Cricket World Cup final reaction after Travis Head century leads Aussies to victory

Australia won a record-extending sixth World Cup title after opener Travis Head smashed a magnificent century to fashion their six-wicket victory in Sunday’s final against the tournament’s form team India.

Put into bat, India rode battling half-centuries by KL Rahul and Virat Kohli to post a below-par 240 all out in exactly 50 overs at a packed Narendra Modi Stadium.

Australia suffered a top-order wobble of their own but Head’s 137 off 120 balls saw them romp home with seven overs to spare in a match that never reached great heights.

Around 93,000 predominantly Indian fans sat mostly in deathly silence as the home team, who had won 10 matches in a row to make the final, succumbed to their first loss of the tournament

Relive all the match action and reaction below:

India host Australia in a bid to win first major ICC trophy since 2011

• Australia stun India to win Cricket World Cup final by six wickets and claim their sixth title

• REPORT: Travis Head breaks India hearts as Australia lift record sixth Cricket World Cup title

• Travis Head the star for Australia after 137-run century

• Head and Labuschagne put together crucial 192-run partnership

• KL Rahul top-scored for India with 66; Kohli added half-century too

A look at the data behind Virat Kohli’s record 50 ODI centuries

17:30 , Ben Fleming

Virat Kohli has become the first batter to score 50 ODI centuries.

The India star scored his landmark ton in the World Cup semi-final win over New Zealand, with his compatriot and previous record holder Sachin Tendulkar watching in the stands.

Kohli had equalled Tendulkar’s 49 one-day hundreds just 10 days earlier in a group-stage victory against South Africa.

The PA news agency examines the data behind his remarkable achievement.

A look at the data behind Virat Kohli’s record 50 ODI centuries

Pitch invader with ‘Free Palestine’ T-shirt runs up to Virat Kohli during India vs Australia World Cup final

17:18 , Ben Fleming

A pitch invader wearing a shirt with messages supporting Palestine breached security on Sunday at the cricket venue of the India versus Australia ICC World Cup 2023 final match in India’s Ahmedabad.

The spectator entered the field reportedly to meet Virat Kohli and even got close enough to put his arm around India’s star cricketer before being arrested by the police, according to reports.

The match at the Narendra Modi stadium in the western state of Gujarat was interrupted for a few minutes in the 14th over of Indian innings as the man was seen running up to Kohli wearing a white T-shirt, a face mask with Palestinian flag print, and red trousers.

Man with ‘Free Palestine’ T-shirt invades field during Cricket World Cup final

Travis Head breaks India hearts as Australia lift record sixth Cricket World Cup title

17:06 , Ben Fleming

Travis Head broke Indian hearts with a superb century to guide Australia to their sixth men’s Cricket World Cup title with a six-wicket victory in Ahmedabad.

India had been flawless all tournament and cruised into the knockout stages having won every group game, but they faltered at the final hurdle, and Australia managed to calm the over 100,000-strong partisan home crowd and claim the title.

The stage had been set for Rohit Sharma’s India to emulate the feats of the 2011 team, who lifted the trophy on home soil to write their names into the history books, but 12 years later, they were unable to do enough to beat the Australians. As the post-match fireworks launched into sky, it was not for the team they had been intended for, and some of the crowd had already made their way out of the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Read Sonia Twigg’s match report as Australia claimed their sixth men’s World Cup title:

Travis Head breaks India hearts as Australia lift record sixth World Cup title

AUSTRALIA WIN THE WORLD CUP!

17:03 , Ben Fleming

Let the celebrations begin!

AUSTRALIA WIN THE WORLD CUP!

17:00 , Ben Fleming

More from Cummins: “My heart was spluttering [at 47-3] but Marnus [Labuschagne] had a cool head straightaway and Trav [Head] did what he does. He is really brave, puts the pressure back on the bowlers, and to do it on the biggest stage shows a lot of character.

“I couldn’t be happier for Trav. He is a legend and how fun is he to watch.”

On the atmosphere: “It was awesome. I must say, I was pretty happy they were silent for a lot of the bowling innings. The passion in India is unrivalled around the world and I think it’s amazing – every single person wearing the blue – and a pretty special moment. Whatever the result was we were never going to forget a day like today.”

On their approach this tournament:“You have to go win a World Cup; you can’t wait for it to happen. You have to be brave; take the game on and there was a big shift after the first two games, particularly with our batting. The openers went really aggressive and didn’t waver. There was total buy-in and it worked.

“This is a year we will remember for a long, long time.”

AUSTRALIA WIN THE WORLD CUP!

16:54 , Ben Fleming

A slightly botched start to the trophy ceremony as Cummins is left awkwardly standing on his own. But his teammate eventually join him as they lift high the trophy for a record sixth time:

AUSTRALIA WIN THE WORLD CUP!

16:46 , Ben Fleming

Pat Cummins, Australian captain, speaking after his side’s victory: “We saved our best for last. The players stood up and were are pretty chuffed.

On the decision to bat first: “We’ve been batting first for pretty much the entire tournament but today we thought it was a great night to chase and that it might get a bit easier to play on

On the pitch: “It was slower than we thought and didn’t spin as much but our players adjusted and bowled some tight line. On a pitch like that, you get variable bounce so we put a couple of catchers on the leg-side and made India make decisions. The boys were fantastic. We’ve got an ageing squad but we are still throwing ourselves around. We were really chuffed with 240 because we were happy with anything under 300. We thought 300 might be tough but achievable on that wicket.”

