ODI World Cup 2023 India Explained

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 was hosted by India from October to November 2023 and produced one of the greatest World Cup tournaments in history. Ten teams played a round-robin group stage followed by semi-finals and a final — with India going unbeaten through the entire tournament until the final, where Australia ended their dream run.

India's Unbeaten Run

India played nine group-stage matches and won all nine — unbeaten through the round robin. Led by Rohit Sharma, they batted and bowled with consistent brilliance throughout the tournament. Mohammed Shami was their standout bowler, taking wickets at will. Virat Kohli was the tournament's leading run-scorer. The entire nation was behind them heading into the final.

Glenn Maxwell — 201* Against Afghanistan

One of the tournament's defining moments came in a group stage match when Australia's Glenn Maxwell, batting despite severe cramps that had him barely able to stand, hit an extraordinary 201* off 128 balls against Afghanistan to win an unwinnable game for Australia. It was the highest score by a batter in ODI World Cup history and one of the most remarkable innings ever played.

The Final — Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

The final was played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad — the world's largest cricket ground with a capacity of over 130,000 — on 19 November 2023. India batted first and scored 240 all out. Australia chased the target down with six wickets to spare. Travis Head top-scored with 137 from 120 balls — one of the finest World Cup final innings — to deny India on their own soil.

Australia — Six-Time World Cup Champions

Australia's win made them six-time ODI World Cup champions — the most successful nation in the history of the tournament. Pat Cummins' leadership and Mitchell Starc's late-tournament bowling were crucial contributions alongside Head's defining final innings.