"My best wishes to Indian team, hope India wins": Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur ahead of Cricket World Cup final

Speaking to ANI, Anurag Thakur said, "Tomorrow is a big day. The final of the ICC World Cup is going to be held in the world's largest Cricket stadium, Narendra Modi Stadium. My wishes for the Indian team which has created a history by winning all the matches. I hope that India wins tomorrow. I am going to see the match tomorrow. PM Modi will also come there to attend the match."

Ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, 'Men in Blue' skipper Rohit Sharma said that emotionally it is a huge game for himself and the team.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Rohit said there are big expectations from Team India. He added that it is important for the players to stay focused during the match.

"See emotionally it will be a huge game. There are big expectations. As a player, it is important for us to keep the focus. Rather than thinking about the occasion. Yes, it remains in the back of your mind we cannot hide away from it. For me, it is the biggest moment. I grew up watching One Day Cricket," Rohit said.

India stormed into the finals after registering a comprehensive 70-run victory over New Zealand on Wednesday. After Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill's explosive start, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer scored a ton each to put India on course of a massive target.

In the second semi-final, South Africa made Australia sweat after setting a modest target. Australia skipper Pat Cummins and speedster Mitchell Starc held their nerves to take the hosts to a three-wicket win.

This encounter will be a 20-year-old repeat clash of the 2003 World Cup Final when the two cricket-enthusiast nations faced each other and India will be aiming to reverse the result of the last encounter, which India lost by 125 runs.

The final match of the marquee tournament will be played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (ANI)