India's entry into the Cricket World Cup finals has triggered a surge in hotel and flight prices in Ahmedabad. With the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium hosting the final match between India and Australia, hotel room rates in Ahmedabad have crossed six figures. Domestic flights to Ahmedabad and international sector airfares have experienced a manifold increase. Tickets for the finals are sold out, leading to a premium in the black market. Star hotels are fully booked, with prices as high as Rs 1.50 lakh plus for a one-night stay. The stadium, the world's largest, is expected to be full.

In the opening match of the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, India secured a 1-0 victory against Kuwait. Manvir Singh's goal proved decisive, marking a winning start to India's qualification campaign. Despite playing away from home, India received significant support from its expatriate community in Kuwait. The match lacked intensity, with Kuwait controlling large parts but failing to threaten India's goal. The win, achieved without key players due to injuries, positions India well in the group. Their next challenge awaits at home against reigning Asian Champions Qatar, promising another exciting clash in Bhubaneswar.

  In the eagerly anticipated India vs Australia World Cup final in Ahmedabad on November 19, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has chosen Deputy PM Richard Marles to attend on his behalf. While both leaders were previously seen at the same venue during the India-Australia Test in March, this cricket clash holds higher stakes, marking their first ODI World Cup final encounter in two decades. India, led by Rohit Sharma, secured their spot by defeating New Zealand, while Pat Cummins' Australia triumphed over South Africa. The final promises an intense showdown after India's earlier victory against Australia in the tournament.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir commends Shreyas Iyer, predicting the batsman's pivotal role in the World Cup 2023 final against Australia. Gambhir underscores Iyer's remarkable comeback post-injury, highlighting his knockout-stage century in just 70 balls. Iyer, the first Indian middle-order batsman to surpass 500 runs in a World Cup edition, amasses an impressive 526 runs with an outstanding average of 75.14. With two centuries and three half-centuries, Iyer's exceptional form positions him as the definitive game-changer. As India gears up to face Australia in the final, Gambhir sees Iyer's contribution as vital, especially against the formidable duo of Maxwell and Zampa.

As cricket fever grips the nation ahead of the much-anticipated Cricket World Cup final between India and Australia at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on November 19, the Indian Air Force's renowned Surya Kiran aerobatic team is gearing up to dazzle spectators with a mesmerizing air show. The team, known for its precision and breathtaking maneuvers, will showcase their skills for ten minutes before the final match kicks off. Rehearsals for this aerial spectacle are scheduled for Friday and Saturday. The nation awaits this thrilling display as India vies for World Cup glory.

After Mohammed Shami's sensational 7/57 decimated New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final, Bollywood star Sonu Sood joked on social media platform X: "Shami Kebab Banned In New Zealand." Mohammed Shami cracked up in reply. Shami recorded the best figures by an Indian in World Cup history, surpassing Nehra's 6/23 in 2003. His lethal spell made him the fastest to 50 World Cup wickets in just 17 innings. Shami now holds the record for most five-wicket hauls in World Cups with 4. He is also the 6th highest wicket-taker in tournament history with 54 wickets at a stunning average of 12.90. Shami's match-winning 7-wicket demolition was hailed by PM Narendra Modi as he achieved multiple World Cup bowling milestones against New Zealand. Sonu Sood quipped "Shami Kebab Banned" after the pacer's sensational performance crushed the Kiwis.

After Virat Kohli's match-winning ton in the World Cup semi-final, former Australia pacer Simon O'Donnell criticized New Zealand players who helped Kohli when he suffered cramps, saying "I had a problem a couple of times last night. Virat Kohli gets cramp, they're (NZ) going over to help him." He questioned, "Why would you go and help Virat Kohli when he's tearing your country apart?" O'Donnell indicated, "Under no circumstances should you have gone within 20 meters of Virat Kohli when he had a cramp." He added, "Stop hitting us for sixes and fours. Go and pick your own bat up while you've got a sore hamstring and a cramp." O'Donnell's comments came amid wide praise for Kohli's ton and NZ's sportsmanlike gesture in the crucial knockout match. 

Team India prepares for their first practice session ahead of the final on Friday, after reaching Ahmedabad. The 2023 World Cup final at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium promises a star-studded affair, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected as the chief guest along with former World Cup-winning India captains MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev. The finals, scheduled for November 19, will feature a special air show and performances by singers Dua Lipa, Pritam Chakraborty, and Aditya Gadhavi. Family members of Indian cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar, and top officials from BCCI and ICC will be in attendance. 

India is set to face Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup final at Ahmedabad following Australia's thrilling victory over South Africa. This win marked Australia's 8th appearance in the World Cup finals. Opting to bat first, South Africa encountered early debacle and were 44/4 at the end of 14 overs before rain stopped play. However, as play resumed after a rain stop, David Miller's impressive century (101 off 116 balls) and Heinrich Klaasen's 47 guided the Proteus to a total of 212. Australia's bowlers, spearheaded by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins with three wickets each, curtailed South Africa's progress. In a nail-biting chase, Australia successfully reached the 213-run target, winning by 3 wickets and setting the stage for an intense final against India. This presents India with an opportunity to avenge their 2003 World Cup final defeat, where Australia's dominance led to a convincing 125-run victory over Dada-led Team India at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In the World Cup semi-final, Australia faces a challenging pursuit at 141/5, chasing 212 against South Africa. Travis Head's impactful 62 and David Warner's 29 shaped Australia's innings, but South African bowlers Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, and Tabraiz Shamsi disrupted their progress with crucial wickets. Steve Smith (17*) anchors the innings. The match hangs in the balance, with Australia needing 72 runs in 25 overs and South Africa eyeing further breakthroughs. The required run rate stands at 2.88, setting the stage for a thrilling contest as both teams vie for a spot in the World Cup final.