AUSTRALIA WIN THE WORLD CUP!

16:37 , Ben Fleming

Rohit Sharma, Indian captain, reflects on his side’s defeat: “We were not good enough today but I am really proud of the way we have played since day one. Today was not our day. We tried everything we could but it wasn’t supposed to be.”

“We would have liked 20 or 30 more runs. We spoke around 25/30 overs when Rahul and Kohli were batting that we needed to bat long but we kept losing wickets and couldn’t stitch another big partnership together and that is exactly what Australia did with their batting.

“The plan was to take wickets early with only 240 on the board and we did that but credit to Travis and Marnus in the middle for their partnership. It put us completely out of the game but we tried everything we could. The pitch got a lot better to bat on under the lights. I don’t want to give that as an excuse – we simply didn’t bat well enough to put enough runs on the board.”

AUSTRALIA WIN THE WORLD CUP!

16:30 , Ben Fleming

Mitchell Starc speaking to Sky Sports after the game: “Pat Cummins was phenomenal, he has been all tournament with his decision making, his leadership and with the ball. He’s been phenomenal for us and it’s capped off an amazing eight weeks for this group. I haven’t got any words left.

“Between Cummins and the coaching staff and all the players, it’s been an incredible winter. I don’t think you could write a script to top the winter that we have. To win a World Cup in India has been tough but it’s been an enjoyable and successful one.”

AUSTRALIA WIN THE WORLD CUP!

16:27 , Ben Fleming

Mitchell Marsh reacts to Australia’s win: “Pure elation. I said to a few of the boys earlier that it’s been the hardest eight weeks of cricket I’ve ever been a part of. We were 0-2 at one point and Sri Lanka were 120-0 in our next game – that feels like a lifetime ago.

“To be here with this group, it’s just unbelievable.”

AUSTRALIA WIN THE WORLD CUP!

16:20 , Ben Fleming

Man of the match Travis Head speaking after the game: “Not in a million years did I think that would happen [be awarded man of the match today and in the World Test Championship final]. What an amazing day. I’m just thrilled to be a part of it.

“It is a lot better than being sat on the couch at home! I’m very lucky that everything went well and I was able to get back and the support that the boys showed, I didn’t think this would happen. I was nervous in the first 20 balls but Marnus [Labuschagne] batted brilliantly and it is great to bat with him – he soaked up all the pressure – and it was an amazing partnership.

“I felt the way that Mitch Marsh came on and took the game on, he set the tone. We knew the wicket might get tough but it turned out to be a great decision to bowl first because the pitch did get better as the day went on. It took a bit of spin but what we did at the toss paid dividends. Nice to be a part of it and play a role in that. It will be a good few days now.

On his catch to dismiss Rohit: “Rohit Sharma was probably the unluckiest man in the world! I do work hard [on my catching] but I couldn’t imagine holding onto that. It is a nice thing to be able to contribute I’ll be able to look back on later in my life.”

AUSTRALIA WIN THE WORLD CUP!

16:15 , Ben Fleming

Steve Smith speaking after the game: “The atmosphere was incredible today and it was just a great performance. The bowlers set the tone and the fielding was great. The show Travis [Head] put on was just incredible – he took the game on even when we were 60-3 and played to his strength. I thought Marnus [Labuschagne] played an unbelievable supporting role up the other end – it was a great partnership.

“It wasn’t the ideal start but we had the belief. We have a good group of players and a great staff. Fortunately, we were able to do that. It’s another dream come true and a pretty big year for us with the World Test Championship – it’s been great fun.”

AUSTRALIA WIN THE WORLD CUP!

16:11 , Ben Fleming

David Warner speaking after the game: “Our bowlers were fantastic and they set the tone from ball one – the fielding supporting that. To bowl India out in a final for 240 is exceptional.

“There was a bit of nervous energy up in the changing room but a fantastic partnership between the two of them and what an incredible comeback for Head. He was injured in South Africa and came back and scored a century in his first game back and then a 100 here tonight in front of a jam-paced crowd – it’s just absolutely phenomenal.”

AUSTRALIA WIN THE WORLD CUP!

16:05 , Ben Fleming

Marnus Labuschagne, speaking after the game: “What we have achieved today is unbelievable, it’s the best achievement I have been part of.

“India have been the team of the tournament – they’ve played unbelievable – but you knew if we played our best cricket we had a chance. Our bowlers was sensational and then Travis [Head] was sensational. It was great to be a part of it with him

“I’m a man of faith and believe in god but the way everything has happened is unbelievable to me. I’m lost for words. The amount of times I thought I was done – even last night – I’m thankful to the coaches for sticking with me. Three months ago in South Africa, I wasn’t even in the one-day team so to play 19 games straight from there is a miracle. I have to give the thanks to God for that,”

AUSTRALIA WIN THE WORLD CUP!

16:03 , Ben Fleming

We’ll hear from him later no doubt but the man of the match will surely be Travis Head. A masterful knock and just the seventh player to score a century in a World Cup Final:

AUSTRALIA WIN THE WORLD CUP!

16:00 , Ben Fleming

The winning moments and celebrations from Australia:

AUSTRALIA WIN THE WORLD CUP!

