In the gripping clash between India and New Zealand on July 10, 2019, during the World Cup semifinal, Martin Guptill’s dramatic run-out of MS Dhoni marked the pinnacle of the match, bringing an end to the illustrious career of the Indian cricket icon. Although Guptill has moved forward, the memory still lingers, accompanied by a barrage of disdainful messages from passionate Indian fans.

Renowned for his white-ball cricket prowess in New Zealand, Guptill has become a lasting figure in India as the player who dashed the hopes of a billion Indians, attributing the crucial moment to sheer chance. Speaking during the 2023 Legends League Cricket in Dehradun, representing the Urbanisers Hyderabad squad, he shared his perspective on the pivotal moment. Acknowledging the improbable precision of his throw with only one and a half stumps visible, he modestly labeled it a stroke of luck.

Guptill’s Precision Run-out and the Fateful Moment That Altered India’s World Cup Destiny

“It happened so quickly in the moment. All I remember was seeing the ball go up, and then I thought, oh no, it’s coming more towards me. So, I put the skates on to get on with that run. I knew there was no chance of a throw at the stumps, but I just tried to have a shot and only had one and a half stumps to aim at, and I just got lucky. The stars aligned, and it was a perfect throw. In other words, the whole of India doesn’t like me. I get plenty of hate mails from there,” said Guptill, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

The run-out proved to be the turning point that dashed India’s hopes of winning the World Cup. In the semifinal, after setbacks losing Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya, Dhoni partnered with Ravindra Jadeja, fostering hope in India’s chase of 240 against New Zealand. Their cautious approach led to a resilient 116-run stand for the seventh wicket across 17.2 overs. However, Jadeja fell victim to Trent Boult’s deceptive slower delivery, leaving Dhoni as the last bastion in the tense battle.

See Also:IPL 2024 Punjab Kings: Retained & Released Players, Remaining Purse, and Complete Team Overview

Facing a sharp bouncer from Lockie Ferguson, the seasoned Ranchi batter’s response fell slightly delayed, edging the ball behind square. In a daring move, he risked a second run as no fielder guarded that spot. Guptill, stationed at fine leg, sprinted in, deftly retrieved the ball, and executed a precise strike at the stumps. Dhoni’s dive fell inches short of the crease as the ball dislodged the bails, sealing his dismissal and India’s hopes.

India and Australia both were among the favorites coming into the tournament. Both sides have a lot of history behind them. Over the last decade alone, the head-to-head, player match-ups and encounters across formats have just grown. From Steve Smith vs Virat Kohli to both sides flexing their fast bowling strength the journey has had its magic.

The WTC Final in 2023 was said to be the culmination of it all. However, fortune has it that the two sides get a chance to go at it again. A good chunk of both sides were in the squad back in 2013 when Australia famously toured India for four Tests and later seven ODIs. David Warner and Steve Smith were growing but still in their early days. Mitchell Starc was in Mitchell Johnson’s shadow and Josh Hazlewood was still on the sidelines.

For India, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were just getting in. Rohit Sharma started opening and Ravindra Jadeja was as much of a bits and pieces cricketer as one could be. The two sides though went on to face off in some classics over the decade. In 2015 Steve Smith haunted India. He lived rent free in their minds with his dominance in the Test series that summer and then a century in the World Cup Semi-Finals to bat India out of the game.

Virat Kohli got him back though in 2016, as he ran Australia to the ground in Mohali. The encounters kept building. In 2017, Australia shook India with a Test win in Pune and India responded with two series wins in Australia. The second in 2021 is one that will stay a classic with India winning despite losing a handful of players to injury.

Their encounters over the decade though served as a clear indication as to who the best teams are. While England did boss the white-ball formats, it was India and Australia who were silently threatening and bringing the game to life.

After a decade of feisty and friendly encounters, both stand at the biggest of stages. A Cricket World Cup Final at Ahmedabad in front of 100000 spectators. World Cup Finals often hand interesting perspectives. In the past they have been played with teams defying the odds like India in 1983 or even to some extent New Zealand in 2019. Sri Lanka and Pakistan did the same in 1996 and 1992 respectively.

