India Defeats Australia in World Cup 2023 Opener with KL Rahul’s Unbeaten 97, Highlights and Key Moments

In an exciting World Cup 2023 opener, India secured a thrilling victory against arch-rival Australia. The chase for a total of 200 runs with six wickets in hand was achieved in the 42nd over. KL Rahul remained unbeaten at 97, while Virat Kohli contributed 85, forming a crucial partnership of 165 runs. India’s run chase began shakily, losing Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Shreyas Iyer for zero runs.

Australia won the toss and chose to bat first at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium in hot and humid conditions. Ishan Kishan replaced the unwell Shubman Gill in India’s playing XI, and Ravichandran Ashwin, playing at his home ground, was included.

Despite losing the toss, India’s bowlers put up an impressive performance, making it challenging for Australian batters from the start.

Apart from David Warner (41) and Steve Smith (46), no other Australian batsman could endure the Chepauk pitch’s challenges. By the end of 49.3 overs, Australia managed to score only 199 runs before being all out.

India’s bowlers displayed their skills, with Ravindra Jadeja leading the way with three wickets. Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav each took two wickets, while Ravichandran Ashwin, Hardik Pandya, and Mohammed Siraj contributed with one wicket apiece.

Ahead of the match, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma had expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to face any challenge, highlighting the highly motivated players and the recent victory in the Asia Cup 2023. India had also defeated Australia 2-1 in a recent home series.

Also Read: Men’s ODI WC: KL Rahul, Virat Kohli carry India to six-wicket win after Jadeja three-fer bowls Australia for 199

India, currently ranked as the world’s number 1 ODI side, appears well-rounded despite two washed-out World Cup warm-up matches. The team boasts two of the finest ODI batters at the top in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Furthermore, with the expected spin-friendly conditions at Chepauk, India has a wealth of quality spin options, including Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav.

Australia, under the captaincy of Pat Cummins, aims to continue its ODI World Cup dominance. While their first warm-up game was rained out, they narrowly defeated Pakistan in a high-scoring encounter in Hyderabad.

In their match against India, Australia heavily relies on the leg-spin of Adam Zampa, supported by Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith. The composition of Australia’s pace bowling lineup, featuring Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, will be intriguing to watch, especially in Chepauk’s conditions.

Highlights and Key Moments:

1. Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat first at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium.
2. India deployed a three-pronged spin attack with Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav. Ashwin played his first World Cup match at his home ground.
3. Shubman Gill, who was suffering from dengue fever, was replaced by Ishan Kishan, who opened the batting with captain Rohit Sharma.
4. Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Mitchell Marsh for a golden duck in the third over, reducing Australia to 5/1.
5. Kuldeep Yadav, with his wrist spin, dismissed the well-set David Warner (41) in the 17th over, with Australia at 74 runs.
6. Ravindra Jadeja took the key wicket of Steve Smith (46) in the 28th over, shifting the momentum in India’s favor.
7. Jadeja continued his brilliance, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey in consecutive deliveries in the 29th over.
8. Kuldeep Yadav struck again, getting rid of Glenn Maxwell (15), who lost his leg stump in the 35.5 over.
9. Ravichandran Ashwin joined the wicket-taking party, removing Cameron Green in the 37th over as he was caught by Hardik Pandya.
10. Jasprit Bumrah took the wicket of Pat Cummins in the 43rd over.
11. Hardik Pandya claimed the wicket of Adam Zampa in the 49th over, while Mohammed Siraj dismissed Mitchell Starc.
12. Australia’s innings concluded at 199 runs, setting a target of 200 runs for India.
13. India faced a tense start, losing the top three batters – Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Shreyas Iyer for ducks, reaching 18/3 in 6 overs.
14. At the end of the first powerplay, India was at 27/3, with Australia dominating and maintaining pressure.
15. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul’s partnership changed the game’s dynamics. After 20 overs, India reached 80/3.
16. Kohli and Rahul, with a partnership exceeding 100 runs, solidified India’s position. After 30 overs, the team was at 120/3, with both batsmen achieving half-centuries.
17. Virat Kohli was finally dismissed for 85 runs, with Josh Hazlewood taking his wicket. Kohli was dropped at 12 runs by Mitchell Marsh off Hazlewood’s delivery.
18. Hardik Pandya, batting at number 6, displayed an aggressive intent, striking a six, India’s first of the innings, against a quicker delivery from Josh Hazlewood.
19. India reached 182/4 in 40 overs, needing only 18 runs to win as the final powerplay began.
20. India successfully chased the target in the 42nd over with six wickets in hand. KL Rahul remained unbeaten at 97 off 115 balls, finishing the match with a six.

Following this victory, India occupies the fifth spot in the points table, sharing two points with New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, although the team is placed lower due to a comparatively lower run rate.