World Cup Final 2023: Travis Head scores battling century against India

With Australia’s backs against the wall, Travis Head emerged as the saviour to steer the side to near-certain victory against India in the Cricket World Cup final. Head struck his fifth ODI century from 95 balls at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

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Head raced off to a desperate single in the 34th over of Australia’s innings and tested Ravindra Jadeja’s arm while stealing a single. Luckily for him, the throw missed and the Aussie completed a century.

The knock found extra meaning considering Australia were struggling and under pressure in their chase. Needing 241 runs to win, Australia were reduced to 47/3 with David Warner, Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith departing without any serious contribution.

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Head, who opened the innings with Warner, remained resolute throughout the innings. He started by smashing Jasprit Bumrah for twin boundaries in the first over. The left-hander slowed things down in the middle but picked up pace once again against India’s premier fast bowler Bumrah. In the 28th over, Head smacked Bumrah for three boundaries – towards mid-wicket, past mid-on and wide of deep square leg.

Australia need 241 runs to win the 2023 Cricket World Cup and a record sixth title looked all but confirmed as Head and Marnus Labuschagne stitched an unbeaten 100-plus run stand.