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ODI world cup 2023

'Ye dar hume accha laga' - Fans react as Australia skipper Pat Cummins considers Mohammed Shami as India's biggest strength

Despite early setbacks with losses to India in the opener and South Africa in the league stage, Australia heads into the final with an impressive eight-match winning streak.

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Mathew K
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Mohammed Shami and Pat Cummins (Source: Twitter)

In the press conference ahead of the 2023 World Cup final between India and Australia, captain Pat Cummins acknowledged that Mohammed Shami poses the most significant threat to his team in the title clash. Despite not featuring in the playing 11 for the first four matches, Shami, who joined the team after Hardik Pandya's injury, has been formidable. With an impressive tally of 23 wickets in six matches, Shami is a leading contender for the Player of the Tournament award, showcasing exceptional form.

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Also, at the time of the press conference preceding the summit clash, Australia captain Pat Cummins identified Mohammed Shami as a significant challenge from the Indian team, acknowledging India's overall strength. Cummins also commented on the Ahmedabad pitch. Prior to the World Cup semi-final, there were reports of accusations regarding pitch manipulation, suggesting a change from a new pitch to an old one. However, the Apex Cricket Council also clarified that there is no rule mandating new pitches for knockout matches, and Atkinson was informed of this in advance.

In addition to this, there were also questions raised on the pitch as it has been in trend from India’s semifinal clash. Moreover, regarding the Ahmedabad pitch, Cummins even said, 'It is clearly the same for both the teams. There is no doubt that there are some advantages to playing in your own country, on your own wicket. But we play a lot of cricket here.

Let us look at how Twitter has reacted to this:

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Both finalists are riding on winning streaks

In the tournament, India's exceptional performance has propelled them to the status of unbeaten finalists, winning all 10 matches. They emerged victorious in all nine league games, securing the top position in the league stage. On November 15, in the first semifinal at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, India sealed a 70-run win against New Zealand.

 In contrast, Australia secured a 3-wicket victory in the second semifinal against South Africa at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on November 16. Despite early setbacks with losses to India in the opener and South Africa in the league stage, Australia heads into the final with an impressive eight-match winning streak.