Australia have claimed their sixth ODI World Cup title, defeating India by six wickets in Sunday's final off the back of a brilliant Travis Head century.
After a slow start to the tournament, the Aussies were able to bounce back and go on an impressive winning run, including a semi-final victory over South Africa and a stunning Glenn Maxwell-led triumph over Afghanistan.
Head's 137 off 120 balls made him just the third Australian to score a ton in a World Cup final, joining Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting, while the all-rounder also took an important catch to dismiss Rohit Sharma earlier in the match.
The left-hander was well-supported by Marnus Labuschagne (58*), while skipper Pat Cummins produced his best bowling effort of the campaign with 2/34 off his 10 overs.
MORE: Indian superstar Virat Kohli earns Player of the Tournament honours
Travis Head, Australia react to ODI World Cup victory
Speaking post-match, Head opened up on his piece of history and the emotions surrounding the result, paying credit to his partner in crime for his role in the match-winning knock.
“What an amazing day... I’m just thrilled to be a part of it," he said.
“I’m definitely third on that list [behind Gilchrist and Ponting]. It’s a nice one to join. Again, just nice to be here and it’s nice to contribute. Yeah, like I just said to the boys, I’m looking forward to the reunion.
“I’m very lucky that everything went well and I was able to get back and the support that the boys showed, I didn’t think this would happen.
“I was nervous in the first 20 balls but Marnus batted brilliantly and it is great to bat with him.
"It was an amazing partnership.”
A host of current and former Australian players also reacted to the victory, including a defiant response from veteran opener David Warner, who was playing in his final 50-over World Cup.
Well did you see that happening?? We did, come on Australia. 0-2 and written off 👍👍 pic.twitter.com/8Jz3ZztPIF
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) November 19, 2023
Best feeling in the world! 🏆 #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/qUe7vX5rFw
— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) November 19, 2023
Good morning Australia pic.twitter.com/ma7xHpKnkw
— Marnus Labuschagne (@marnus3cricket) November 19, 2023
Huge win by our boys coming back from early tournament wobbles. Great leadership, skill and belief to get the job done and beat the home side who themselves were a elite ODI team. T. Head had some final series almost single handily winning us the trophy. 👏👏
— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) November 19, 2023
The side also received some praise from their English rivals, with the likes of Stuart Broad and even everyone's favourite, Piers Morgan, congratulating the Aussies for their inspired effort.
The Aussies just know how to get the job done. Hugely impressive in knockout cricket. Another WC 🏆 in the cabinet. Outstanding. India have fallen at the final hurdle. They won’t believe they’ve not won this WC 🏏
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) November 19, 2023
Well done Australia .. an incredible achievement against all the odds against a great team in there own backyard .. I personally have this as the greatest World Cup victory for a team .. to win here in #India is hardest place to claim the trophy .. #CWC2023Final
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 19, 2023
Congrats to Australia on winning the World Cup.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 19, 2023
So well deserved after the Ashes debacle.
I couldn’t be happier for you all. pic.twitter.com/aX3meWd61D
Australia will now turn their attention to a T20 series against India, before the home Test summer will see the championship-winning outfit take on Pakistan and West Indies.