15:52 , Ben Fleming

Maxwell hits the winnings run and Australia have done it! The new batter needs just two runs and manages it with his very first ball.

A sea of yellow charge onto the field as Australia begin their celebrations. The Indian players are dejected – they went unbeaten until this match but have fallen at the final hurdle in front of their home fans.

But it’s Australia’s night. An impeccable display with the ball – led by their captain Cummins – and then a ruthless, clinical chase with the bat courtesy of that superb century from Head in that massive partnership with Labuschagne.

A record sixth World Cup and what a way to do it.

WICKET! Head c Gill b Siraj 137 (Australia 239-4)

15:51 , Ben Fleming

What an innings from Head! The opener goes for the big shot to end it but he picks out Gill on the boundary rope and has to depart.

But it’s a match-winning knock from him regardless as he’s embraced by his teammates as he comes off the pitch.

Australia 239-3 (42.4) Labuschagne 58, Head 137, Siraj 0-43 (6.4), AUS need 10 off 44 balls

15:50 , Ben Fleming

Head fancies finishing this sooner rather than later as he clubs Siraj over the top for another boundary. A couple of singles bring the required runs down to just two now.

Will they end it this over?

Australia 231-3 (42) Labuschagne 57, Head 130, Bumrah 0-43 (9), AUS need 10 off 48 balls

15:47 , Ben Fleming

Just one off Bumrah’s penultimate over. You could almost hear a pin drop in this stadium now as Australia close in on victory. Just ten to go.

Australia 230-3 (41) Labuschagne 57, Head 129, Siraj 0-30 (6), AUS need 11 off 54 balls

15:41 , Ben Fleming

Plenty of enthusiasm from the Australian bench as Labuschagne pulls another one fine for four. Five off the over and Australia are almost down to single digits now. Just 11 needed.

Australia 225-3 (40) Labuschagne 53, Head 128, Bumrah 0-42 (8), AUS need 16 off 60 balls

15:38 , Ben Fleming

Bumrah comes back in for the final few overs with Kudleep all bowled out. Another single moves Labuschagne to 49.

And now he’ll get his half-century as he whips one off the pads with superb timing. It’s been a patient innings but no less important than Head’s superb knock at the other end.

Six off the over and Australia need just 16 now.

Australia 219-3 (39) Labuschagne 48, Head 127, Siraj 0-30 (5), AUS need 22 off 66 balls

15:33 , Ben Fleming

Australia calmly take five more off Siraj’s over. They are cruising to victory now.

Australia 214-3 (38) Labuschagne 45, Head 125, Kuldeep 0-56 (10), AUS need 27 off 72 balls

15:29 , Ben Fleming

Another huge six! This is impeccable ball-striking from Head as he launches another into the stand. India can only stand and watch at this stage – it’s simply a matter of time now.

Another ten from the over – Australia need just 27 now.

Australia 204-3 (37) Labuschagne 43, Head 117, Siraj 0-25 (4), AUS need 37 off 78 balls

15:25 , Ben Fleming

With Jadeja bowled out, Siraj comes back into the attack. He’s bowled just three overs today but will need to summon something otherworldly if he’s to get his side back into this game.

That certainly won’t help as Head heaves the Indian quick into the stands for his third six of the evening. Australia move past 200 now and need under 40 to win.

Australia 195-3 (36) Labuschagne 42, Head 109, Kuldeep 0-46 (9), AUS need 46 off 84 balls

15:21 , Ben Fleming

I’m not quite sure what you say to your players at drinks if you are Rohit. His side look deflated, as does the crowd as Australia look set to cruise to victory here.

Three from Kuldeep’s over – Australia need only 46 now to win.

Australia 192-3 (35) Labuschagne 41, Head 107, Jadeja 0-43 (10), AUS need 49 off 15 overs

15:15 , Ben Fleming

Six! A huge shot from Head as he continues to put his foot down, sweeping high and handsomely into the stands. A masterful innings just keeps getting better.

Seven off Jadeja’s final over and Australia now need under 50 runs to wrap up this World Cup final.

Australia 185 -3 (34) Labuschagne 41, Head 100, Kuldeep 0-43 (8), AUS need 56 off 16 overs

15:12 , Ben Fleming

Shot! Head clips Kuldeep for four to relieve some of the pressure building after those tight overs. He moves into the nineties now.

Now he’s closing in on the three figures. Another four over mid-on before a further two leaves him on 99. Superb batting.

He taps and goes now…a direct hit and he would have been out! The Indian fielder misses and Head has his century! A superb knock from the opener to leave his nation on the brink of victory. His teammates applaud as the stadium falls silent.

Australia 174-3 (34) Labuschagne 41, Head 89, Jadeja 0-36 (9), AUS need 67 off 17 overs

15:08 , Ben Fleming

Jadeja is into his penultimate over here but still unable to prize a wicket out from these two Aussie batters. A tight over – just two from it – but India know they need more than that at this stage.

Australia 172-3 (32) Labuschagne 40, Head 88, Kuldeep 0-32 (7), AUS need 69 off 18 overs

15:04 , Ben Fleming

India need some magic as they turn to Kuldeep again. The legspinner has been superb throughout the tournament and how would India love an inspired last four overs from him now.

