Australia claimed a resounding victory in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, defeating India by a comprehensive 209-run margin at The Oval on Sunday. The match witnessed a dramatic collapse by the Indian team, as they were bowled out for 234 while chasing a record target of 444.
Resuming the final day’s play at 164-3, India faltered and lost seven wickets for just 70 runs in a span of 24 overs before lunch. Scott Boland played a pivotal role in the Australian victory, taking three wickets for 46 runs in his 16 overs, including Indian linchpin Virat Kohli. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon contributed significantly, claiming four wickets for 41 runs to wrap up the Indian innings.
With this triumph, Australia secured the only major men’s cricket title that had eluded them until now. The win in the WTC final sets a positive tone for Pat Cummins and his team as they gear up for the first Ashes Test against England next week.
However, the defeat leaves India still searching for their first global silverware in a decade, having previously lost to New Zealand in the inaugural WTC final in 2021 held in Southampton. The target of 444 runs faced by India was a daunting one, exceeding the highest successful fourth-innings chase in Test history—West Indies’ 418-7 against Australia in St John’s in 2003.
Australia’s emphatic victory in the WTC final cements their status as a dominant force in Test cricket.
