In the grand finale of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Virat Kohli and K.L. Rahul showcased their batting prowess, both notching up impressive fifties. However, Australia's bowling trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins delivered a masterclass, restricting India to a total of 240 runs.
Rohit Sharma set the stage ablaze for India with a dynamic start, employing his aggressive style of play. The captain's explosive innings featured a couple of early fours in the second over and a powerful six, along with a four in the fourth over.
Despite Sharma's onslaught, Mitchell Starc managed to dismiss Shubman Gill in the fifth over, momentarily halting India's scoring momentum.
Rohit and Kohli then collaborated for a 46-run partnership before Rohit's mistimed shot led to a stunning catch by Travis Head, putting India in a precarious position at 81/3 in the 11th over.
Undeterred, Kohli and Rahul steadied the ship, guiding India past the 100-run mark in the 16th over. The duo exhibited a cautious approach, rebuilding the innings with a focus on minimal risk-taking. However, Pat Cummins disrupted their partnership by dismissing Kohli in the 29th over, dealing a significant blow to India's hopes.
The middle order faced further setbacks, with Ravindra Jadeja sent in ahead of Suryakumar Yadav but failing to make an impact, getting dismissed in the 36th over. As India crossed the 200-run mark in the 41st over, the team aimed for a final push. Mitchell Starc's return to the attack proved pivotal as he claimed the crucial wicket of Rahul, leaving India at 226/9 in the 48th over.
Despite Suryakumar Yadav's efforts to hold one end, India's hopes of surpassing the 250-run mark dwindled. The team ultimately concluded their innings at 240 runs in the allotted 50 overs, with Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj contributing 10 and 9 runs respectively.
Brief scores:
India 240 all out in 50 overs (Rohit Sharma 47, Virat Kohli 54, KL Rahul 66; Mitchell Starc 3-55)
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