Australia and India faced each other in their opening game of the ODI World Cup 2023. Australian skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat first on a tricky M.A Chidambaram pitch.
The Australians lost Mitch Marsh early, but Warner and Smith handled things for a while. The latter was particularly looking menacing. But Warner’s dismissal gave India the crucial breakthrough, and the spinners subsequently grabbed control. The wheels fell off for Australia when Smith was bowled by Jadeja with a stunning delivery to get him. They stumbled from 110/2 to 140/7, which was a staggering display from the Indian bowlers.
With more than 13 overs left, things were looking gloomy for them at that point, but the lower order fought on to raise the total to 199. Starc had a useful 28 runs, and those runs may be very important. India’s fielding was excellent as Kohli made a great catch at slip. The motivation was clear and the enthusiasm level was high within the team.
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul put up a brilliant partnership after an early collapse
After Iyer holed out towards the finish of the second over, the hosts were in a terrible situation. Australia is in the lead as the score reads 2/3 after Kishan, Rohit, and Iyer all failed to make a throw. At that point, Kohli and Rahul teamed together, showed their expertise, and absorbed the strain. When Marsh dropped Kohli off Hazlewood for 12 runs, Kohli was handed a reprieve, but the rest of the partnership was faultless.
They stopped the pacers’ initial burst, spun Maxwell around, and then grabbed control. They both maintained the scoreboard going, reached their individual fifties, and established India’s biggest World Cup partnership against Australia. Kohli sacrificed himself on 85 but Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul ensured that there were no hiccups in the chase.
KL Rahul’s calm and composed 97* has helped India to their first ODI World Cup points. Australia would be blaming themselves for a poor display with the bat. They would have some time to recover and get on from this defeat.
Fans react as India clinch 6 wicket win over Australia during opening ODI World Cup 2023 encounter
TAKE A BOW, KL RAHUL….!!!
97* (115) with 8 fours and 2 sixes. One of the best knocks under pressure by KL. He's simply remarkable since his comeback, the MVP of Indian middle order. pic.twitter.com/iLH7hbQH2j
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 8, 2023
Kl Rahul be like : Kaha h haters bahar nikalo pic.twitter.com/9qelNU6vP7
— Vishal (@VishalMalvi_) October 8, 2023
Klassic rahul innings??
Well deserved 100 missed but this innings is more than 100?? pic.twitter.com/Z4kK3Gx8k8— Vishal (@kohlifanvishal) October 8, 2023
KL Rahul, consistent and remarkable! Taking a bow indeed for his outstanding knock under pressure. He's the MVP of India's middle order, delivering when it counts. Well played! ?? #Cricket #KLRAHUL
— Somanath Mishra?? (@somnath_bbsr) October 8, 2023
KL just recreated GG pic.twitter.com/nTx3zLkZpy
— TANGENT (@pra_tea_k_) October 8, 2023
Great start for Team India in the #WC23, excellent performance by King Kohli, KL Rahul and Indian bowlers.
— ??M?? ???????? (@PKMKB_93K) October 8, 2023
@klrahul the big man. #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/ztLo5z5r5j
— Abhinav singh (@Abhinav_tmk) October 8, 2023
What a great innings by King Kohli and KL Rahul in most difficult situation. Take a bow.?????
— Statistics of Bharat ?? (@Stats4Bharat) October 8, 2023
