WC2023 – Australia Humbled As Kohli And Rahul Run Riots At Chidambaram
Chennai, 8th October 2023 – In an exciting clash to mark the beginning of their ICC ODI World Cup 2023 campaign, India won against Australia at the iconic M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The match was eagerly awaited by fans worldwide, but it took an unexpected turn as star opener Shubman Gill was ruled out due to dengue. Additionally, Virat Kohli, who had initially left the team for undisclosed personal reasons, made a dramatic return to the squad and started the match.
Despite India’s shaky start, with the absence of Gill, Kohli, along with KL Rahul, rose to the occasion and put on a remarkable partnership that set the tone for the match. Their outstanding performance ultimately led India to a one-sided victory, despite the early setbacks.
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. However, their opening batsman Mitchell Marsh fell for a duck, and it was Kuldeep Yadav who caught and bowled Australia’s star opener David Warner, for 41 runs off 52 balls. Steve Smith contributed a solid 46 runs in 71 balls before being bowled by Ravindra Jadeja. Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Captain Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc provided some valuable contributions, helping Australia reach a modest yet defendable total of 199 runs.
In India’s bowling attack, Ravindra Jadeja emerged as the star performer, claiming three wickets while conceding only 28 runs in his 10 overs. Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav also chipped in with two wickets each, while Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya, and Ravichandran Ashwin each grabbed a wicket.
Chasing the target on a tricky Chepauk pitch, India’s top order stumbled as Starc and Hazelwood wreaked havoc. Ishan Kishan, Captain Rohit Sharma, and Shreyas Iyer were all dismissed for ducks, leaving India in a dire situation at 2 for 3 wickets. However, the experienced duo of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul came to the rescue, skillfully steering India towards victory. Kohli played a crucial knock of 85 runs off 116 deliveries before being caught by Marnus Labuschagne off Josh Hazelwood’s delivery. KL Rahul’s brilliant innings of 97 not out off 115 balls ensured India’s victory, with him finishing the match with a six.
In Australia’s bowling attack, Josh Hazelwood was the standout performer, claiming three crucial wickets in his 9 overs while giving away 38 runs. Mitchell Starc added one wicket to the tally.
In the end, India secured a comfortable six-wicket win with 52 balls to spare, starting their World Cup campaign on a high note, while Australia began theirs with a loss.
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s action, New Zealand and the Netherlands are set to face off at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, promising another exciting encounter in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