It’s not coming this over for India as Australia take another two from it.

Australia 170-3 (31) Labuschagne 39, Head 87, Jadeja 0-34 (8), AUS need 71 off 19 overs

15:02 , Ben Fleming

A comfortable three of that over as Labuschagne clips one into the leg side for two off the final ball. It’s all a bit too easy for Australia right now.

Australia 167-3 (30) Labuschagne 37, Head 86, Bumrah 2-36 (7), AUS need 74 off 20 overs

14:58 , Ben Fleming

A good over from Bumrah – just two runs from it – but they need more. Without a few wickets, Australia will remain in charge of this run chase.

Australia 165-3 (29) Labuschagne 36, Head 85, Jadeja 0-31 (7), AUS need 76 off 21 overs

14:54 , Ben Fleming

Just three from the over but that’s fine for Australia. The required run rate is under four an over and these two will want to see it through to the end for their side now.

India NEED a breakthrough…

Australia 162-3 (28) Labuschagne 34, Head 84, Bumrah 2-34 (6), AUS need 79 off 22 overs

14:51 , Ben Fleming

Just sliding down leg and the umpire’s call decision means that Labuschagne survives. Fine margins but it goes the way of Australia on this occasion.

And now Head compounds India’s misery as he pulls another to the ropes with a brutish pull shot. 14 runs from Bumrah’s comeback over. Superb from Head who is guiding his team to victory as things stand.

Australia 157-3 (27.4) Labuschagne 34, Head 80, Bumrah 2-30 (5.4), AUS need 84 off 22.2 overs

14:49 , Ben Fleming

Shami doesn’t last long and Bumrah is the man to replace him. Head, though, gives the new bowler the same treatment as he did to Shami and flicks the first ball away for four runs.

There’s almost an unfortunate moment for Labuschagne as Head’s shot deflects off Bumrah and onto the stumps but the Aussie batter is back into his crease in time.

And another four! Head is smashing the life out of this game as he crunches yet another shot to the ropes.

Labuschagne is struck on the pads and Bumrah thinks he has his man. Upstairs they go for a review…

Australia 148-3 (27) Labuschagne 34, Head 71, Jadeja 0-28 (6), AUS need 93 off 23 overs

14:45 , Ben Fleming

The hundred partnership comes up between these two as they take another four from the over. There’s a lot of glum faces in the stands here at the Narendra Modi Stadium. It’s not going their side’s way at the moment.

Australia 144-3 (26) Labuschagne 32, Head 69, Shami 1-47 (7), AUS need 97 off 24 overs

14:42 , Ben Fleming

Shot! Only his second boundary but that might be the best of the day from Labuschagne as he effortlessly drives Shami to the ropes.

A top edge from Labuschagne follows, but it just falls short of fine leg. A let-off for the Aussie middle-order batsman. And to rub salt in the wounds, Head crunches the final ball of the over to the ropes for another four.

Nine off the over and Australia need under 100 now.

Australia 135-3 (25) Labuschagne 27, Head 65, Jadeja 0-24 (5), target 241

14:38 , Ben Fleming

Turn from Jadeja, but a thick outside edge sees the ball fly away to the ropes for four. Not much going India’s way at the minute.

Something has to give here for the home side. Australia are knocking it around with far too much ease as another eight comes up from the latest over.

Only 106 runs needed now as we reach the halfway stage.

Australia 127-3 (24) Labuschagne 25, Head 59, Shami 1-38 (6), target 241

14:34 , Ben Fleming

Rohit realises things need to change and brings back Shami – his main man – to try and break this partnership. There’s a bit of noise and excitement from the Indian fans as they see him warm up but that quickly evaporates as Head hits him aerially down the ground for four runs.

A glorious shot to put the pressure immediately back on Shami. Five runs from the over as the Aussies keep that scoreboard ticking over.

Australia 122-3 (23) Labuschagne 25, Head 54, Jadeja 0-16 (4), target 241

14:30 , Ben Fleming

Siraj is afforded only three overs in his first spell as Jadeja is back into the attack. The spinner can’t find the answer straight away, though, as they milk an easy five runs off that over.

Australia 117-3 (22) Labuschagne 23, Head 51, Kuldeep 0-30 (6), target 241

14:27 , Ben Fleming

A single into the off side brings Head his fifty and it’s a well-deserved one from the opener who stayed calm as chaos went on around him in those early stages.

Edged but no slip! Labuschagne gets away with one as his faint edge scurries away for his first boundary today. Another good over for Australia – seven from it.

Australia 110-3 (21) Labuschagne 18, Head 49, Siraj 0-16 (3), target 241

14:23 , Ben Fleming

That is crunched from Head! Siraj bangs it in short but the Aussie opener has no trouble freeing his arms and pulling it to the boundary ropes. A single follows to leave him one shy of a half-century now.

Six more off the over.

Australia 104-3 (20) Labuschagne 17, Head 44, Kuldeep 0-23 (5), target 241

14:20 , Ben Fleming

Labuschagne remains calm and happy to take singles; Head a bit more restless and constantly looking to pierce the infield.

Five runs from the over and done with very little ease. India will start to get restless with this pattern sooner rather than later, one imagines.

