Australia secured their sixth 50-overs World Cup title in a historic win, extending their record, as opener Travis Head played a pivotal role with a stunning century in the final against the formidable Indian team on Sunday.
India, opting to bat, managed to post a modest total of 240 all out in 50 overs at the packed Narendra Modi Stadium, with KL Rahul and Virat Kohli contributing battling half-centuries.
Facing their first loss in the tournament's crucial summit clash, India's 93,000 predominantly Indian fans witnessed a subdued performance from their team, which had previously won 10 consecutive matches.
Despite a shaky start in their chase, Australia successfully overcame the target with seven overs to spare, largely thanks to Head's exceptional innings of 137 off 120 balls.
In a decision that puzzled many, Australian captain Pat Cummins chose to field first to avoid challenges posed by dew in the night. The decision proved effective as Australia's bowlers, supported by excellent fielding, restricted India's scoring opportunities.
Rohit Sharma, a consistent performer for India in the tournament, played an entertaining knock, hitting three sixes in his 47-run innings before falling just before the end of the powerplay.
India struggled at 81-3 in the 11th over when Cummins dismissed Shreyas Iyer. Despite a dour rebuilding effort by Kohli and Rahul, Australia's disciplined bowling kept them in control.
Kohli reached his ninth 50-plus score in 11 innings but eventually departed after chopping a Cummins delivery onto his stumps. Rahul's half-century, marked by just one four, highlighted the challenging nature of the pitch.
Australia faced their own top-order challenges, slipping to 47-3 in seven overs during the chase. However, Head's exceptional partnership with Marnus Labuschagne, who scored an unbeaten 58, sealed the victory with a 192-run stand, ultimately dominating the contest.
1048.617 SRY