Disciplined bowling pack Australia at 199
Australia’s innings began with early hiccups as they lost wickets at regular intervals. They got bundled out for 199 runs. David Warner top-scored with 41 runs, while Steve Smith contributed a valuable 46 runs. The Indian bowlers exhibited exceptional control, making scoring difficult for the Australians. Ravindra Jadeja, with his precision, took three crucial wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah claimed two.
Virat Kohli, KL Rahul guide India to win
India’s reply displayed resilience and determination. Despite losing early wickets, skipper Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a composed 85 runs, while KL Rahul played a stellar knock, scoring 97 runs. India chased down the target, reaching 201/4 in 41.2 overs. The partnership between Kohli and Rahul was the cornerstone of India’s successful run chase.
Also READ: Virat Kohli overtakes Sachin Tendulkar to become India’s leading run-scorer In ICC white-ball tournaments
Australia’s bowlers gave it their all, with Josh Hazlewood being the standout performer, taking three wickets for 38 runs. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins provided crucial breakthroughs, but it wasn’t enough to stem the flow of runs.
“I was just trying to get my breath back. Virat said there’s a bit in the wicket, so play like Test cricket for a while. There was a bit of help for the pacers with the new ball, and then the spinners also. In the last 15-20 overs, dew played a part and that helped quite a bit. The ball also skidded on better. However, it was a bit two-paced, it wasn’t the easiest of wickets to bat on and it wasn’t flat as well. It was a good cricket wicket, bit for the batters and the bowlers,” said Rahul, who was named Player of the Match for his batting brilliance.
Also READ: CWC 2023 – India’s top-order collapse sparks fury among fans as Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer depart for ducks against Australia
Here is how Twitter reacted:
KL Rahul finishes off the chase with a MAXIMUM!
He remains unbeaten on 97* & #TeamIndia start #CWC23 with a superb win against Australia
Scorecardhttps://t.co/ToKaGif9ri#CWC23 | #INDvAUS | #TeamIndia | #MeninBlue pic.twitter.com/rZRXGei1QN
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 8, 2023
Indiastarted the World Cup campaign with a bang. Team is looking solid. Kohli never disappoints the team when he is really needed. Today was no different. And Kl Rahul is playing with great Klass. jaddu baapu tu to kamal che
#IndVsAus
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 8, 2023
Pressure doesn't get bigger than when you're 2/3 in a WC game vs a charged up Aus. Then to soak the pressure, wrestle the initiative back, and win the game takes something special. This was a partnership for the agesWell played
#INDvAUS #CWC2023 pic.twitter.com/QDJ5uuR1TL
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) October 8, 2023
Powered by the#INDvAUS #CWC2023 #IndianTeam @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/R0Xu62ICLC
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) October 8, 2023
"There is no word like 'Pressure' in Virat Kohli's dictionary," Mohammad Amir.#WorldCup2023 #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/e6X4wbqPx4
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) October 8, 2023
INDIA BEAT AUSTRALIA BY 6 WICKETS….!!!!
Kohli & Rahul are the heroes, India down & out then came one of the best partnerships in the World cup and done it for India.
– A dream start for India in World Cup 2023. pic.twitter.com/ABltwbDoVP
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 8, 2023
Virat Kohli – KL Rahul duo. They did it once again for India. The saviour at the big matches
IND vs PAK IND vs AUS pic.twitter.com/osYYmEDeBW
— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) October 8, 2023
TEAM INDIA BEAT AUSTRALIA BY 6 WICKETS IN THIS WORLD CUP 2023…!!!
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul – The Heroes of this run chase for India. pic.twitter.com/xsVZlRgiHb
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) October 8, 2023
A gritty 50 macha @klrahulImmense composure by both @imVkohli and KL Rahul. Showcasing nerves of steel to stabilize the innings.#CWC23 #IndvAus
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) October 8, 2023
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