The Australian men’s cricket team cemented its legacy as the sport’s strongest-ever team by winning its sixth World Cup trophy on Sunday (November 19) evening. The guys from Down Under comprehensively defeated India to win the coveted trophy and capture the prize money announced by the ICC.
As winners of the World Cup, Australia received $4 million, while runners-up India received $2 million, with the two losing semi-finalists (South Africa, New Zealand) receiving $800,000 each.
In addition to the $4 million prize money, Australia received an additional $280,000 for seven wins during the league stage of the tournament. Prize money of $40,000 is awarded for each win during the league stage and since Australia won seven games, the total amount taken home by the Australians was $4,28 million.
Meanwhile, India won $2 million in addition to $360,000 in prize money on the back of nine consecutive wins in the league stage.
The league state format of the tournament assured that each team that did not qualify for the knockouts walked away with a guaranteed $100,000.
India dominated the final but it was Australia who played the big moments better and emerged victorious.
Batting first, India scored 240 runs mainly due to tight bowling from the Australian bowlers and some mediocre shots from the batsmen. India got off to a great start defending the target and took three wickets in the first powerplay.
However, the pair of Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne held on and ensured Australia registered a stunning six-wicket win as India’s ICC trophy quest suffered another setback.