Australia and India did face of once already and the encounter feels like it took place a long time ago. Battling it out in Chepauk, the game turned out to be another classic with Australia fighting despite losing the game. The loss threw them off their rhythm though with Adam Zampa looking lost, their keeper dropped and their all-rounders not doing their job. Freakish wins though got them back.

India on the other end have been as clinical as ever. Winning ten in a row, they have hardly been under pressure. Barring moments like the Williamson-Mitchell partnership in the Semi’s or when they were 2 for 3 against Australia, it has been pretty smooth.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma took turns to stand up. Bumrah and Shami have hardly allowed their radar to go missing. Overall, very few players in the side have had successive failures. Finals or knockouts for that manner remain a massive challenge. In 2019 as well, India were just as clinical only to falter with their players going through a really bad day in the Semi-Finals.

Australia know the Indian Team really well to go with it, and if anyone could make the Indian Team falter it is them. The upcoming encounter incidentally isn’t their first World Cup encounter at Ahmedabad. India and Australia faced off at the same venue back in 2011. Both captains were not in the squad then. Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin were the only ones to play that game from the current squads. Steve Smith was around too but was benched for that game.

It was that very ground that saw Australia’s 12-year streak of winning World Cups come to an end. Now, Australia will be eager and will back themselves to return the favour, breaking a 10-game winning streak by the Indian Team.

After a long tournament that has tested the stamina of players and fans alike, we are finally at the last hurdle. Two powerhouses who have built one of the fiercest rivalries in the century face off. They faced off in a Final back in 2003 with Australia batting India out of the game. If Australia races ahead early, flashes of that game are likely to come out, putting a lot of heat on the Indians. Fans remember it well as will the commentary box, which has both Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting, captains of that encounter.

The current group themselves have had their fair share of encounters in the last decade. There is potential for more but this could well be the last time we see some of these players face off at the biggest of stages. With their next big encounter potentially in the 2024 T20 World Cup or the Australian Test summer in 2024, nobody knows who will be around up until then. For now, the Final ahead gives a lot to lament, remember, be nervous about, and celebrate.

Winning titles is in Australia’s DNA. Finals often do end up being one-sided and if either side gets going, mainly Australia with their attitude on the big stage, it could unfold quickly. The last World Cup Final is remembered as one of the best ODIs ever. Now, with two of the best in the century at the big stage it will be interesting to see what they have to offer.

No team carries the baggage and feels the pain of the World Cup knock-outs like South Africa. From facing a scenario where rain took their target down to 22 off 1 ball to watching the South Africans shed tears on the field in 2015, South Africa has seen all the lows possible. They came into this World Cup as well with not many giving them a chance. Their dismal performance in 2019 had many writing them off with a similar unit coming together again. South Africa though has rallied really well and is rolling strong.

Australia too was written off early on. Losing a series to South Africa and then losing their first two games in the tournament had many betting against them. Australia though in Australian fashion is now back and is looking very commanding. They have had some adrenaline-generating wins on the way and walk in really high on confidence.

AUS vs SA Match Details

Date: November 16th, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

AUS vs SA Weather Report

There has been some rain on the radar for both the 16th and the reserve day on the 17th.

AUS vs SA Pitch Report

Eden Gardens has seen some big scores but has also been a little challenging for the batters. The track tends to get slower as the game goes on and batting first is proving to be an advantage at the venue.

AUS vs SA Head-to-Head

AUS vs SA Predicted Playing XI

SA Playing XI

Quinton De Kock, Temba Bavuma, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Aiden Markaram, Henrich Klaasan, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj

AUS Playing XI

David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne/ Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood

See Also: Uncertainty surrounds Lockie Ferguson’s fitness

AUS vs SA Key Players

David Warner

David Warner has been in really good form through the tournament. He is cementing his spot as an ODI Goat and with two games left in his Final World Cup, David Warner will be eager to go out with a bang, ensuring he does get both games to play.

Quinton De Kock

For Quinton De Kock the upcoming game could be his Final ODI. He along with David Miller know the pressure of a Semi-Final better than anyone in the side and were a part of the star studded group in 2015. Now, with a lot more experience, Quinton De Kock will be eager to ensure he does not repeat what happened in 2015, particularly with his keeping where he was involved in a fumble causing a missed run-out.

