Travis Head's century power Australia to six-wicket win against India, sixth ODI WC glory for Aussies

AHMEDABAD: A sensational century by opener Travis Head backed up by a composed knock Marnus Labuschagne helped Australia win the World Cup final against India here at the Narendra Modi stadium. This is the sixth world title win for the Kangaroos.

Chasing a target of 241 on a tricky surface, Australia lost three early wickets before the score reached 50. Things were looking shaky for the record champions but misfielding from the Indian team and easy singles kept the score ticking for them. Travis Head, who looked shaky in the beginning, grew into the game in his explosive style. He was partnered by Marnus Labuschagne who played a calm and composed knock innings (58 off 110 balls). After the loss of three wickets, Australia never looked like a side out of control and cruised along.

Meanwhile, Travis Head hit a blazing century (137 off 120 balls) and stayed almost till the end. He lost his wicket to Mohammed Siraj with only two runs to get for the victory. He hit 15 boundaries and four sixes in the innings that reminded the Indian fans of Ricky Ponting's heroics in the 2003 World Cup final.

Put in to bat first, India were all out for 240 runs in 50 overs. Innings of KL Rahul (66), Virat Kohli (54) and captain Rohit Sharma (47) gave India a decent score. The Indian batsmen could not find their rhythm against the bowling of the Aussie bowlers. Mitchell Starc took three wickets, Josh Hazelwood and Pat Cummins took two wickets each.

Rohit Sharma's quick fire innigns gave India a good start after losing the toss. However, Mitchell Starc struck in the fifth over as he removed Shubman Gill for four runs. Kohli came in next and scored fours continously but brakes were put on the Indian innings after losing Rohit near the end of the powerplay.

After scoring 80 runs in the first 10 overs, India managed to score 3.63 runs in the next 20 overs. India fell to 178-5 when Jadeja (9) was caught by wicketkeeper Inglis in the bowling of Hazleweood.

Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul took India past 200, but in the 42nd over, Starc took the wicket of Rahul (66) followed by Shami (6), who tried to hold on. Suryakumar Yadav (18) fell to a slow delivery from Hazlewood and the tail-enders managed to get the Indian total 240.