Fairytale ending awaits ‘unbeatable’ Indian cricket team

As well as some of the other teams have played, India have been phenomenal at the Cricket World Cup, with a rare question being raised: Are they even beatable?

Of course, any team can be beaten, but the tournament hosts have looked to be as complete as a cricket side can be, strengthening their grip on the favourites’ tag throughout the showpiece.

Their stats alone have offered a reflection of the superb players they have in their side.

Kohli and Shami

Much has already been said about 35-year-old icon Virat Kohli, but the adulation which has been poured on him has been well deserved. The veteran top-order batter has scored 711 runs in 10 innings at the tournament, at an average of 101.57, and he racked up a record 50th career ODI century in their semi-final against New Zealand on Wednesday.

Fast bowler Mohammad Shami has also been impressive, raking in 23 wickets at the showpiece, including remarkable career-best figures of 7/57 in their playoff against the Black Caps.

In addition, Jasprit Bumrah has been perhaps the most consistent bowler of the tournament, giving away less than four runs an over (on average) in the 10 matches he has played.

It hasn’t only been their star performers who have stood up and delivered, however, and India boast firepower throughout their squad which features quality and depth in every department.

Unbeaten

And their success has stemmed from beyond the field, as the hosts aim to lift the trophy for the third time in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

If they do win the title, they will become the first team to secure the World Cup crown without losing a match, having emerged triumphant in all 10 of their games thus far.

Their results, however, are also no doubt down to other factors including home ground advantage, familiar conditions and support from their obsessed fans.

It would seem almost sacrilege for India to lose their home World Cup, and they look determined to reward their fans by going all the way.

They will be under real pressure this weekend, but they have proved they have the ability to rise to the occasion, and they look to be on course for a fairytale ending to their memorable campaign.

India take on Australia in Sunday’s final, starting at 10.30am.