ODI World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli, KL Rahul Star With Stunning Partnership As India Beat Australia By Six Wickets

In tense conditions, KL Rahul struck the winning runs while missing out on an incredible century against Australia.

At the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, Rahul, who is still undefeated at97, assisted India in winning the opening match of the ODI World Cup 2023 by a spectacular six-wicket margin over Pat Cummins' team.

Rahul and superstar batsman Virat Kohli sewed up an amazing 165-run partnership for the fourth wicket, saving the team from early danger.

Notably, Mitchell Starc dismissed Ishan Kishan for 0 in the opening over, as India lost the first three wickets with just two runs on the board.

In the second over of the innings, Josh Hazlewood gave his team a huge breakthrough by dismissing Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for 0 and Shreyas Iyer (0).

Before Virat and KL Rahul joined each other in the middle of the chase for 200 runs, India had a terrible start as they saw a troubling position.

Before Virat was removed from the game in the 38th over, 15 runs short of his century, the pair had brought the side dangerously close to victory.

Together with Rahul, Hardik Pandya stepped out, and the two quickly gave India a historic victory with more over eight overs remaining.

Prior to this, Australia had won the toss and elected to bat first. Despite having a few strong middle-overs partnerships, they were dismissed for 199 runs.

David Warner (41) and Steve Smith (46) looked solid for a 69-run partnership for the second wicket before the former's expulsion after losing Mitchell Marsh (0) early.

In the middle overs, Ravindra Jadeja came out with the ball and altered the game, quickly taking three wickets to put the Australians in a precarious position.

Australia was bowled out in 49.3 overs due to their poor run rate, which caused them to lose wickets frequently.

KL Rahul was declared the Player of the Match for his game-winning innings.

Australia's next match is against South Africa at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Thursday, October 12, while India's next match is against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday, October 11.