Australia 99-3 (19) Labuschagne 13, Head 43, Siraj 0-10 (2), target 241

14:16 , Ben Fleming

A nice tip and run from Labuschagne brings up the 50 partnership off 71 balls between him and Head. A great rebuild from these two but the job is far from over.

Four runs off the over as Australia close in on 100.

Australia 95-3 (18) Labuschagne 11, Head 41, Kuldeep 0-18 (4), target 241

14:12 , Ben Fleming

Kuldeep remains in the attack as India continue with spin at one end. Just the couple of runs from the over but Australia can just play it safe at the minute. It’s India that need to make something happen with only 241 on the board.

Australia 93-3 (17) Labuschagne 10, Head 40, Siraj 0-6 (1), target 241

14:06 , Ben Fleming

India’s final front-line bowler comes into the attack as Siraj is handed the ball for the first time. Head looks to get on top of him right away but it’s superbly stopped by Kohli at short cover.

He does get him away, however, a few balls later as he punches Siraj to the boundary.

Australia 87-3 (16) Labuschagne 9, Head 35, Kuldeep 0-16 (3), target 241

14:01 , Ben Fleming

Well…that’s one way to break the succession of singles and dots! A huge six from Head on the sweep as the stadium falls silent. Effortless power from the Aussie opener.

Nine runs off the over.

Australia 78-3 (15) Labuschagne 8, Head 27, Jadeja 0-11 (3), target 241

13:58 , Ben Fleming

Four more off Jadeja’s third over. Both these spinners are rattling through their opening spell but Australia look happy to knock them about for easy singles at this stage.

Australia 74-3 (14) Labuschagne 6, Head 25, Kuldeep 0-7 (2), target 241

13:56 , Ben Fleming

Just ticking over now – this game – at this stage. Four singles off the over but that’s all Australia really need at this stage.

Australia 70-3 (13) Labuschagne 4, Head 23, Jadeja 0-7 (2), target 241

13:53 , Ben Fleming

Head is ticking over nicely but Labuschagne is now four off 19 deliveries so far. He tends to start slowly but Australia won’t want him to go completely into his shell here. Two off the over.

Australia 68-3 (12) Labuschagne 3, Head 22, Kuldeep 0-3 (1), target 241

13:50 , Ben Fleming

And it will be spin at both ends as Kuldeep comes into the attack at the other end. Australia are a bit over the required run rate currently, and they’ll be keen to keep it that way and not get bogged down in this period of the game.

But it’s a good start from the leg-spinner. Just three runs from his first over.

Australia 65-3 (11) Labuschagne 1, Head 21, Jadeja 0-5 (1), target 241

13:47 , Ben Fleming

The powerplay is finished and India turn straight to spin as Jadeja comes into the attack. More poor keeping from Rahul as he lets another two wides pass him by. A few more from the over but definitely some signs of spin as Head catches one on the pads. India deliberate over a review but I think that’s going down leg.

Australia 60-3 (10) Labuschagne 0, Head 19, Shami 1-33 (5), target 241

13:43 , Ben Fleming

Some welcome runs to relieve the pressure as Head finds back-to-back boundaries against Shami, first carving it fine past short third man before bludgeoning one down the ground.

He almost chops on with the very next ball, though! He’s a proactive batter but that sure doesn’t come without its risks.

Australia 51-3 (9) Labuschagne 0, Head 10, Bumrah 2-21 (5), target 241

13:40 , Ben Fleming

Labuschagne and Head have plenty have time to recover this Australian innings but they can’t afford to give away their wickets cheaply after those three early dismissals.

Four byes after some poor keeping from Rahul is the only runs off the over.

Australia 47-3 (8) Labuschagne 0, Head 10, Shami 1-24 (4), target 241

13:34 , Ben Fleming

Wow. The replays for Smith’s dismissal have just come up on screen and the impact was outside the line of off stump. Had he reviewed the decision, he would still be at the crease. How big a moment could that be?

Another maiden over from India. They are right on top now.

WICKET! Smith lbw b Bumrah 4 (Australia 47-3)

13:30 , Ben Fleming

India have another! Smith got off the mark with a four but Bumrah comes firing back and gets him LBW!

It’s an off-cutter from the Indian quick and it deceives Smith completely for line. The Aussie batter walks off and his side are in deep trouble now at the end of the seventh over.

Labuschagne the new man – Australia 47-3.

Australia 42-2 (6) Smith 0, Head 9, Shami 1-24 (3), target 241

13:25 , Ben Fleming

Shami has been superb to the left-handers this tournament and he starts well in this over, wrapping the pads of Head with the first ball. Big appeals but it’s heading down the leg side.

Another tidy over from India, with just one run off that. Perhaps Head and Smith will look to dig in and consolidate after that frenetic start.

Australia 41-2 (5) Smith 0, Head 8, Bumrah 1-16 (3), target 241

13:22 , Ben Fleming

A wicket maiden for Bumrah who has been right back at his best after their sloppy first over.

WICKET! Marsh c KL Rahul b Bumrah 15 (Aus 41-2)

13:18 , Ben Fleming

Another one falls for Australia! It’s not Bumrah’s finest delivery but it gets the bottom edge of Marsh who just threw his hands at that one.

He’d looked positive had the Aussie number three, but he’s back in the shed now and India have their second breakthrough inside the powerplay.

