Did India’s decision ‘blunder with pitch’ cost them World Cup title?
Mumbai (MNP) Concerns have been raised on the playing surface after India’s batting collapse led to the host side’s humiliating defeat against Australia in the final match of the World Cup 2023.
India, known as a batting powerhouse, failed to put up a respectable total and was limited to 240 runs in 50 overs. Batting second, the Kangaroos sailed through the 241-run target to secure their sixth ODI World Cup title.
Commenting on the final match, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting blamed India’s “blunder with the pitch” for the home team’s defeat against the Aussies.
“It was very, very sub-continental conditions today. A wicket preparation that has probably ended up backfiring on India to be totally fair,” Ponting said stressing that the host side failed to prepare the right pitch for the all-important match.
It is to be noted that despite suffering early blows, the Kangaroos sailed through the garget courtesy of Travis Head’s brilliant 137-run knock as the left-handed batter stood tall and anchored the innings for his side in the all-important match.
Head was greatly supported by a calm and composed Marnus Labuschagne as the right-hander started his innings slowly and played while rotating the strike, providing Head the room to find the moments and hit boundaries.
