NEW DELHI: More than two years have passed since Australia captured the ICC ODI World Cup in 2023, a triumph that ended with hosts India suffering a painful defeat. While the result crushed hopes across the country, the moment still feels vivid to the Australian squad—especially for players who were at the heart of the title run. Australia spinner Adam Zampa, currently playing in Pakistan for the Pakistan Super League, recently reflected on the single most memorable cricket night of his career.
Zampa names his standout World Cup moment
Zampa, who has played 116 ODIs and 115 T20Is to date, was asked to pick his favourite memory in cricket. He pointed to the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as the defining highlight of his journey.
- He described the 2023 ODI World Cup as his favourite memory.
- Zampa said that having been involved in the game for so long means there are many special moments, including his debut and the 2021 World Cup.
- However, he emphasized that winning a World Cup—particularly one Australia were not widely expected to win—makes it stand out.
- He also highlighted the emotional impact of beating India in front of roughly 120,000 spectators, noting how the crowd fell silent at key moments.
- Zampa added that Australia “gave it a real nudge” in that atmosphere, underlining how close the contest felt when the defining phases arrived.
How the 2023 final unfolded
In the 2023 final, India—who remained unbeaten across the tournament—were eventually beaten by Australia by six wickets. The hosts had the rare chance to lift the trophy at home, their first ODI World Cup title since 2011, but they fell short when it mattered most.
- India finished the tournament unbeaten before the final.
- The match ended in Australia’s favour by six wickets.
- India had an opportunity to win the trophy on home soil, their first since 2011.
- Australia extended their record in the competition by claiming a sixth ODI World Cup title.
India’s ODI World Cup history and the road ahead
India’s first ODI World Cup success came in 1983 under Kapil Dev, when they defeated West Indies at Lord’s. They repeated the feat in 2011, with MS Dhoni’s team beating Sri Lanka in the final. Since that 2011 triumph, India have not managed to add another ODI World Cup title.
The 2023 edition offered India a major chance to reach a third title, particularly with the final being played on home soil. Yet the heartbreak of the defeat denied them that milestone. Looking forward, the next ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027.
