The Ahmedabad Silence
This interactive report analyzes the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, culminating in Australia's stunning sixth title victory over the dominant host nation, India. Explore the tournament's key narratives, from flawless campaigns and underdog triumphs to the tactical masterclass that decided the final.
Narratives of the League Stage
Finalists' Path: A Tale of Two Journeys
The finalists had starkly different paths. India enjoyed a flawless, dominant run, while Australia recovered from a poor start, forging resilience through a series of must-win games. Toggle between the teams to see their contrasting routes to the final.
Final League Standings
The 10-team round-robin format provided a clear path to the semi-finals. India topped the table with a perfect record, while Australia finished third after their early stumbles. Use the search box to filter the table by team.
| Pos | Team | W | L | Pts | NRR |
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The Underdogs' Bite
The tournament was defined not just by the finalists, but by the inspiring campaigns of Afghanistan and the Netherlands. Their historic victories against top-tier nations signaled a heartening evolution in the global competitive landscape, fueled by talent and experience from global T20 leagues.
Afghanistan's Coming of Age
Won 4 matches, stunning former champions England and Pakistan, and secured qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The Netherlands' Dutch Courage
As the only Associate Member, they defeated the formidable South Africans and also secured a dominant victory over Bangladesh.
Clash of Titans: The Knockouts
Semi-Final 1: India vs New Zealand
India produced a performance of overwhelming dominance, posting a record 397/4. Virat Kohli's historic 50th ODI ton and Mohammed Shami's 7-wicket haul sealed a 70-run win.
Semi-Final 2: Australia vs South Africa
A gritty, low-scoring affair. Australia's bowlers stifled South Africa, and despite a tense chase, they held their nerve to secure a 3-wicket victory, showcasing their resilience.
Top Performers of the Tournament
Top Run Scorers
Top Wicket Takers
Autopsy of the Final: The Ahmedabad Silence
The final was a tactical masterclass from Australia. Their decision to field first on a slow pitch, backed by exceptional fielding, neutralized India's explosive batting. The chart below shows how India's scoring rate stalled after a fast start, contrasted with Australia's measured and ultimately comfortable chase.
Innings Progression: India vs Australia
The Masterstroke: The Toss
Pat Cummins' decision to bowl first was a calculated gamble. He correctly predicted the pitch would be difficult to bat on initially but would ease up under lights with the evening dew, neutralizing India's spin threat and giving his batters the advantage.
The Turning Point: The Catch
With India flying at 76/1, Travis Head took a spectacular diving catch to dismiss the dangerous Rohit Sharma. This moment shifted the momentum entirely, leading to a "boundary drought" of over 90 balls and preventing India from posting a commanding total.