Travis Head brought back the memories of Kapil Dev heroic knock and performance at the 1983 world cup, he exhibited the same grit and determination to win. The ICC World Cup 2023 final was a historic occasion for Australia, as they lifted their sixth trophy after defeating India by seven wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The hero of the match was Travis Head, who played a brilliant knock of 137 of 120 balls and also took two stunning catches in the field.
While India failed to read the pitch conditions, and bowlers had no answer to bowl with wicket taking abilities, Australia did their homework to deliver a rock-solid all-round performance to lift the cup.
Head’s performance was reminiscent of Kapil Dev’s legendary display in the 1983 World Cup final, when he scored an unbeaten 175 and took a spectacular catch to dismiss Vivian Richards. Both Head and Kapil Dev batted with grit and passion to win rescuing their teams from precarious situations. Both also led their teams with charisma and confidence.
Head came to the crease when Australia were struggling at 45 for three, chasing a modest target of 240. He steadied the innings with a 192-run partnership with Marnus Labuschagne, who remained unbeaten on 58. After 34 overs, Australia are 185/3 and the duo putting on 144-run partnership in 163 balls.
He then accelerated the scoring with Glenn Maxwell, who smashed a ball to take his team to the victory podium. Head reached his century in style, after hitting a six over long-on off Jasprit Bumrah and then following with a near run out situation. He continued his gritty batting display as Australia cruised home in 38.4 overs.
Head’s batting was a mix of aggression and finesse, as he hit nine fours and six sixes in his 108-ball innings. He was particularly severe on the spinners, using his feet and sweeping them with ease. He also showed great temperament and composure under pressure, as he guided his team to victory.
At CWC 2023 finals Head’s brilliance was not limited to batting, as he also contributed in the field. He took two superb catches at mid-off, both diving to his right. The first one was to dismiss Rohit Sharma for 25, off the bowling of Pat Cummins. The second one was even more crucial, as he caught Virat Kohli for 57, off Mitchell Starc. Kohli was looking dangerous combining with KL Rahul who scored 62 in 107 balls. His dismissal triggered a collapse, as India lost their balance wickets and were bowled out for 240 in 48.3 overs.
While Australia remained unbeaten for ninth straight game, India’s 10-game unbeaten run comes to an end in the final. Labuschgne remained unbeaten on 58.
6th World Cup Title for Australia: Travis Head does his nation proud
Head was rightly adjudged the man of the match at CWC 2023 Finals and the man of the tournament, as he scored 537 runs at an average of 76.71 and a strike rate of 101.13. He also took seven wickets with his part-time off-spin and eight catches in the field. He became the second Australian after Ricky Ponting to win both awards in a single World Cup.
CWC 2023: Travis Head brilliance outshined India’s unbeaten march to the finals
Head’s performance was hailed by cricket experts and fans alike, as he etched his name in the history books. He also earned the respect and admiration of his opponents, especially Kohli, who praised him for his leadership and skill. Head thanked his teammates and coaches for their support and dedicated the win to his countrymen.
Head’s World Cup heroics will be remembered for a long time, as he emulated Kapil Dev’s feat and led Australia to glory.