AUS vs SA Match Tips

South Africa has had the better of Australia all year. Australia though know how to play at the big stage and are a transformed side from what they were six weeks ago. South Africa too with their record in knock-outs will be one to watch given their previous history.

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win the Match

The Final League game of the World Cup is here. The Netherlands are around fighting for a spot in the Champions Trophy while India comes in looking to end the group stage unbeaten. The Netherlands in particular will be pleased with how the tournament has gone. Two wins and some competitive performances are pretty heartening, despite their standing on the points table.

IND vs NED Match Details

Date: November 12th, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

IND vs NED Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

IND vs NED Pitch Report

Bangalore has been pretty high scoring through the tournament and will be easy to bat on in this Final league game.

IND vs NED Head-to-Head

IND vs NED Predicted Playing XI

NED Playing XI

Vikramjit Singh, Max O Dowd, Scott Edwards, Wesley Barresi, Bas De Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Roloef Van Der Merwe, Colin Ackermann, Logan Van Beek, Paul Van Meekeren, Aryan Dutt

IND Playing XI

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj

See Also: Uncertainty surrounds Lockie Ferguson’s fitness

IND vs NED Key Players

Mohammad Shami

Mohammad Shami has made a quick impact after being left out in the initial stages of the tournament. He is in really good form, and a good showing here will leave him high on confidence ahead of the Semi-Finals.

Scott Edwards

The Netherlands skipper has been in pretty good form throughout the tournament. He is a proven consistent performer and has shown that so far. With one game to go, Scott Edwards will be eager to give a fight and push for a spot in the Champions Trophy.

IND vs NED Match Tips

India come in as favorites after a strong showing all tournament.

Match Prediction: India Will Win the Match

In 2019 Pakistan went into their last league game needing a win margin of 300+ to make the top four. Now, they are in a similar spot needing a margin of 287 runs. In all likelihood, they are set to miss out due to net run rate again which will be a lot more hurtful considering they were one of the contenders for the top four coming into the tournament.

England though is putting to close a terrible tournament. The upcoming game could see a lot of farewells. Moeen Ali has hinted at some changes, while Ben Stokes and his journey with the ODI Team remains a question. Jos Buttler’s future as captain and the spots of most of the side are up for grabs. Irrespective, the upcoming game, a chance to seal a spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy is likely to be the last time a Golden generation of English players who came together in 2015 play together.

ENG vs PAK Match Details

Date: November 11th, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

ENG vs PAK Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

ENG vs PAK Pitch Report

Kolkata has been good for spin and batting first could be a better option.

ENG vs PAK Head-to-Head

ENG vs PAK Predicted Playing XI

PAK Playing XI

Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shahfique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Ifthikar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali/ Shadab Khan, Mohammad Wasim

ENG Playing XI

Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse

See Also: Uncertainty surrounds Lockie Ferguson’s fitness

ENG vs PAK Key Players

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler will be facing a lot of questions after the tournament and will want to reduce some of the questions with a good knock in a tournament that has seen him not contribute much with the bat. He will see a lot of his teammates moving around after the game and will hope to remain a constant as England look to come back from a bad tournament.

Haris Rauf

Haris Rauf was front and center in the action against South Africa. Had his appeal gone the other way, Pakistan would be a step ahead in the race to the Semi-Finals. Small margins though make a massive difference and Haris Rauf will know that well.

ENG vs PAK Match Tips

Although Pakistan are the one chasing a semi-final spot, England could spring a surprise with an era of players ending their Final tournament together in ODI Cricket.

Match Prediction: England Will Win the Match

Farewells are coming up as Bangladesh play their last game of the tournament. Shakib Al Hasan is out with a finger injury ending his tenure as ODI Captain of Bangladesh while Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmadullah will face questions on thier future after the tournament concludes.

Australia will be watching Steve Smith’s fitness but will also be very confident after the last game. Glenn Maxwell, fresh of probably the greatest ODI innings of all time has brought his side a lot of confidence and the Cricketing World knows how dangerous a confident Aussie side can be.