Australia 41-1 (4) Marsh 15, Head 8, Shami 1-23 (2), target 241

13:16 , Ben Fleming

Three more wides down the leg side from Shami to start his second over. Far more of them than you would expect from him early on.

He corrects his line but gets his length run and Marsh climbs into it and smashes it for six! A superb shot that should settle any nerves.

Another good over for Australia. India started brightly in their innings too – when scoring was easier – and evidently, the Aussies intend to do the same.

Australia 29-1 (3) Marsh 5, Head 8, Bumrah 0-16 (2), target 241

13:10 , Ben Fleming

Far better from Bumrah this over. He almost encourages a faint edge out of Marsh before threatening Head with a similar precision and slight movement off the surface.

Just one off the over.

Australia 28-1 (2) Marsh 5, Head 8, Shami 1-11 (1), target 241

13:07 , Ben Fleming

Goodness me, what a chaotic start to this chase! Marsh is the new man and almost chops on with his first ball. But then Shami is loose, perhaps too pumped up from the crowd, as he sends down five wides before a loose delivery which Marsh smashes away to the boundary ropes.

13 runs for Australia but the wicket of Warner for India.

WICKET! Warner 7 c Kohli b Shami (Australia 16-1)

13:02 , Ben Fleming

Rohit turns to his main man and it pays dividends straight away!

Warner reaches for one out wide and this time his edge carries through to Kohli in the slips. The Aussie departs and Shami has the early breakthrough that India needed.

Australia 15-0 (1) Warner 7, Head 8, Bumrah 0-15 (1), target 241

13:00 , Ben Fleming

First ball…and almost caught! A thick edge from Warner flies between the first and second slip and races away to the boundary. Was that a chance?

Warner pierces the outfield for three before Head crunches one through the covers for four. A superb, authoritative start from the Aussie opener. And again! Down on one knee, he smashes it to the off-side boundary ropes.

FIFTEEN RUNS off the first over – what a statement from Warner and Head.

Second innings coming up

12:55 , Ben Fleming

Out come both sets of players and the wait for the second innings is over.

Australia need 241 runs to win this World Cup. That feels like a manageable total but let’s see what these superb Indian bowlers have in store for them.

Bumrah to take the first over…

Pitch invader with ‘Free Palestine’ T-shirt runs up to Virat Kohli during India vs Australia World Cup match

12:49 , Ben Fleming

A pitch invader wearing a shirt with messages supporting Palestine breached security on Sunday at the cricket venue of the India versus Australia ICC World Cup 2023 final match in India’s Ahmedabad.

The spectator entered the field reportedly to meet Virat Kohli and even got close enough to put his arm around India’s star cricketer before being arrested by the police, according to reports.

The match at the Narendra Modi stadium in the western state of Gujarat was interrupted for a few minutes in the 14th over of Indian innings as the man was seen running up to Kohli wearing a white T-shirt, a face mask with Palestinian flag print, and red trousers.

The front of his T-shirt read “Stop Bombing Palestine” while the back had “Free Palestine” message printed on it.

Man with ‘Free Palestine’ T-shirt invades field during Cricket World Cup final

India set Australia 241 to win

12:44 , Ben Fleming

Tightly-poised at the halfway stage:

India set Australia 241 to win

12:40 , Ben Fleming

More from Starc: “We bowled second here in the England game we played on this pitch. It was quite dewy and it had a little bit of reverse when we batted in the first innings. Looking at the wicket, it was quite dry and bare so it’s not a surprise so I guess we are hoping that the dew comes in and we don’t see any reverse in the second innings.

“It’s going to be an interesting wicket – it’s not an easy wicket to bat on. I think probably the easiest time to bat is with the hard new ball but we obviously saw through Virat [Kohli] and Rahul that if play yourself in, there is runs to be scored but it’s not going to be easy.”

India set Australia 241 to win

12:36 , Ben Fleming

Mitchell Starc speaking after the first innings: “You can always plan for things but the way we came together in the field with the ball was [great]. It’s a fantastic first half of the fixture and it’s our turn with the bat now.

“There’s not a whole heap in the wicket for the seam or swing bowler; we saw the swing go away pretty quickly. We tried different things to get the ball shifting or varying the pace a bit. Pat [Cummins] was fantastic all the way through his spell – Josh [Hazzlewood as well – and obviously a bit of reverse swing on the back end.

We did what we were asked so hopefully we have restricted them to enough.”

India set Australia 241 to win from their 50 overs

12:30 , Ben Fleming

Australia must be happy with that effort having put India in to bat in this final. They bowled with great patience and accuracy and really restricted India well after their fast start.

India have been superb throughout the tournament with the ball and that main man Mohammed Shami will have to be at his best. Early inroads are key, one feels.

India set Australia 241 to win

12:28 , Sonia Twigg

India came out blazing, led by their captain Rohit Sharma, but when his wicket fell it was down to KL Rahul and Virat Kohli to build up the total.

They were content to just play the ball around for singles, but there were gaping almost-hour long periods without a boundary that ultimately proved enough to halt India’s run-scoring.

The Australian bowlers bowled expertly and their fielding was second to none. Cutting off boundaries at all time.

In the first 10 overs, India struck at 8 an over, but after that could not reach more than five.

India set Australia 241 to win from their 50 overs

12:25 , Sonia Twigg

Hazlewood will bowl his last over, Kuldeep sneaks a single through from the first ball.

