The ghosts of finals past seemed to linger over Rajkot as KL Rahul and Daryl Mitchell squared off, each man determined to put unfinished business behind them with their powerful hundreds. Rahul played with a sense of urgency, reminiscent of his performance in Ahmedabad 2023, casting aside caution as he took command during the death overs and drove India’s innings forward with confidence.

In response, Mitchell approached his innings with a cool determination, attacking the spinners early and refusing to be held back by memories of the 2025 final in Dubai. It was as if they were engaged in a conversation with their pasts rather than with the bowlers themselves. As the pitch became more difficult under the lights, Rahul explored the possibilities of what could have been, but Mitchell stayed focused and decisive, turning those reflections into a hard-earned resolution at the crucial moments.