AUS vs BAN Match Details

Date: November 11th, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: MCA Stadium, Pune

AUS vs BAN Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

AUS vs BAN Pitch Report

Eden Gardens has catered to some turn and batting first will be a better option.

AUS vs BAN Head-to-Head

AUS vs BAN Predicted Playing XI

BAN Playing XI

Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmadullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman

AUS Playing XI

Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith/ Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa

See Also: ICC World Cup 2023: Kane Williamson’s Thumb Injury Healing, Expected to Participate in South Africa Match (cricketwinner.com)

AUS vs BAN Key Players

Litton Das

Litton Das took a couple of breaks mid-tournament and may be on the spotlight from the BCB. His contributions have not been too great and Bangladesh will be wanting him to find the form that has deserted him as they head out of the World Cup.

Mitchell Marsh

Marsh has gone silent after moving down the order. Facing spin early on has not done him too many favours and Australia will want him back at his best before the Semi-Finals.

AUS vs BAN Match Tips

Australia are favorites here with a lot of uncertainty in the Bangladesh camp.

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win the Match

Afghanistan would have been cursing their missed chances in the last week. They were victims of one of the greatest knocks of all time with Glenn Maxwell pulling off a brilliant heist. Had Afghanistan got past Maxwell though, they would now be fighting for 12 points and guaranteed spot in the top four.

After a loss and with New Zealand beating Sri Lanka, Afghanistan now need to win by an unimaginable margin to get to the top four. They had a good run though and will now know that they still need to do the little things right as they close a campaign that has gone really well. They now gear up for their last World Cup game and a game which could see them bid farewell to Mohammad Nabi and Naveen Ul Haq, who has already confirmed retirement from ODIs.

SA vs AFG Match Details

Date: November 10th, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

SA vs AFG Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

SA vs AFG Pitch Report

The Ahmedabad track has been decent for both batting and bowling. It is pretty balanced and batting first could be a better option especially with both sides doing better in the first innings.

SA vs AFG Head-to-Head

SA vs AFG Predicted Playing XI

AFG Playing XI

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen Ul Haq, Noor Ahmed

SA Playing XI

Quinton De Kock, Temba Bavuma, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Aiden Markaram, David Miller, Henrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee/ Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

SA vs AFG Key Players

Marco Jansen

Marco Jansen has been a special talent to watch in the tournament. He is contributing with both bat and ball, and doing a fine job with the new-ball. His new-ball success has allowed South Africa to spread Kagiso Rabada across the innings and he will be eager to bounce back after a really tough game against India.

Mohammad Nabi

No player has seen the highs and lows of Afghanistan Cricket like Mohammad Nabi. He saw them grow from an associate nation making numbers in big tournaments to a side that can compete for Semi-Final spots. At 38 though, Mohammad Nabi may not be around for much more with the T20 World Cup next year likely his final outing. In ODIs though he will be hoping to go out with a bang soon.

SA vs AFG Match Tips

South Africa are likely to rest some players and experiment with their spot confirmed. Afghanistan will be interesting to watch considering how they went in the last game. With Afghanistan’s confidence likely to have taken a hit, South Africa will remain favorites.

Match Prediction: South Africa Will Win The Match

Australia has in the past toyed with the Afghanistan side in World Cup encounters. They beat them soundly in 2015 and 2019 and had zero fear against the Afghanistan unit. The 2023 encounter though holds a different scenario. Afghanistan now pose a bigger threat and proof of it is the fact that they are looking to seal a Semi-Final spot deep in the tournament.

Afghanistan almost upset Australia last year in the T20 World Cup. Australia will be cautious as they will also be boosted. Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell are back but there is a case of Steve Smith missing out with an injury.

AUS vs AFG Match Details

Date: November 7th, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: Wankhede, Mumbai

AUS vs AFG Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

AUS vs AFG Pitch Report

Spin has been very minimal at Wankhede while runs are easy to come by. Batting first and batting the opposition out of the game is the likely strategy.