Siraj has hit a boundary! He hits a four back past Hazlewood down the ground, the flags are out, but they have been hiding a long time.

He follows it up with a single. Kuldeep plays a pull shot for a single, but that boundary has sparked the crowd into life again, and they will want to carry that through into the next innings.

India finish all out for 240, with a run out on the final ball.

India 232-9 (49) Kuldeep 8, Siraj 3, Cummins 2-33 (10)

12:19 , Sonia Twigg

Cummins has fired down a wide from the second ball, and India may take every single run that comes.

The batters are just fending off the ball, but they have picked up three more runs and pass the 230 mark.

Five runs from the over in total.

India 227-9 (48) Kuldeep 6, Siraj 1, Hazlewood 2-52 (9)

12:15 , Sonia Twigg

The crowd have been all but silenced after that. There are just two more overs for India to bat.

Wicket! Suryakumar out for 18! ct Inglis b Hazlewood – India 226-9

12:12 , Sonia Twigg

There is no pace in this surface, Hazlewood goes short, and Suryakumar leaps to try and get bat on it but it’s called a wide.

He connects with the next one and it looks like it could be a boundary, but Warner sprints and puts in a full strength dive and cuts off yet another one.

But he goes for another big shot and edges it high, Inglis takes the catch and India have lost another wicket.

India 223-8 (47) Suryakumar 16, Kuldeep 6, Cummins 2-29 (9)

12:08 , Sonia Twigg

Cummins will bowl his 9th here. Suryakumar has to take a leading role here of the two Yadav’s.

There has not been a lot of pace all day, but India have to go for it now. He angles the ball over the keeper but will just get the one run from it, as Cummins takes the pace off.

Kuldeep fends off a yorker from the final ball, just two runs from the over.

India 221-8 (46) Suryakumar 15, Kuldeep 4, Starc 3-55 (10)

12:03 , Sonia Twigg

Zampa finishes the tournament with 23 runs. Kuldeep gets off strike to Starc with a single.

Suryakumar is not farming the strike, they are still knocking it out for singles, bizarrely a predicted score of 246 has just floated on the screen, but India will have to do incredibly well to get there.

India 215-8 (45) Suryakumar 14, Yadav 1, Zampa 1-44 (10)

11:59 , Sonia Twigg

Zampa is bowled out, finishes with one wicket for just 44 runs from his 10 overs.

Wicket! Bumrah out for 1! lbw Zampa – India 214-8

11:57 , Sonia Twigg

Zampa will bowl his last over. There has not been a lot of momentum or shots to get the fans on their feet since the opening powerplay.

India need to get more runs on the board here.

But they lose another wicket! Bumrah is trapped lbw by Zampa for just one run and does not review!

India 213-7 (44) Suryakumar 13, Bumrah 1, Starc 3-49 (9)

11:53 , Sonia Twigg

Bumrah is the new batter. He is off the mark with a single, but India are in trouble.

Two runs and a wicket from the over.

Wicket! Shami out for 6! ct Inglis b Starc – India 211-7

11:51 , Sonia Twigg

Starc will have his second-last over here. The first two balls are dots.

The camera has just been searching for the smattering of Aussies in the crowd which otherwise resembles a sea of blue.

Shami has gone for a big one, the ball moved, and it just caught a thick edge on the way through to the keeper.

Australia have their seventh.

India 211-6 (43) Suryakumar 12, Shami 6, Cummins 2-27 (8)

11:49 , Sonia Twigg

All the discussions surround whether the dew will play a part in the second innings or not.

Suryakumar has to wear one from Cummins that almost fell onto his stumps.

Four runs from the over from Cummins, seven overs left.

India 207-6 (42) Suryakumar 10, Shami 4, Starc 2-47 (8)

11:46 , Sonia Twigg

There are 50 balls left in the innings as Shami comes to the crease. He has had a great tournament with the ball, but is not known for his batting.

But he has broken the boundary deadlock to get off the mark! Turned past the wicketkeeper.

Wicket! KL Rahul out for 66! ct Inglis b Starc India 203-6

11:41 , Sonia Twigg

Starc has ball in hand, he has three left and India have nine to set the total in this Cricket World Cup…he starts with two wides and the hosts will take every run that comes.

The crowd has just quietened, there’s a lot of anxious faces, the flags are not waving, and there is a lot of worry about whether the total will be competitive.

India came out flying, and while Rohit Sharma was at the crease a score of 300 looked easy, but when him and Virat Kohli were out the runs have dried up.

And KL Rahul is out for 66! He has played a well-timed innings of 66 from 107, that was an absolutely stunning delivery from Starc, it swung late and nipped off the seam.

India 200-5 (41) KL Rahul 66, Suryakumar 9, Zampa 0-42 (9)

11:37 , Sonia Twigg

Zampa will bowl his 9th, India are still content to play it around for singles. KL Rahul pulls out the sweep shot but just cannot find the boundary.

India are inching towards 200 here.

Just three runs from the over, and India will have to accelerate at some point.

India 197-5 (40) KL Rahul 64, Suryakumar 8, Hazlewood 1-48 (8)

11:33 , Sonia Twigg

Hazlewood will bowl his eighth. There is not a long of reverse swing, but there is a hint and that might play a part in the final part of this innings, we’re into the last 10 overs now.

