The target of 200 runs loomed large, creating an air of anticipation in the thrilling low-scoring encounter at Chennai. However, it was Virat Kohli who gifted another masterclass innings, proving once again why he is the best in the business. Alongside him, Lokesh Rahul provided excellent support as their partnership led India to a victory against Australia, marking the start of their World Cup campaign.
Winning the toss at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Australian captain Pat Cummins elected to bat first. However, his decision quickly backfired as India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah struck early in the third over, dismissing opener Mitchell Marsh. Despite his efforts, Marsh fell before he could open his run account, thanks to a brilliant catch by Virat Kohli at slip. Then, the experienced pair of David Warner and Steven Smith put up a partnership of 69 runs, steadying Australia’s innings. Warner also broke a record by becoming the fastest to score 1,000 runs in One Day World Cups, achieving this milestone in just 19 matches. Previously, Sachin Tendulkar and AB de Villiers held the record, both taking 20 matches to reach 1,000 runs. However, Warner couldn’t go on to make a big score, getting dismissed for 71.
After Smith and Warner’s departure, Australia’s batting lineup struggled. Marnus Labuschagne managed to score 27 runs, while Glenn Maxwell and captain Pat Cummins added 15 runs each. Australia was eventually bowled out for 49. India’s best bowler on the day was Ravindra Jadeja, who took 3 wickets for just 28 runs in his 10 overs. He was supported by Kuldeep Yadav and Bumrah, who took 2 wickets each. Ravichandran Ashwin also chipped in with a wicket.
India faced a challenging target, and their innings got off to a rocky start. In the very first over, opener Ishan Kishan was dismissed for a duck, followed by the early wickets of captain Rohit Sharma (0) and Shreyas Iyer (0) in the second over, both falling to pace bowler Josh Hazlewood. Ajinkya Rahane, who was playing as a backup wicketkeeper, also failed to make an impact with the bat.
However, the partnership of Virat Kohli and Lokesh Rahul held the key for India. They played cautiously and built a crucial partnership of 165 runs, steadying the innings. Kohli was dismissed after an exceptional innings of 85 runs from 116 balls, while Rahul remained unbeaten on 52 from 52 balls, guiding India to victory with 116 balls to spare. Although Kohli missed out on a century, his innings was instrumental in securing the win for India. Rahul, on the other hand, ensured the team’s victory with his steady batting, even though he fell short of a century. India emerged victorious, thanks to their brilliant performance with both bat and ball, marking a strong start to their World Cup campaign.
