low but Virat Kohli does well to keep it out and helps it wide of backward square leg for a single.

Tosses it up, on middle and leg, Virat Kohli plays it with the turn to square leg.

On a nagging length with pace behind it, around off, KL Rahul checks his shot and stabs it to the left of the bowler. Another tidy over from Mitchell Marsh, only three runs off it.

Slides on the pads, on a full length, Virat Kohli prods forward and clips it in front of square for a single.

Shortens his length and bowls it over middle, KL Rahul hangs back and knocks it down to long on for one.

A bit fuller and pace taken off, on off, KL Rahul drives it with an angled bat back to the bowler.

Angling in on a back of a length, at the pads, Virat Kohli eases this one off his pads to deep backward square leg for a single.

Oh...close! Rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it on a good length, on middle, Virat Kohli goes for the clip but the ball comes back in. He gets an inside edge that lobs off the back pad but in front and to the right of Josh Inglis.

Lands it on a short of a length, outside off, Virat Kohli uses the pace of the delivery and steers it down to third man for another single. Kohli and Rahul are still happy doing it in ones and twos.

Loses his radar as he slips this one down leg, on a nagging length, Virat Kohli waits for the ball to arrive and flicks it between fine leg and deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Fuller this time, outside off, KL Rahul strides forward and works it with an open bat face to deep point for a run.

Back of a length now, around off, KL Rahul hops and punches it a bit wide of cover where Glenn Maxwell moves to his left and picks it up.

Goes wide of the crease on this occasion and rolls his fingers over the ball, full and on off, KL Rahul does well to play it late as he knocks it straight to cover.

Starts his new spell from around the wicket and gets this one to tail in late, on a length, on middle and leg, KL Rahul gets his bat out in front and firms the drive to mid on.

Goes slightly fuller and slower, on middle, Virat Kohli presses forward and whips it towards Steven Smith at mid-wicket. Good start with the ball for Travis Head, just 2 runs off it.

Driftts a bit down leg, on a short length, KL Rahul lets the ball come to him and tickles it fine to fine leg for one more.

Keeps it short again, on middle, patted back to Travis Head by KL Rahul.

Tosses it up again, outside off, KL Rahul shuffles a bit and plays it the turn down the ground. However, he can't get it past the diving fielder at straightish mid-wicket.

Floats it up, on off, KL Rahul leans on and knocks it back to the bowler.

Starts off from around the wicket and bowls it short, on middle, Virat Kohli goes back in his crease and turns it to the right of mid-wicket for a single.

Continues to test the surface by bowling short, over middle, KL Rahul fetches it from chest height and pulls it along the ground to square leg. Another miserly over from Josh Hazlewood.

Into the wicket again by Josh Hazlewood, around off, Virat Kohli shapes to pull initially but changes his mand and glides it away past backward point. He wants to come back for the second but Mitchell Starc at third man, swoops in quickly and keeps it to one.

Lands it on a hard length, on off and middle, a bit of inward movement, KL Rahul gets on his toes again and eases it out to deep point for one more.

Pace on now but a bit too straight, on a good length, on leg, Virat Kohli swivels and helps it down to fine leg for a single.

Digs it in short does Josh Hazlewood, at a slower pace, on off, KL Rahul controls the pull well by rolling his wrists and plays it to fine leg for one.

Bowls it on a nagging length, angling in, on middle and leg, KL Rahul hops to get on top of the bounce and pushes it to mid off.

Another fuller one, takes pace off as well, Virat Kohli just turns it towards short mid-wicket.

Goes back to his fuller length, on the pads, KL Rahul clips it through backward square leg for one.

Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, KL Rahul works it wide of short mid-wicket but the fielder moves to his left to gather it up.

Pitched up and on middle again, KL Rahul steps across and tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Full again and on middle, KL Rahul knocks it towards mid off.

Mitchell Marsh begins with a fuller delivery, on off, Virat Kohli eases it towards long on for a single.

This is on a good length and on middle, angling in, Virat Kohli uses his feet and clips it towards deep square leg for another run. Six singles in the over!

This is pitched up and on off, KL Rahul strides forward and drives it towards sweeper covers for one more.

Short of a length and around off, Virat Kohli swats it in front of mid on and scampers across for one as the fielder also misses his shy at the bowler's end.

Josh Hazlewood goes with the same plan as his skipper and bangs in a bouncer now, on middle, KL Rahul pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for just another run.