India 192-5 (39) KL Rahul 61, Suryakumar 6, Zampa 0-39 (8)

11:29 , Sonia Twigg

Another bowling change and it will be Zampa back on to bowl. KL Rahul is looking for the boundary, it has been a long time, almost an hour…

KL Rahul moves into the 60s, the turn is increasing…and there is the boundary, it comes off the bat of Yadav, but it has got the crowd up and on their feet.

India 182-5 (38) KL Rahul 58, Suryakumar 1, Hazlewood 1-43 (7)

11:24 , Sonia Twigg

After the breakthrough in the last ball Hazlewood will have another over here.

Just three runs from the over, and we’re nearing the last 10, India will have to accelerate at some point, but that last wicket has definitely had an impact.

71 balls since the last boundary…

India 179-5 (37) KL Rahul 56, Suryakumar 0, Maxwell 1-35 (6)

11:19 , Sonia Twigg

Maxwell is back into the attack after Hazlewood secured that breakthrough.

Suryakumar Yadav is the new batter.

There’s a stumping check…but the batter did not move.

Just the one run from the over.

Wicket! Jadeja out for 9! ct Inglis b Hazlewood India 178-5

11:13 , Sonia Twigg

Australia return to the reliable Josh Hazlewood, but there’s some overthrows and that’s a sign that things aren’t quite working for Australia. There was a hint of reverse swing however.

Another diving stop on the ring, this time from Labuschagne, but it leads to another overthrow, that’s poor from Australia who have been exceptional in the field.

The overthrows mean five runs have come from the first three balls of the over. Australia go upstairs, only Steve Smith seems to have heard anything…

But there was no spike on ultra edge and Jadeja survives…but he only lasts just one more ball.

The next one is edged through to the keeper and Jadeja is out for 9!

KL Rahul 50! India 173-5 (35) KL Rahul 50, Jadeja 9, Starc 1-40 (7)

11:06 , Sonia Twigg

Starc will bowl his 7th over here, again it’s just being knocked around for singles. KL Rahul is closing in on a half century of his own however.

The main question is how much impact will the dew have in the second innings?

KL Rahul has his half century, it’s well-earned, his second in the tournament and it has come from 86 balls.

India 169-4 (34) KL Rahul 48, Jadeja 7, Head 0-4 (2)

11:03 , Sonia Twigg

Australia have kept the bowlers rotating quite consistently, not allowing the batters to settle against anyone.

Head’s over went for four runs.

India 165-4 (33) KL Rahul 47, Jadeja 6, Starc 1-35 (6)

10:59 , Sonia Twigg

Mitchell Starc is back into the attack, will the ball reverse already?

The run rate is just diminishing slightly, and despite the explosive start is just over five an over.

KL Rahul is closing in on his half century, but he might have to score a lot more than that to give India a solid total.

India 162-4 (32) KL Rahul 45, Jadeja 5, Zampa 0-29 (7)

10:52 , Sonia Twigg

Zampa will continue, it is all looking quite straightforward for Australia at the moment. But India still have wickets in hand and enough firepower to attack in the final 10 overs.

Just four runs from the over.

India 158-4 (31) KL Rahul 43, Jadeja 3, Cummins 2-23 (7)

10:48 , Sonia Twigg

Cummins will bowl his seventh here, he already has the key wicket of Virat Kohli, but Australia will want to turn the screw here.

A two off the first ball but after that it’s kept tight and India have added just four runs to the total from the over.

India 152-4 (30) KL Rauhl 39, Jadeja 1, Zampa 0-25 (6)

10:45 , Sonia Twigg

After that key over Australia turn to Zampa. There’s an umpire review for stumping against Jadeja who has only just come to the crease but his back foot did not move.

India 149-4 (29) KL Rahul 37, Jadeja 0, Cummins 2-17 (6)

10:39 , Sonia Twigg

Cummins has taken key wickets in this match, his bowling throughout the tournament has not been the best in the early period, despite being good at the death, but he has the key wicket here and Kohli has to depart.

He had looked unflappable until just miss-timing that delivery and Jadeja has come out to join KL Rahul at the crease.

The crowd has just gone quiet.

Wicket! Kohli out for 54! b Cummins India 148-4

10:35 , Sonia Twigg

Cummins will bowl his 6th over here, the first two balls are tapped away for singles.

Cummins strikes! Virat Kohli has played onto his stumps!

It was banged into the surface and just got up on him a bit and all he could do was edge it onto the stumps, Cummins wheels away in celebration and that is a crucial breakthrough.

India 146-3 (28) Kohli 53, KL Rahul 36, Zampa 0-22 (5)

10:32 , Sonia Twigg

Zampa is into his fifth over here. KL Rahul gets an early single to bring Kohli on strike.

He taps it into the leg side for an easy single. The scoreboard has not stopped ticking along and the dot balls have not been allowed to build up, but it has not been enthralling batting, although it has been exactly what the situation called for.

Four singles from the over.

India 142-3 (27) Kohli 51, KL Rahul 34, Maxwell 1-34 (5)

10:30 , Sonia Twigg

Maxwell comes back on and KL Rahul has hit this one away to the boundary! It had taken 97 balls, but KL Rahul employed the paddle to score a four fine past the keeper.

With that boundary it was a more prolific over though, seven runs from it.

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