(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, deeply regarded as the Master Blaster, praised the Men in Blue for their first World Cup 2023 win over Australia.
The Rohit Sharma-led India, who started their World Cup campaign against Australia on Sunday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, registered a six-wicket win. Australia won the toss and decided to bat first despite knowing that dew might play a crucial role in the second innings.
Nevertheless, Indian spinners were right on the money. The he spin trio of India, including Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, altogether bagged six wickets. This helped them to restrict Australia to a total of 199 runs.
On the other hand, Australia, who played with only one specialist spinner, Adam Zampa, failed to create an impact even though their pacers bagged India’s three wickets at a score of two.
A brilliant 165-run partnership between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul eased things for India, guiding them home. For once, both the batters kept their wickets intact against the lethal pace bowling of the Aussies. But when spin was introduced in the form of Glenn Maxwell and Zampa, Rahul and Kohli played their shots, helping India chase down the target of 200 in just 41.2 overs.
The World Cup 2011-winning team member, Tendulkar, acknowledged the innings played by Rahul and Kohli at the critical point of the match. Moreover, Tendulkar mentioned that he was surprised on Australia’s decision to bat first.
“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. The partnership between Virat and Rahul sealed the game for us,” Sachin wrote on X.
“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.
After this emphatic victory, India will now be seen playing against Afghanistan on 11th October at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.