On a length and on off again, Virat Kohli pushes it towards sweeper covers for a run.

Back of a length and around off, KL Rahul punches it through cover-point for a single.

Fires this one full and on middle, KL Rahul drills it wide of the bowler where Glenn Maxwell dives to his right but fails to stop it as the ball rolls towards long on. They cross.

Quicker delivery, fullish and on middle, KL Rahul stays back to block it down the pitch.

Glenn Maxwell continues with his shorter length, outside off, KL Rahul cuts it away through point for a couple of runs.

Shorter once more from Maxi, on middle, turning in, KL Rahul pats it straight to short mid-wicket again.

Short again, on middle, angling in, KL Rahul tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Flatter, short and outside off, KL Rahul looks to cut but chops it down to the off side.

Pat Cummins ends the over with another bumper at 145.6 clicks, on middle, Virat Kohli once again ducks underneath it.

Pitches this one up, on off, Virat Kohli knocks it to the left of the bowler.

Another short delivery from Cummins around leg, KL Rahul lets it come to him and hooks it towards fine leg for another run.

Short of a length and on middle, Virat Kohli pulls it wide of square leg where this time David Warner dives to his left to stop it and only allows a run.

Pat Cummins bangs in another sharp bouncer, on middle, Virat Kohli ducks under it.

On a length and around off, KL Rahul pushes it wide of short covers where Marnus Labuschagne dives to his left to make a good stop. A single is taken.

Drinks break! Both teams have traded punches in the first 16 overs of the final but it will be Australia who will be happier with this start. Thanks to timely blows from Glenn Maxwell and Pat Cummins, the Aussies have the upper hand at the moment. With not much batting to come, Australia will continue to look for wickets and crush any hopes of an Indian recovery. As for India, they started well courtesy of Rohit Sharma but a couple of quick wickets have pegged them back. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul are amidst a rebuilding phase and one of them, if not both, have to bat long to resurrect the Indian innings.

Looped up, full and around off, KL Rahul drives it through covers for one.

Pushed through quicker this time, another googly, skids through as well, KL Rahul stays in his crease and pushes it straight to short covers.

Adam Zampa bowls the googly now, on middle, turns in, Virat Kohli forces it down to long on for another run.

Another short delivery, outside off, KL Rahul goes on the back foot and cuts it wide of sweeper covers for a run.

Short again, quicker too, KL Rahul stays back and blocks it down the pitch.

Flatter, short and on middle, Virat Kohli moves back and punches it through covers for a single.

Short of a length and on off again, KL Rahul dabs it straight to point. Another tidy over from the Aussie skipper.

Back of a length and around off, slower too, KL Rahul tries to pat it away but gets an inside edge to the leg side.

Touch fuller, on off, KL Rahul pushes it towards covers.

In the air..safe again! Pat Cummins bangs this one into the pitch as well, on off, Virat Kohli goes for the pull but only manages to spoon it in the air just wide of short mid-wicket. They cross.

Pat Cummins bangs in a sharp bouncer now, on middle, KL Rahul gets hurried as he looks to pull it and takes his eyes of the ball as well. It flies off the top edge on the bounce to fine leg for a single.

Pat Cummins lands this on a good length, on middle, Virat Kohli nudges it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Darts this one full and on the pads, Virat Kohli flicks it away nicely wide of deep square leg for one more.

Flatter and in the blockhole this time, on middle, Virat Kohli digs it back to the bowler.

Shorter in length and around middle, KL Rahul moves back and punches it towards long on for one.

A loopy low full toss, on off, Virat Kohli drags it hard and wide of long on for another run.

Floated, full and on leg, KL Rahul tucks it past short mid-wicket for a run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Virat Kohli prods forward to block but gets an inside edge through backward square leg for a single.

Pat Cummins bowls a fine dipping yorker, on middle, Virat Kohli lets it come down and just nudges it towards fine leg for a run.

Short of a length and around off, KL Rahul rolls his wrists and pulls it wide of square leg for a single.

An off-cutter now from Cummins, full and on off, turns in as well, KL Rahul reads it early and blocks it out.

Back of a length and on the sixth stump line, KL Rahul stays back and stabs it towards point.

Goes a bit fuller this time, on middle, angling in, KL Rahul watches it through and knocks it towards mid on.

