1 year ago
358
Virat Kohli (85) and KL Rahul (97*) scored half-centuries as India defeated Australia by six wickets in their first match of the 2023 Cricket World Cup in Chennai on Sunday.
World Cup 2023: News | Schedule | Results | Points table
Having opted to bat first, Australia were bowled out for 199 in 49.3 overs before the visitors triggered an Indian top-order collapse. Ravindra Jadeja, with figures of 3/28, was the pick of bowlers.
Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Mitchell Marsh early before Steve Smith (46) and David Warner (41) revived Australia’s innings with a 69-run stand.
However, once Warner and Smith were dismissed, the Australians lost their plot despite vital cameos from Pat Cummins (15) and Mitchell Starc (28).
India lost Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer all were dismissed for ducks, and India were 2 for 3 at one stage. However, a 165-run stand between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul was what brought India back in the game.
Kohli was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood in the 38th over, but Hardik Pandya (11) and Rahul ensured India crossed the finish line with more than eight overs to spare.
Here’s how Twitterati reacted to Men in Blue’s victory:
A match-winning partnership followed by a warm hug
Well played, KL Rahul & Virat Kohli #CWC23 | #INDvAUS | #TeamIndia | #MeninBlue pic.twitter.com/aVdbkVHekz
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 8, 2023
Heroics that’ll remain classic!#Whistle4India #INDvAUS #CWC23 : @ICC @klrahul pic.twitter.com/uf2xu51Qyn
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) October 8, 2023
Laal Fool, Peela Fool.
Rahul and Kohli batting beautiful.
A partnership to remember for a long time.
भारत को जीत पर बधाई । #WorldCup2023 pic.twitter.com/fQJVLgSt6s
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 8, 2023
I was surprised to see Australia bat first after winning the toss. Commendable performance by the Indian bowlers to restrict them to 199. Australia started well but I felt they missed a left-arm spinner on this surface. The partnership between Virat and Rahul sealed the game for… pic.twitter.com/qUr21Vaqxb
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 8, 2023
India have started the tournament in style. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli were outstanding and despite 3 batsman failing winning so comfortably is ominous sign. Onwards and Upwards#INDvsAUS #CricketWorldCup2023 pic.twitter.com/J70CniCD0u
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) October 8, 2023
Beating Australia in the opener is a statement to other teams. This has been an outstanding performance
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 8, 2023
Congratulations to Team India on an electrifying start to the World Cup! Our frontline spinners were outstanding, restricting Australia to just 199. Special mention to @imVkohli and @klrahul for displaying their class with remarkable knocks. Let’s keep the momentum going! … pic.twitter.com/P1yIt51xxK
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) October 8, 2023
English (US)