Travis Head hits World Cup final hundred as Australia eye victory

Australia's Travis Head hit a hundred in the World Cup final against India in Ahmedabad on Sunday as his team closed in on a record-extending sixth title.

Australia were wobbling at 47-3 in pursuit of a target of 241 against unbeaten tournament hosts India.

But left-handed opener Head's 95-ball century, including 14 fours and a six, helped take them to 185-3 in the 34th over.

The 29-year-old's century was only the seventh in a final in the 48-year-history of the World Cup, but third by an Australian following match-winning efforts of 149 by Adam Gilchrist in 2007 and 140 not out by Ricky Ponting in 2003.

Head's innings, which followed his valuable 62 in a tense three-wicket semi-final win over South Africa, was all the more impressive as he was in danger of missing the tournament completely after fracturing his hand in South Africa in September.

• Brilliant Australia restrict India to 240 all out in World Cup final