This is on a hard length and on middle, KL Rahul hops up and tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Looped up, full and on middle, KL Rahul clips it through square leg for one more.

A googly now, gives this one some air as well, on middle, turns in, KL Rahul prods forward and keeps it out to the leg side.

A bit short now, angling into leg, Virat Kohli moves back and flicks it towards deep square leg for one.

Floated, full and on off, KL Rahul strides forward and eases it towards long off for another run.

Tossed up, full and around middle, Virat Kohli drills it towards long on for a run.

Adam Zampa starts with a flighted delivery, full and on middle, KL Rahul drives it towards long off for a single.

Another short delivery from Cummins, on middle, slower too, Virat Kohli goes through his pull shot early and mistimes it towards square leg.

Short of a length and on off, KL Rahul tentatively pats it down in front of point with one hand and scampers across for a single.

Pat Cummins bangs this one onto the pitch, on middle, angling in, KL Rahul gets cramped up as he looks to work it away but misses to get hit around his chest.

Back of a length and on off, KL Rahul dabs it towards point.

KL Rahul makes his way out to the centre now.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Pat Cummins strikes now and Australia are on top here! He lands this one on a good length and just around off, straightens a bit after hitting the deck, Shreyas Iyer stays in his crease and hops up to play inside the line of it without any footwork. He only manages to get a feather behind where Josh Inglis pouches it safely. A huge appeal and up goes the finger. India three down now!

Fuller in length and around off, angling in, Virat Kohli looks to push it away but gets an inside edge through square leg for a single.

Powerplay 2! A maximum of four fielders are allowed outside the circle now till the 40th over.

FOUR! Shreyas Iyer is up and running! Glenn Maxwell keeps the length short but offers the slightest of widths outside off, Shreyas Iyer stands tall and gets on top of the bounce before punching it wide of cover-point for his first boundary.

Bowls it short now, on off, Shreyas Iyer goes on the back foot and punches it straight to cover.

Shreyas Iyer comes out to the middle now.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! A stunner by Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell has the last laugh! Gives the ball air this time and bowls it on off, Rohit Sharma takes the bait and shimmies down the track to go down the ground. Rohit does not get to the pitch of the ball but still decides to go through the shot. He gets a top edge that skies in the air just outside the inner ring at cover-point. Travis Head at point, runs backwards while keeping his eyes on the ball and puts in a full-length dive to pluck the ball out of thin air. The ball does not pop out even when his elbow hits the ground. As it has happened so often, Rohit Sharma departs when he was looking so good.

FOUR! Glenn Maxwell overcompensates and Rohit Sharma cashes in! Short and outside off, Rohit Sharma is quick to use the depth of the crease and cuts it through cover-point for a boundary. Moves to 47 with this shot.

SIX! Exquisite use of the feet! Glenn Maxwell offers flight and bowls it at the stumps, Rohit Sharma gives the charge and goes through the line. He gets more air time than the distance but it is enough to clear the ropes at long on for a maximum.

Drops it short and bowls it around off, Rohit Sharma punches it neatly but straight to cover.

Short of a length, on off, Virat Kohli hangs on the back foot and opens the bat face to glide the ball to the left of deep point for a couple of runs.

A bit uppish but wide of Pat Cummins! Pat Cummins sees the batter advance and pulls the length back, on off, Virat Kohli has to adjust to the change of length and goes through his shot a bit early. Luckily for him, the ball eludes the outstretched left hand of Cummins before rolling to mid off.

Goes into the wicket and bowls it slower as well, on middle, Rohit Sharma hops and controls the pull well towards deep backward square leg for a single.

On a good length, on off, Rohit Sharma lets the ball come to him and keeps it out towards cover.

Leg bye! Angling in, on a back of a length, on the pads, Virat Kohli hangs back but misses the clip as the ball rolls behind square for a leg bye

Takes pace off right away does Pat Cummins, full and on off, Rohit Sharma lunges forward and drops it with soft hands. He calls Virat Kohli for a quick single and they complete it with ease.

Change from both ends as Pat Cummins replaces Josh Hazlewood now.

Much straighter this time, short and on off, Virat Kohli stays back and runs it down to short third man.

FOUR! Cut away with ease! Glenn Maxwell drops it way too short and offers width outside off, Virat Kohli picks the length early and rocks on the back foot in a flash. He gets on top of the bounce and hits it along the ground, past cover for a boundary.

