Virat Kohli and KL Rahul produced yet another masterclass as India kicked-off the World Cup 2023 campaign with a six-wicket win against Australia in Chennai on Sunday.
Rahul returned unbeaten on 97(115), while Kohli slammed 85(116) as the pair stitched a crucial 165(215)-run stand for the fourth wicket after India were reduced to 2-3 in the second over. Riding on their efforts India completed the 200-run chase with 9.4 overs to spare.
Kohli and Rahul weaved a 150+ runs’ partnership and dragged India out of the quagmire after they were in a world of trouble when they lost 3 wickets for just 2 runs on the board with skipper Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer all back in the hut.
Meanwhile, the Indian spin trio comprising Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, and Kuldeep Yadav too helped India’s cause by restricting Australia to a paltry 199/10 in 49.3 overs. Jadeja took three wickets for 28 runs, with two of those coming in the same over. Kuldeep took two while Ravichandran Ashwin took one.
Earlier, Pat Cummins won the toss and opts to bat first and Shubman Gill misses out for the hosts and Ishan Kishan will open in place of him in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. It will be the first match of the tournament for both teams, and both will be eager to start on a winning note
