On November 19, the cricketing world will converge on the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for a spectacle unlike any other. India, after a record-shattering run into the final, is set to face the formidable five-time champions Australia in what promises to be a clash of titans.
The International Cricket Council has released a star-studded commentary panel for the summit clash, which will be led by former India cricketer Ravi Shastri. The former India head coach called the iconic moment when MS Dhoni hit a six to hand India a brilliant win in the 2011 ODI World Cup.
World Cup Final Commentary Panel
Kass Naidoo, Ravi Shastri, Ricky Ponting, Ian Smith, Sanjay Manjrekar, Aaron Finch, Nasser Hussain, Harsha Bhogle, Dinesh Karthik, Matthew Hayden, Eoin Morgan, Ian Bishop, Shane Watson, Sunil Gavaskar and Mark Howard will bring world-class coverage to screen across the world for the final of the showpiece event.
The journey to the final has been nothing short of exhilarating for the Indian team. They secured their spot with a decisive 70-run victory over New Zealand, showcasing their batting prowess as they amassed a formidable total of 397/4. The semi-final win was a testament to the team’s depth and skill, with significant contributions from the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul. Mohammed Shami’s exceptional bowling, which included a seven-wicket haul, further solidified India’s position as a cricketing powerhouse deserving of a place in the final.
Australia, on the other hand, demonstrated their resilience and championship pedigree by overcoming South Africa in a nail-biting semi-final. The Australian team, led by skipper Pat Cummins and bolstered by the likes of Mitchell Starc, showed that they are no strangers to high-pressure situations, setting up an epic showdown with India.
The Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket stadium with a seating capacity of 130,000, is expected to be filled to the brim with passionate fans. The atmosphere will be electric, as spectators from across the globe gather to witness this historic event. The match will commence at 2 pm IST, with the toss taking place at 1:30 pm.
Adding to the grandeur of the occasion, the BCCI has announced a star-studded lineup of performers to entertain the crowd during the mid-innings break. The ensemble includes Pritam Chakraborty, Jonita Gandhi, Nakash Aziz, Amit Mishra, Akasa Singh, and Tushar Joshi—each artist bringing their own unique flair to what will be a memorable musical extravaganza.
The final is not just a showcase of cricketing talent but also a cultural celebration. The pre-match performance will feature a display by the Surya Kiran acrobatic team of the Indian Air Force, scheduled to grace the skies with a dazzling air show. Additionally, a special laser and light show will captivate the audience during the drinks break in the second innings.
As India and Australia prepare for this monumental encounter, the anticipation is palpable. Memories of past encounters, particularly the 2003 World Cup final where India faced defeat against Australia, add layers of narrative to this contest. Fans and players alike are eager for a chance at redemption, hoping that this time, the Indian team will emerge victorious.
The stage is set for November 19, 2023, when the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will become the epicenter of the cricketing world. As two of the sport’s most accomplished teams go head-to-head, it will be a day etched in the annals of cricket history, promising an unforgettable experience for all.
Predicted Playing XIs
India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj/ R Ashwin.
Australia: David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (C), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.