World Cup 2019: Matthew Hayden hopes for another India-Australia clash, perhaps in final

India won their second game of the ICC World Cup 2019 on Sunday when they beat defending champions Australia at The Oval by 36 runs. These two powerhouses have met in knock-outs in the past few editions in the World Cup (final in 2003; quarter-final in 2011 and semi-final in 2015) and it was way back in 2003 that they had played in a non-knock-out game in the World Cup.

While the crowns changed heads between India and Australia over the last three World Cups, it was Virat Kohli’s men who eventually prevailed over the Kangaroos in their latest clash in the World Cup. Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat and riding on a solid batting performance from India, the Men in Blue put up a mammoth total of 352 for 5 in 50 overs.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan scored 117 while Kohli slammed 82. Rohit Sharma scored 57 and Hardik Pandya chipped in with a 27-ball 48. Mahendra Singh Dhoni and KL Rahul also scored a few cameo innings to help India post the biggest total against Australia for any team in the World Cup. Australia never looked threatening in their case barring a few flashes in the pan and were bowled out for 316 in the final ball of their innings.

Hayden and Yuvraj had their exchanges for some time

Former Australia batsman Matthew Hayden and senior Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh had been exchanging banters over the high-voltage clash since a few days ahead. While Hayden mentioned about a TV promotion in which India, with two World Cup titles, were mocked with Australia’s five trophies. Yuvraj though was undeterred and said India would still show Australia their mettle. It went on till the end of the match when the former Australian big-hitter congratulated India and hoped the two teams met each other again in the finals.

Congrats to the Boys in Blue @YUVSTRONG12 . A really good contest. ????Makes you wonder when the next time in this competition these two great teams will see each other again? Kinda hope it’s in the finals???????? @cricketworldcup @AaronFinch5 @imVkohli

— Matthew Hayden AM (@HaydosTweets) June 9, 2019

Hey @YUVSTRONG12, this new @StarSportsIndia promo for ICC #CWC19 is darn good!
Did you watch it? Gimme a high-FIVE for #INDvAUS mate! ????
See you guys on June 9! ???? ???????????????????? V ????????#CricketKaCrown pic.twitter.com/hqidKCQgAN

— Matthew Hayden AM (@HaydosTweets) June 6, 2019

Though there are other good teams like England and New Zealand who could ruin Hayden’s hopes but an India-Australia final will indeed be a thrilling final. These two teams have met 12 times in the World Cup so far with Australia having a 8-4 advantage after Sunday’s game.