Turning in a bit, short and at the batter, Virat Kohli helps this one to backward square leg for a dot.

Shortens his length and bowls it on middle, Rohit Sharma hangs back and whips it in front of square on the leg side for one more.

Floats it up again, a bit too full, on middle, Virat Kohli flicks it by rolling his wrists and gets it past mid-wicket for a run.

Starts off with a tossed-up delivery from over the wicket, on middle, Rohit Sharma prods forward and works it through mid-wicket for a single.

Starc rolls his fingers over the ball and delivers it on a length, on off, Rohit Sharma reads it well and steers it off the front foot to deep point for a single.

Pitched up now by Starc, on off, Virat Kohli is through his drive early this time as the ball stops in the surface. He chips it to the right of mid off and collects a single.

This is bowled on a back of a length, on off and middle, Virat Kohli gets behind the line to his time and defends it off the inner half of the bat at his feet.

FOUR! Best of the lot! Starc serves it on a good length, outside off, Virat Kohli is quick to go down the track and converts it into a shot-hitting delivery. Angles his bat face perfectly to get it past the diving Pat Cummins at mid off for a boundary.

FOUR! Class written all over this one! Starc goes short of a length this time, on off, Virat Kohli lets the ball to come to him and meets it sweetly as he punches it past point for four more runs.

FOUR! Not in complete control but Virat Kohli has his first boundary! Starc bowls it at the stumps, short of a good length, Virat Kohli skips down the track and looks to go over the bowler. The bat twists in his hands and ends up dragging it aerially but between mid-wicket and mid on for a boundary.

Hazlewood pulls the length back and bowls it on off, Virat Kohli steps out of the crease and rides on top of the bounce to guide it to deep point. Retains the strike with a single.

Good shot for no run! A bit fuller this time, on middle, Virat Kohli brings his wrists into play and flicks it neatly but straight to mid-wicket.

Shaping in, on a good length, on middle and leg, Rohit Sharma hops and works it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Lands it on a short of a length, on middle, Virat Kohli plays it late as he clips it to deep backward square leg for a run.

Short of a length, just outside off, Virat Kohli gets a bit taken aback by the bounce and fends it by taking his bottom hand off as he plays it on the leg side.

Hurls it on a good length, on off, Virat Kohli defends it right under his eyes without much fuss towards cover.

SIX! Launched down the ground by Rohit Sharma! Mitchell Starc misses his length as he bowls it right in the slot and not much pace on it as well, stand and deliver stuff for Rohit Sharma. He winds up and thumps into the long off fence for six more runs.

Virat Kohli is off the mark! Pitched up by Mitchell Starc, around off, Virat Kohli goes for the drive as he lunges forward but mistimes it to wide mid on and calls Rohit Sharma for a single.

Short of a length, on off, Virat Kohli hangs back in his crease and dabs it neatly on  the off side.

This is angled across bv Mitchell Starc, on a length, outside off, Virat Kohli watchfully lets it go through to the keeper.

A huge roar from the crowd as Virat Kohli walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! Mitchell Starc draws first blood for Australia as he did during the 2015 World Cup final! A hush around the ground as India lose Shubman Gill. Starc shortens his length and bowls it on off, it is not that short but Shubman Gill goes for the short-arm jab. He gets hurried into his shot and hits it flat and straight down the throat of Adam Zampa at mid on who makes no mistake.

Angles it away from Gill, on a good length, outside off, Shubman Gill presses forward and leaves the ball alone.

FOUR! Goes down the ground now does Rohit Sharma! On a length by Josh Hazlewood, the stumps, Rohit Sharma puts the dancing shoes on and firms the drive down the ground. The fielder there dives away to his left but the ball beats him and races into the fence.

SIX! Who else but Rohit Sharma with the first six of the final! Josh Hazlewood digs it in short and takes pace off but this sits up nicely for the batter, Rohit Sharma takes no half-measures this time as he holds his shape and dispatches it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Full this time, on off, driven crisply with a straight bat to mid off by Rohit Sharma.

Good running! Keeps it at the stumps, full in length, Shubman Gill prods forward and drops it in front of mid on for a quick single.

In the air...just short! Josh Hazlewood bends his back and bangs it in short, at the batter, as he always does, Rohit Sharma takes on the short ball as he goes for the pull. He does not get a proper connection and luckily for him, the ball drops in front of the rushing fielder. Travis Head goes for the catch as he puts in a dive and does well to keep it to one.

