IND vs AUS: Lowest totals defended in ICC ODI World Cup Final

IND vs AUS: India were bundled out for 240 in 50 overs in the final of the World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19.

On a slow batting surface, Australia bowlers showed a lot of discipline to make run-scoring extremely difficult for India batters. 80 runs were scored in the first 10 overs. India could gather 160 runs only in the next 40 overs.

A total of only 16 boundaries were scored in the Indian innings. The last over 40 overs saw just four boundaries. KL Rahul, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma top-scored for India with 66, 54 and 47 runs respectively.

The low total has left the Indian team and the fans sweating. India last won a World Cup in 2011, and the nation has been waiting for an ICC trophy since 2013 - when the Men in Blue won the ICC Champions Trophy under the leadership of MS Dhoni.

India hold the record for defending the lowest total in a World Cup final. Kapil Dev's India defended 183 against the mighty West Indies in the 1983 World Cup final. Rohit Sharma's team have a chance to register their name in the record books by successfully defending the second lowest total in an ODI World Cup final.

Lowest totals defended in ICC World Cup Final

• India 183 vs England 140 all-out in 1983
• Pakistan 249/6 vs England 227 all-out in 1992
• Australia 253/5 vs England 246/8 in 1987

Earlier in the ongoing World Cup 2023, India defended a 230-run target against England in Lucknow. Australia 193/7 while chasing 213 runs in the semi-final against South Africa. They were 91/7 against Afghanistan while chasing 292.

Lowest targets defended by a team in World Cup 2023

• 230 Net vs Ban Kolkata
• 230 Ind vs Eng Lucknow
• 246 Net vs SA Dharamsala