Sunday big match was not so big as it turned out in the end, a onesided affair. Australia played poor cricket to begin with, and India too, but along with Virat Kohli, KL Rahul showed class. The well balanced KL Rahul’s innings was a treat to watch. Virat Kohli played good innings to be cool enough, but Rahul was just flawless.
India bowled out Australia for 199, which itself was good enough and there was no need to rush. However, Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan didn’t tried to rotate the strike, to start the innings. They played poorly and so Shreyas Iyer. Australia took the match seriously just like a semi-final, and they thought the game is over once they get Kohli. They were so excited that Alex Carey and Mitchel Marsh both ran towards the ball, which was an easiest of catches, they dropped. It’s the pressure of having Kohli on the field and to get him out, which turned out in India’s favor.
There is depth in India batting. KL Rahul showed class and so Hardik Pandya played a good short innings, where not many runs left to chase. Kohli and Rahul played cleverly. They knew India was always in the game if a partnership or two built. It was good to see Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj bowled as per the plan. Hardik Pandya looked ordinary as a bowler, but picked a wicket, in his second spell. That was a very good performance as far as India’s all bowlers chipping in with a wicket or two.
KL Rahul wanted to hit a four and then a six for India’s win and complete his century. However, the ball, which he hit for four, went for a six!. Such was the power. Awesome! as India wins and looks now a bit clear cut favorite after winning the big match with ease and balance. However, the three other teams to join India would be South Africa, New Zealand and Australia to qualify for the semi-finals.
India wins the contest with 52 balls to spare. The NRR will not be an issue if India wins as many matches as they play despite rain threat. The positives are KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah to be among the dependable batters and bowlers along with Kohli and Siraj.
