The 2017 Champions Trophy final, the 2019 World Cup semifinal, and the group-stage tie in the 2020 T20 World Cup are etched in memory. These encounters have seen euphoria and heartbreak in equal measure, and they serve as a backdrop to the drama that unfolded in 2023.
As the sun beat down at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Australia appeared poised to continue their dominance over India. It was a moment of déjà vu for Indian fans as Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc struck early, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Shreyas Iyer for ducks. India was reeling at 3 for 2, and the Australian bowlers were in top form.
A few overs later, Australia had a golden opportunity to land a decisive blow. Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain, top-edged a short ball, sending it skywards. But what followed was a moment of sheer miscommunication between Mitchell Marsh and wicketkeeper Alex Carey. The catch went begging, and Kohli, who was on just 12, was handed a lifeline.
Kohli seized the opportunity, going on to score a brilliant 85 off 116 balls. He joined forces with KL Rahul, who remained unbeaten on 97, to script a record-breaking partnership of 165 runs. The duo’s intelligent batting and superb shot execution led to India’s remarkable resurgence.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, a name synonymous with Indian cricket, weighed in on the match. He doesn’t view the dropped catch of Kohli as the turning point of the game. Instead, Sachin believes that Australia’s decision to bat first after winning the toss was where they lost their grip on the game.
“I was surprised to see Australia bat first after winning the toss. Commendable performance by the Indian bowlers to restrict them to 199. Australia started well, but I felt they missed a left-arm spinner on this surface,” Sachin said.
He also lauded the partnership between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, emphasizing their smart approach and shot selection. Sachin acknowledged that the pitch played better in the second half of the game, contributing to India’s success.
“The partnership between Virat and Rahul sealed the game for us. They very smartly took their time and were able to execute some superb shots. The ball surely came onto the bat much better in the second half of the game. Congratulations to #TeamIndia on a good start,” he added.
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Sachin’s optimism for the Indian team is evident. He believes that with their strong batting lineup and a well-rounded bowling attack, India has the potential to make it to the semifinals of the tournament.
“I hope so because our team is playing good cricket, and if the team continues to keep things simple and stick to basics, they have the ammunition,” Sachin remarked.
In the end, the 2023 World Cup encounter between India and Australia added another chapter to their storied rivalry, serving fans with thrilling memories and a glimpse of the unpredictable nature of cricket.