Good-length delivery, just outside off, Rohit Sharma hangs back and steers it towards backward point.

Pitches it up now, around off, Shubman Gill shows the full face of the bat and drives it firmly to mid off. Rohit Sharma looks at Gill for a single but the latter is quick with a loud call of 'No' to send his skipper back.

Goes back to bowling in the channel, on a good length, Shubman Gill is happy to let it through.

First midfield from Australia and it's David Warner! Starc goes full in search of swing, on off, Shubman Gill gets a good stride in and times the drive well towards cover. David Warner fails to get down low enough and the ball goes through his hands, allowing Gill to collect a couple of runs.

Angled away by Mitchell Starc, on a hard length, outside off, Rohit Sharma flays it away aerially but in front of deep point for a single.

This is bowled in the channel on off, on a good length, Rohit Sharma lifts his bat and lets the ball got through to the keeper.

WIDE! Loses his radar and sprays it down leg, on a lengtḥ, left alone by Rohit Sharma for a wide.

Edged but short! Charges in from over the wicket and bowls it on the off-stump, Shubman Gill prods forward a bit to defend but gets an outside edge that surprisingly drops well in front of first slip. Josh Inglis dives away to his left but fails to reach and the ball deflects away behind first slip for a single.

Swing and a miss! Hurls it on the fifth stump line, on a good length, Rohit Sharma shapes to heave it across the line but the ball moves in a touch and sneaks under the bat. Good comeback from Josh Hazlewood after being hit for two boundaries.

On the off-stump line, on a good length, Rohit Sharma covers the line of the ball and stabs it in front of cover for a dot.

Angling in, on a length, on middle and leg, Rohit Sharma gets behind the line and drops it in front of mid-wicket.

FOUR! He goes again, back-to-back boundaries for Rohit Sharma! Josh Hazlewood lands it on a good length, on off and middle, Rohit Sharma has a swipe across the line without much foot movement. He mistimes this one a bit but gets it wide of mid-wicket for four more runs.

FOUR! Rohit Sharma gets going now! Delivers it full in length, outside off, Rohit Sharma shimmies down the track and frees his arms to cream the drive through covers for the first boundary of this final.

Excellent fielding yet again by the Aussies! Josh Hazlewood begins on a length, around off, Rohit Sharma gets half-forward to defend it with soft hands. Gets an outside edge that races past second slip but Adam Zampa at third man, covers good ground to his left and cuts it off. Two runs taken.

Josh Hazlewood to take the second new ball from the other end.

Fine stop by Pat Cummins! Starc serves it full again, on off, Rohit Sharma presents a high elbow and drives it along the ground towards mid off. Pat Cummins is quick to react as he dives away to his left and keeps it just a single. A tidy first over from Mitchell Starc.

Starc pulls his length back and gets this one to angle across the right-hander, in the channel, Rohit Sharma watches it all the way and leaves the ball alone.

Angled away now, on a length, around off, Rohit Sharma strides forward and pats it gently in front of cover.

Pitched up again, a bit of late inswing, on middle, Rohit Sharma pushes with a straight bat to mid off.

Rohit Sharma and India are underway! Offers width outside off, on a fullish length, Rohit Sharma reaches out and opens the bat face to glide it wide of point. Travis Head at deep point, sprints and slides to his left to save a couple of runs for his side.

A loud appeal from Mitchell Starc right away! Starts off on a full length, swinging into the pads from over the wicket, Rohit Sharma does not fully commit to the clip and gets rapped on the pads. Only Starc was convinced, not much from the rest of the players as the ball was sliding down leg.

Done with the pre-match formalities! It is a sea of blue with a few yellow spots at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The atmosphere is absolutely electrifying and we are all set to start this final. The Australian players can be seen in a huddle who then spread out to take their respective field positions. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are the two openers for India while Mitchell Starc has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

We are moments away from the start of this big final, but before that, the umpires walk out to the middle followed by the players of both teams who line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Australia's first followed by the national anthem of India.

