If India make it to the Cricket World Cup Final on 19 November, they won’t be in unfamiliar territory. The last time the legendary Men in Blue won the tournament was in 2011, when 42,000 passionate fans cheered their nation to victory in Wankhede. If India are to hoist the trophy once again in 2023, it will also be on home turf, but this time in front of over 132,000 spectators at Narendra Modi Stadium – the largest cricket stadium in the world.
That, of course, would be a dream for Indian cricket fans, many of whom feel they have been starved of international cricketing glory for far too long. But it is a dream well within reach, and after a fast start to the competition, Rohit Sharma’s side already have one foot in the semifinals and will be hoping for more.
12 years ago, India’s last World Cup victory was special not only because it was earned in the team’s home country, but because it also meant Sachin Tendulkar, India’s greatest ever player, could end his career as a World Cup winner. Following the match, emotional scenes were broadcast to 135 million people in India, and more across the world, as the “Little Master” was held aloft by his teammates and the capacity crowd chanted his name.
A nation of cricket lovers, India has helped to create some of the most atmospheric and memorable moments in Cricket World Cup history, and as such, the 2023 Knockout Stages are sure to be full of must-see moments. First up, the Semifinals: on 15 November, fans will be treated to a battle between the teams finishing in first and fourth place in the tournament table, before second takes on third on 16 November.
After that, all eyes will be on Narendra Modi Stadium for the biggest cricket match of the year – the World Cup Final. Can India break their major tournament drought and produce another stunning home victory? Or will New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, or another of the world’s top teams spoil the party? Find out on 19 November.
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