PM Modi to attend final of ODI World Cup 2023 to watch India play: Reports

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reportedly be present at the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad, where India will play on November 19. According to reports, PM Modi will attend the match at Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat, his hometown. The eagerly awaited summit clash will showcase the Indian cricket team in action at the world's largest cricket venue.

Known for his avid interest in cricket, PM Modi was among the initial well-wishers to congratulate Team India following their victory over New Zealand on Wednesday. India beat New Zealand by 70 runs in the first semi-final of the ongoing World Cup to book a spot in the final. India secured a place in the final for the fourth time in the history of the 50-over event.

How did India qualify for the final?

India dominated the league stage of the ODI World Cup 2023 to secure a place in the semi-final of the tournament. India won nine out of nine matches in the preliminary stage and qualified for the knockouts. The Men in Blue finished at the top of the points table and were the first side to book a spot in the semi-final of the ODI World Cup 2023. 

India locked horns against New Zealand in the first semi-final on Wednesday. The match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai saw India winning the toss and electing to bat first. India posted a formidable 397/4 in 50 overs thanks to centuries from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul also contributed to the total. 

Mohammed Shami wreaked havoc with the ball in the second innings, taking seven wickets and restricting New Zealand to 327 runs. India won and Shami was named the player of the match. Shami also became the joint-highest wicket-taker at the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 thanks to his performances. Kohli is the top run-scorer. 

India will play either Australia or South Africa in the final of the tournament on Sunday. A closing ceremony is expected to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium ahead of the much-anticipated final. India will look to win their third ODI World Cup title and their first in more than 12 years.