In the inaugural match of the Cricket World Cup 2023, India showcased an outstanding performance, securing a triumphant win against their long-time rivals, Australia. The victory was sealed in the 42nd over, as India successfully chased down a target of 200 runs, finishing with six wickets in hand. KL Rahul, who remained unbeaten at 97, and Virat Kohli, contributing 85 runs, played pivotal roles in this remarkable run chase. Their partnership of 165 runs significantly bolstered India’s chances.
India’s pursuit of victory had a shaky start, with Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Shreyas Iyer all departing without scoring a run.
Earlier in the game, Australia had won the toss and elected to bat in the sweltering conditions at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) in Chennai. In the Indian playing XI, Ishan Kishan replaced the unwell Shubman Gill, and Ravichandran Ashwin made an appearance on his home ground.
Despite losing the toss, the Indian bowlers displayed outstanding prowess, making life difficult for the Australian batsmen right from the beginning of their innings.
Apart from David Warner (41) and Steve Smith (46), no other Australian batsman could establish themselves on the Chepauk pitch, largely due to the formidable Indian bowling attack. Australia managed to accumulate only 199 runs before being all out in 49.3 overs. India was left with the target of 200 runs at a required run rate of 4 runs per over.
India’s bowlers, including Ravindra Jadeja (3 wickets), Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav (2 wickets each), as well as Ravichandran Ashwin, Hardik Pandya, and Mohammed Siraj (1 wicket each), demonstrated their exceptional skills.
Prior to the match, Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian team, had expressed confidence in his squad, highlighting their high motivation and recent triumph in the Asia Cup 2023. India had also convincingly defeated Australia 2-1 in a recent home series.
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Currently ranked as the number 1 ODI team in the world, India appeared to be a well-rounded team despite having two World Cup warm-up matches washed out. The team boasts two of the finest ODI batsmen at the top of their lineup in the form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Moreover, with the spin-friendly conditions expected in Chepauk, India possessed a wealth of quality spin options, including Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav.
On the other hand, Australia, under the leadership of captain Pat Cummins, aimed to continue their strong performance in the ODI World Cup. While their first warm-up game was affected by rain, they narrowly defeated Pakistan in a high-scoring encounter in Hyderabad.
In the match against India, Australia relied heavily on the leg-spin of Adam Zampa, with support from Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith. In terms of pace bowling, it remained to be seen if Australia would field the formidable trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood in their playing XI at Chepauk.
