India got off to a winning start in their home World Cup campaign with a thrilling six-wicket victory over Australia in Chennai on Sunday.
Match summary:
Australia won the toss and elected to bat, but their innings was disrupted by India’s spin-heavy bowling attack. Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets, while Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav picked up two wickets each. Australia were all out for 199 with just three deliveries left in the innings.
India’s chase got off to a shocking start, with three of their top four batters falling for ducks within the first two overs. However, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul steadied the ship and guided India to victory with a crucial 165-run partnership.
Kohli, who was dropped on 12 by Mitchell Marsh, went on to make 85 runs and played a crucial role in India’s successful chase. Rahul, on the other hand, played a chanceless knock of 97 not out as India successfully reached the target in 41.2 overs.
Key players:
Virat Kohli: Kohli was dropped on 12 by Mitchell Marsh, but he went on to make 85 runs and play a crucial role in India’s successful chase. This was Kohli’s first century in ODI cricket since December 2019.
KL Rahul: Rahul played a chanceless knock of 97 not out and guided India to victory. This was Rahul’s highest score in ODI cricket.
Ravindra Jadeja: Jadeja was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets. He also played an important role in the field, taking two catches.
Impact of the match
India’s thrilling win over Australia was a perfect start to their home World Cup campaign. The team showed great resilience to come back from a shaky start and secure victory. Kohli and Rahul’s partnership was the key to India’s success, and the bowlers also played their part by bowling out Australia for a low total.
This win will give India a lot of confidence as they head into their next match against England on October 12. Australia, on the other hand, will need to bounce back quickly if they want to challenge for the World Cup title.
Here is some more information about India’s thrilling win over Australia in their home World Cup opener:
- Kohli’s return to form: Kohli’s 85 runs was his first century in ODI cricket since December 2019. It was also his first century in any format of the game since November 2019. Kohli’s return to form is a big boost for India, as he is one of the most experienced and successful batsmen in the world.
- Rahul’s consistency: Rahul has been in consistent form in recent months, and he continued that form in the World Cup opener. His 97 not out was his third ODI century in the last nine months. Rahul’s consistency at the top of the order is crucial for India’s success in the World Cup.
- Spinners’ dominance: India’s spin-heavy bowling attack dominated Australia, bundling them out for 199. Jadeja, Chahal, and Yadav all bowled well, and they were able to exploit the conditions in Chennai. India’s spin attack is one of their biggest strengths, and it will be a key factor in their success in the World Cup.
- India’s perfect start: India’s win over Australia was the perfect start to their home World Cup campaign. It was the first time that India had won their opening match in a World Cup since 2011. This win will give India a lot of confidence as they head into their next match against England.
- Overall, it was a great performance by India in their home World Cup opener. They showed great resilience to come back from a shaky start and secure victory. Kohli and Rahul’s partnership was the key to India’s success, and the bowlers also played their part by bowling out Australia for a low total. India will now be hoping to continue their winning momentum in their next match against England.
