ICC World Cup 2023: Kohli and Rahul lead India to victory over Australia

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul's remarkable fightback led India to victory over Australia in their inaugural match of the Cricket World Cup. While they both fell short of scoring centuries, their resolute partnership of 165 runs rescued India from the brink of defeat and guided them to a triumphant result.

India faced a significant setback in their pursuit of a modest target of 200 runs. Opener Ishan Kishan was dismissed for a golden duck in the very first over, and in the second over, Josh Hazlewood (3/38) took the wickets of Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer, both of whom departed without scoring a single run. With the scoreboard reading 2/3, it appeared as though India was on the verge of collapse. However, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul meticulously constructed their innings, avoiding unnecessary risks and playing a cautious brand of cricket. In the process, they both reached their respective half-centuries. Kohli (85), on the brink of a century, was eventually dismissed by Hazlewood. Nonetheless, India had already positioned themselves comfortably for victory at that juncture, with Rahul and Hardik Pandya taking charge to seal the win. Rahul (97*) finished unbeaten, falling just three runs short of a century.

On the other side, the Australian batters struggled on the slow pitch during their innings. Opener Mitchell Marsh was sent back to the pavilion by Jasprit Bumrah in the third over. However, David Warner (41) and Steve Smith (46) formed a partnership of 69 runs for the second wicket, stabilizing the Australian innings. Kuldeep Yadav eventually broke this partnership by dismissing Warner. Later on, Ravindra Jadeja dismantled the Australian batting lineup, claiming the wickets of Smith, Labuschagne, and Alex Carey. Mitchell Starc put up a lone fight for a brief period but received no support from his teammates. His solitary effort came to an end towards the end of the innings, resulting in Australia being bowled out for 199 runs in 49.3 overs. Jadeja (3/28) finished with three wickets, while Kuldeep (2/42) and Bumrah (2/35) chipped in with two wickets each.

Moving on from this victory, India will next face Afghanistan on October 11 in Delhi. Australia will next face South Africa on October 12 in Lucknow.

Scorecard:

Australia: 199/10 (49.3 overs)

India: 201/4 (41.2 overs)