46 games, 2204 fours and 636 sixes later we have arrived at the Final. The best two teams in the tournament are in the final and all said and done these two were one of the favourites.

There is something about the performances of both of these teams in this tournament giving a sense of Deja-Vu of 2003. The only difference is the roles have been reversed. After a disappointing start in 2003 India went on an 8 game winning streak heading into the final, and Australia were at their ruthless best going undefeated into the final and of course we all know how that final went down.

Very similar pattern here 20 years later with Australia losing to India and South Africa but being very solid since then, apart from the scare against Afghanistan. India have rarely been behind the 8 ball in this tournament, 2/3 vs Australia, Low Score vs England and the Williamson and Mitchell partnership in the Semi-Final are the only instances where you thought the match was in the balance and India would need to pull something out of the hat, and every time they have.

Looking at history and ICC tournaments, many fans and pundits would assume that Australia would have the overall upper hand. But in fact the picture isn’t quite as simple as that. If we only look at the 50 over World Cup Australia have the edge winning 8 out of 13 games. Across all white ball ICC events, India and Australia share the spoils with 14 matches a piece with 3 no results/draws. However when it comes to knock out matches India actually have a slim advantage of 4 games to 3.

One thing which Australia has an advantage of over India is the ICC trophy cupboard. They are serial winners and know how to win trophies. Just looking at their squad at this world cup only Sean Abbott hasn’t featured in an ICC trophy winning squad for Australia, and 7 of their predicted XI for tomorrow were also winners of the World Cup in 2015. India on the other hand haven’t quite added to their Trophy Cabinet since 2013. Looking at India’s squad of 15 only 4 have experienced success in an ICC event – (Kohli in 2011, 2013, Sharma – 2007, 2013, Ashwin – 2011, 2013 and Jadeja – 2013).

Where the match will be won/lost: Looking at the phases of play both these teams are aggressive with their batting in the Power Play scoring at 6.87 (India) and 6.55 (Australia) respectively while also being economical while bowling conceding 4.34 (India) compared to 4.75 (Australia). Neither team will be phased by the occasion, but who will come out on top of the Power Play will have a huge bearing on this match. The middle overs is a phase which really differentiates ODI cricket to T20. It requires a lot more than just skill, but a clear plan and strategy. India have perfected the middle overs while batting and bowling in this Tournament with Shreyas leading the charge (over 500 runs) with the bat, and Jadeja (16 wickets at 4.25) with the Ball. Due to Australia’s make up of the XI, very often Marnus and Steve Smith end up batting together. Neither of them has lit up the tournament yet, and where India could bog them down and control the boundary count. If Australia don’t play Stoinis, Maxwell could be a target as Australia’s 5th bowler and that will be fascinating to watch with India are going great guns.

Players to Watch: Honestly I could list all 22 players in this section. So ill pick a couple from each team. From an India perspective, openers will be key once again, specially batting first. Sharma and Gill have set up such fantastic platforms, the middle order have been able to settle in and then explode. One man who hasn’t been able to really make a mark with the bat has been SKY. Apart from the England game he hasn’t had the opportunity, I sense an innings of value coming from SKY tomorrow. When it comes to the bowlers the fast bowling has been a revelation, but I think its Jadeja and Kuldeep who need to come to the fore tomorrow. If they keep it quiet and pick up wickets in the middle, India will be well on their way. When it comes to Australia, David Warner is the obvious answer, but I think Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh are the key in the batting. Steve Smith has gone under the radar all tournament and tomorrow could be the day he plays a blinder, so he cannot be taken lightly given how much he likes playing against India. Josh Hazlewood hasn’t got buckets of wickets, but his economy (4.87) has been key to keep teams in check and he was chief destroyer in Chennai too. Adam Zampa the stand out spinner in the tournament will hold the key in the middle to contain the middle order.

Pitch and Conditions: One of the better pitches in India over the last few years. 3 out of 4 matches have been won by the teams chasing, and I think the winning captain should elect to field first. During the day the pitch can be a bit two paced and possible offer more turn. With the onset of winter, the pace of the wicket should get faster and the ball come onto the bat better. There wont be the excessive swing and seam we have seen in Mumbai. I expect a high scoring game if there aren’t many nerves with both teams scoring more than 300.

Prediction: This is very tough, as on many counts both these teams cancel each other out. Australia have a better rounded team with all bases covered. India have 11 players all on top of their games. Given the conditions, and form I’m going for an Indian victory.

Regardless of history and what’s happened so far, its a clean slate tomorrow and all cricket fans I think are in for a treat, as the two best team battle it out for the World Title.