AUS vs AFG Head-to-Head

AUS vs AFG Predicted Playing XI

AFG Playing XI

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen Ul Haq

AUS Playing XI

David Warner, Travis Head, Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zamp

See Also: Sri Lankan Ministry dismisses Cricket Board

AUS vs AFG Key Players

Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan has not been at his best when it comes to the wickets column so far. He’s averaging 43 and with a Semi-Final spot on the line Rashid Khan will want to bring out his best and stand up when it matters the most.

Mitchell Marsh

Mitchell Marsh has looked a little lost after moving down the order. Not known to be a great starter against spin, Australia will be hoping to see him get some runs and get comfortable with the tournament heading into its Final stages.

AUS vs AFG Match Tips

Australia are favorites on a batting paradise while Afghanistan may have a slight chance if they manage to extract a slight amount of turn.

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win the Match

Two Teams well placed in the table take each other on. Additionally, both teams have quiet a bit of history in the World Cup. History though sees South Africa on the wrong side with their players in tears at the end of the 2015 encounter. In 2019 the two sides came together in an encounter with middling scores going into the final over. 2011, the last time they faced off in the subcontinent was another thriller with South Africa choking in ways only they can to concede a Semi-Final spot.

New Zealand are finding themselves in slight trouble with two losses in two games and will be eager to get back. To boost them, there is the prospect of Kane Williamson coming back after recovering from yet another injury. They just went through one of the best games in World Cup history, almost chasing 380 odd to only fall short by five runs and will need to pull themselves up from that.

South Africa came in after a thriller themselves. They buried some ghosts of the past holding their nerve well and will be very confident coming into the next game. They still have a lot to bury though as they take on a side which has haunted and given them a lot of emotional and tough moments in the past.

NZ vs SA Match Details

Date: November 1st, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: MCA Stadium, Pune

NZ vs SA Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

NZ vs SA Pitch Report

The Pune track has been a bit slow so far but there are signs of dew. Batting second could be a better choice.

NZ vs SA Head-to-Head

NZ vs SA Predicted Playing XI

SA Playing XI

Quinton De Kock, Temba Bavuma, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Aiden Markaram, David Miller, Henrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee/ Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

NZ Playing XI

Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Matt Henry

NZ vs SA Key Players

David Miller

David Miller has been through quiet a few heartbreaks against New Zealand in the last decade and almost prevented them as well. He will be very eager to get one result going his way this time with New Zealand struggling for form.

Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra has been the find of the tournament so far. He is looking very calm and mature and is clear with his shot-making. He has made a huge impact and is certainly a player to keep an eye on.

NZ vs SA Match Tips

New Zealand have a good record against South Africa in World Cups in recent times. South Africa’s form though could trump New Zealand.

Match Prediction: South Africa Will Win the Match

Two teams going through the misery take each other on. Pakistan has lost four in four while Bangladesh has five losses and can only play for Champions Trophy qualification now. Pakistan are in with a chance but the complaints have started with Inzamam Ul Haq stepping down as their chief selector. New Zealand’s loss opens up a chance for them slightly and Pakistan is known to squeeze through the smallest of gaps.

PAK vs BAN Match Details

Date: October 31st, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: Eden Gardens

PAK vs BAN Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

PAK vs BAN Pitch Report

Eden Gardens has catered to some turn and batting first will be a better option.

PAK vs BAN Head-to-Head

PAK vs BAN Predicted Playing XI

BAN Playing XI

Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmadullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman

PAK Playing XI

Imam Ul Haq, Abdullah Shahfique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Ifthikar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf

See Also: ICC World Cup 2023: Kane Williamson’s Thumb Injury Healing, Expected to Participate in South Africa Match (cricketwinner.com)

PAK vs BAN Key Players

Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan went home to work with his coach only to come back and struggle again. He has not been at his best this World Cup and things have been biting back hard for him.

Shaheen Shah Afridi

Shaheen Shah has been one of if not the only Pakistan player who has looked consistently threatening. With their tournament on the line a massive burden falls on him and he will have to deliver to keep his side in the hunt.

PAK vs BAN Match Tips

Both sides are in a miserable scenario. Pakistan though is coming close to winning but not converting and could use this game to fight back on the table.

Match Prediction: Pakistan Will Win the Match