In a stunning upset, Australia emerged victorious against India in the men’s Cricket World Cup final, shattering the dreams of the cricket-crazy nation that hosted the tournament on its own soil for the first time.

Under the captaincy of Pat Cummins, the Australian team secured a comfortable six-wicket win, leaving the host nation in despair as it aimed to reclaim the trophy after a 12-year hiatus.

The World Cup trophy was presented to the winning team by India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, alongside Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles. The highlight of the night was Australian batsman Travis Head’s exceptional performance, scoring 137 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket arena.

Reflecting on the victory, Head expressed his excitement, stating that he was thrilled to be a part of it and pleased to contribute to the team’s success. The match marked a turnaround from their initial encounter in the tournament’s group stages, where India had defeated Australia.

This win marked Australia’s sixth triumph in the International Cricket Council’s World Cup, a significant achievement in the competition’s 13 editions. Marnus Labuschagne, an Australian batsman, acknowledged India’s impressive unbeaten streak, describing them as the standout team of the tournament.

Australia managed to make good decision to bowl first during the toss was truly strategical. Despite an initial display of confidence from India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, who was caught at 47, the team was restricted to a total of 240 runs in 50 overs. Virat Kohli contributed 54 runs, while KL Rahul top-scored with 66.

The six-week tournament spanned the subcontinent, from Tamil Nadu in the south to Dharamshala in the north, with the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayan mountains. India, known for jointly hosting World Cup games with its South Asian neighbors in the past, took on the sole responsibility this time.

Prime Minister Modi acknowledged India’s spirited performance, expressing immense pride in a post on X. The tournament garnered a massive viewership, with Disney+ Hotstar streaming the matches for free, reaching an audience that, at times, exceeded 58 million.

Australia secured victory with seven overs to spare, with the partnership of Head and Labuschagne, totaling 192 runs, silencing the home crowd. The loss was a bitter disappointment for India, a cricket-loving nation and the world’s most populous country, as well as the fifth-largest economy.

Pat Cummins acknowledged the unparalleled passion for cricket in India, a sentiment echoed by many. The country has significantly influenced the sport, especially through the high-energy Indian Premier League, which, with its shorter format, has become a multibillion-dollar spectacle, attracting intense battles for streaming and broadcasting rights.