India vs Australia, World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli, KL Rahul inspire Men in Blue to six-wicket win in Chennai

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul starred with the bat on Sunday as India defeated Australia by six wickets in Chennai, to open their 2023 ODI World Cup campaign with a win.

It was a comeback of sorts from the Men in Blue as they were 2 for 3 at one stage, following the wickets of Ishan Kishan. Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer, all of whom were dismissed for ducks.

However, it was a 165-run stand between Kohli and Rahul for fourth wicket that set India the platform for victory.

Kohli was eventually dismissed by Josh Hazlewood in the 38^th over. Hardik Pandya came into bat at number six and played a vital cameo to guide India home.

Despite a slow and shaking start early on, Kohli and Rahul led the charge as India cruised to 200 from 41.2 overs. Time was running out for the Aussies at this point and it was only a matter of time before the Men in Blue sealed victory.

India eventually needed just five runs to win from nine overs. Pat Cummins bowled the 42nd over. He started off with a dot ball, before Rahul slammed one over the cover region for a six, to eventually finish the match and remain unbeaten on 97.

Having opted to bat first, Australia were all out for 199 in 49.3 overs following an all-round show from the Indian bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah had dismissed Mitchell Marsh early on, before David Warner and Steve Smith forged a 69-run stand for the second wicket.

However, both the batters were soon dismissed in their 40s by spinners. While Warner was caught and bowled by Kuldeep Yadav, Jadeja cleaned up Smith with an unplayable delivery.

None of the other batters could capitalise on their starts, but more than that, it was the Indian spinners who were too good on their day.

Jadeja finished with figures of 3/28, Kuldeep with 2/42 and Ashwin had 1/34 as Australia endured a below par start to the World Cup.

In India’s reply, things could have got from bad to worse had Mitchell Marsh taken the catch of Virat Kohli. Kophli was dropped on 12 in the eighth over by Mitchell Marsh, off Josh Hazlewood’s short ball. Marsh was running from midwicket, but on seeing wicketkeeper Alex Carey running forward, Marsh hesitated, and eventually dropped the catch.

Meanwhile, no praise would be enough for Rahul, a man who often gets flak for the chances he wastes.

But on this day, Rahul showed why he is so highly rated. On a pitch where Indian spinners dictated the proceedings, Rahul literally nullified Adam Zampa with a late cut, back cut and an extra cover drive in a single over.

He matched Kohli stroke for stroke and after keeping wickets for 50 overs, Rahul batted for another 41.2 overs to show that he is ready for each and every battle.

In fact, when he realised that Kohli could reach a 48th hundred, he was content taking the singles and doubles until the senior man got out. Rahul hit eight fours and two sixes – the second of which sealed the win.

For Australia, Josh Hazlewood was their top bowler with figures of 3/38. That was largely the best part of Australia’s bowling, apart from Mitchell Starc’s wicket of Ishan Kishan.

With PTI inputs