As the tournament reaches its grand finale, Team India stands tall, unbeaten, and unshaken, having dismantled every opponent on their way to the final. Their journey has been nothing short of a statement—a statement of intent, supremacy, and an unwavering hunger for victory.
The narrative of India’s campaign has been defined by collective brilliance, strategic excellence, and individual heroics. From Shubman Gill’s match-winning century against Bangladesh to Virat Kohli’s vintage knock against Pakistan, and Varun Chakravarthy’s magical spell against New Zealand, every game has seen different match-winners step up.
The Opening Gambit: A Comfortable Start (vs Bangladesh, 20 Feb)
Every tournament demands a strong start, and India ensured just that in their opening clash against Bangladesh. The opposition, struggling under pressure, was reduced to 35/5, and if not for Towhid Hridoy and Zakir Hasan, even 200 would have been out of reach. However, India’s chase was a walk in the park, thanks to an assured century from Shubman Gill and a steady start by Rohit Sharma (41).
The early signs were evident—India was here not just to compete but to dominate.
A Statement Win in the Ultimate Rivalry (vs Pakistan, 23 Feb)
India vs Pakistan—no game carries as much weight, hype, and emotion. But while the world anticipated a high-voltage clash, India turned it into a one-sided affair.
Pakistan, desperate for redemption after their loss to New Zealand, crumbled under pressure, managing only 241 runs, thanks to slow-scoring efforts from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan. The moment belonged to Virat Kohli, who, on the biggest stage, delivered a masterclass century, ensuring India’s 6-wicket victory.
This match wasn’t just about two points—it was a psychological blow to the opposition and a loud declaration that India was the team to beat.
The First Dress Rehearsal for the Final (vs New Zealand, 2 March)
With both teams already securing a semi-final berth, this encounter served as a preview of what’s to come in the final.
New Zealand, known for their resilience, chose to bowl first and quickly reduced India to 28/3. But in adversity lies opportunity, and Shreyas Iyer rose to the occasion, anchoring the innings with a vital 79-run knock. Contributions from Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya pushed India to 249—a fighting total.
The chase saw Kane Williamson wage a lone battle (81 runs), but Varun Chakravarthy’s magical spell (5 wickets) dismantled New Zealand’s hopes, handing India a 44-run victory.
If this match was anything to go by, the final is set to be a thrilling rematch.
A Score to Settle: India’s Redemption Against Australia (Semi-Final, 4 March)
No Indian fan can forget the heartbreak of the 2023 World Cup final against Australia. This semi-final, against the same opponent, felt like an opportunity for redemption—and India seized it with both hands.
Australia’s innings was patchy at best, with contributions from Steve Smith, Alex Carey, and Travis Head (39) taking them to 264. Given India’s recent form, this was never going to be enough.
Once again, Virat Kohli stood tall (84 runs), leading the charge with able support from Rohit, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya. A clinical run-chase ensured a smooth victory, setting up an epic final against New Zealand.
The Grand Finale: A Date with Destiny (vs New Zealand, 9 March)
India will now face New Zealand in the final showdown, and if their previous encounter is any indication, it will be a battle of nerves and skill.
Adding to the emotional weight of the game, this could be Rohit Sharma’s last match, making it a fitting occasion for India to give their captain a perfect farewell—by lifting the trophy.
Will India script the perfect ending to their dominant campaign? The answer awaits on March 9.