NEW DELHI: India kicked off their home World Cup campaign with a hard-fought six-wicket win against Australia on Sunday, thanks to the steady 165-run fourth-wicket stand of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, who guided them through a nervous run chase.
Following their spin-heavy bowling attack that dismissed the five-time champions Australia for 199 with just three deliveries left in their innings, the hosts likely anticipated a straightforward chase.
However, India got off to a surprising and shaky start in their response, with three of their top four batsmen registering ducks – an unprecedented occurrence in an ODI – all within the first two overs of their innings.
The moment India scripted a gritty win over Australia, social media platform X, formerly Twitter, erupted with congratulatory posts with some stunning captions.
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag was at his wittiest best, saying: "Jahan Matter Bade hote hain, Wahan King Kohli Khade hote hain. Class innings. #IndvsAus."
