Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: It has been more than two years since Australia lifted the coveted ICC ODI World Cup in 2023, handing hosts India a heartbreaking defeat. The loss shattered billions of dreams, leaving fans disappointed, but for Australian players, the memories of lifting the trophy remain fresh.Australia spinner Adam Zampa, currently in Pakistan for the Pakistan Super League, was recently asked about his favourite cricketing memory.Zampa, who has featured in 116 ODIs and 115 T20Is so far, didn’t hesitate in picking that unforgettable night at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as the standout moment of his career.India, unbeaten throughout the tournament, suffered a six-wicket loss to a dominant Australia in the final.The hosts had a golden opportunity to lift the trophy at home – their first since 2011 – but fell short at the final hurdle.Australia, meanwhile, clinched a record-extending sixth ODI World Cup title.“Yeah, 2023 World Cup is definitely my favourite memory. When you’ve been around this long, there are plenty – your debut, the 2021 World Cup, that was great as well,” Zampa said.“But winning a World Cup, especially one we weren’t really expected to win, stands out. And to beat India in front of 120,000 people – when the crowd suddenly goes quiet – that’s a pretty special feeling. We gave it a real nudge,” he said.India’s first ODI World Cup triumph came in 1983 under Kapil Dev, when they defeated the West Indies at Lord’s. MS Dhoni’s side then repeated the feat in 2011, beating Sri Lanka in the final. Since then, India have not managed to win another ODI World Cup.The 2023 edition presented a major opportunity to add a third title, especially on home soil, but the final heartbreak denied them that achievement.The next ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027.