Rohit Sharma, the captain of India says that they would have batted first anyway. Adds that it looks like a good wicket and they will look to put runs on the board in this game. Tells that whenever they play here, the crowd comes in big numbers. Mentions that it is a big occasion but they will have to be nice and calm and get the job done. Says it is a great feeling and a dream come true to walk out as captain of India in a World Cup final and he said that in the press conference as well. Further adds that they have been consistent in the last ten games and just have to be composed and do what they have been doing throughout this tournament. Informs they are unchanged as well.

Pat Cummins, the skipper of Australia, says that they will bowl first. Mentions that the wicket is a little bit dry and says that they want to bowl during the day and back themselves to chase later. Shares that dew is one factor and reckons that it gets better to bat here as the day progresses. Feels really proud of the group and says that they have not put a foot wrong after that tough start. Hopes for more of the same in this game. States that when it was announced that the final would be played here, they knew that it was going to be a big day. Further adds that they have had fantastic battles with India. Ends by informing that they are playing with the same team as the last game.

India (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.

Australia (Unchanged Playing XI) - Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (WK), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (C), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

TOSS - It is toss time in the biggest stadium in the world. Rohit Sharma flips the coin for one last time in this World Cup and Pat Cummins calls it right in the final. Australia have elected to BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT - Ravi Shastri is near the deck. He informs that pitch number 5 will be used for the final, which was also used for the game between India and Pakistan. Mentions that this surface has a different look than that game and says that it has been left open to dry for quite a long period. Shares that the pitch is very dry and patchy, especially in the areas where the spinners will land. Feels that neither team's decision at the toss should be influenced by the dew factor, and further adds that India will not be too bothered either way. Matthew Hayden joins him and advises Australia to just play the ball and post a big total on the board. Adds that they should come out hard in the field as they did against South Africa and throw punches early. Shastri adds that looking at the pitch, it is easy to be carried away, but feels that it is important to watch the ball as it leaves the hand. Hayden reckons that Adam Zampa will be the X-factor with the ball considering the dry nature of the surface and states that one of their top three batters will have to be the X-factor with the bat. Shastri ends by saying that India should carry on where they left off and should not think too much.

With performances lined up before, during, and after the game, the final showdown of the 2023 ODI World Cup promises to be a spectacle like no other. The tone will be set by the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, part of the 52nd Squadron of the Indian Air Force, through their air show. That will be followed by the ‘Champions Parade’ during the innings break, where BCCI will felicitate past World Cup-winning captains. Moreover, there will be musical performances and a laser show during the drinks break of both innings as well as the innings interval to keep you entertained.

Australia, on the other hand, faced early criticism with two losses but rallied with eight consecutive wins, including a tough semi-final against South Africa. Depending heavily on the top three – Travis Head, David Warner, and Mitchell Marsh – their middle order is a concern, hoping for Glenn Maxwell's explosive form. They also have a tough decision to make whether to play Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne together or drop one of them. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood regained rhythm in the semis, and Adam Zampa remains a consistent bowler as their leading spinner. Pat Cummins' decision-making and calmness under pressure will be crucial while he continues to contribute with both bat and ball. Australia aims to replicate early pressure on India as they did in the first game, but the home advantage, form, and crowd support favour the hosts. It's a clash between India's quest for a third trophy and Australia's bid for a sixth. The outcome awaits. Toss and team news in a bit.

India have made the ODI World Cup final after 12 years lifting the trophy on home soil in 2011. The statistics favour the Men in Blue as the last three World Cups have been won by the host nations. With a solid record of ten consecutive wins, Rohit Sharma's quick starts, Shubman Gill's pressure on opponents, and Virat Kohli's anchoring, India boast a well-balanced team. Kohli is the leading run-scorer with 711 runs while Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul have been fantastic in the middle order. Mohammed Shami leads the bowling charts with 23 wickets, supported well by Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. The spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja could be the game-changers just like they were in the first game where they defeated the Aussies. Seeking redemption for the 2003 heartbreak, India is determined to clinch the trophy on home soil.

In a cricketing deja vu, the stage is set is set for an epic showdown in the 2023 ODI World Cup final as cricket powerhouses India and Australia prepare to face off once again in a battle for glory at the stunning Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad where over 100,000 fans will be present to cheer and make this mega event even more special. Rewind to 2003, and these two teams locked horns in a memorable World Cup final, etching an unforgettable chapter in the sport's history. Will history repeat itself, or will we see a whole new twist in the tale? Grab your popcorn – it's time for a cricketing spectacle!

... MATCH DAY ...