CHENNAI: In the highly anticipated ICC World Cup 2023 clash at Chennai, Australia has set a target of 200 runs for India. The Aussies posted a total of 199 runs for all out in 49 overs and 3 balls, struggling against the formidable attack of Indian bowlers.
During the match, Australia’s opener David Warner achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the fastest 1,000 World Cup runs. Warner accomplished this feat in just 19 innings, breaking the previous record held by Tendulkar and former South Africa skipper AB de Villiers, both achieved in 20 outings. The left-handed Warner secured the record with a boundary off Hardik Pandya in Chennai.
Tendulkar, who retired from the game in 2013, still holds the highest runs record in the 50-over showpiece event with 2,278 runs. Warner, 36, has a remarkable track record with over 6,000 runs in 151 ODIs and remains a vital player for Australia, aiming for their sixth World Cup crown, possibly in his last appearance in the tournament.
In the opening match of the World Cup, Australia won the toss and chose to bat first against India at the Chennai cricket stadium. Australian captain Pat Cummins expressed confidence in his team’s balance, stating, “We’re in a really good spot. We’ve got a good balance between game time and being fresh.”
Indian captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged the challenging pitch conditions, saying, “The conditions are there for the bowlers, slightly on the slower side, the ball will turn as the game goes on. We’ve covered all our bases. Unfortunately, Shubman didn’t recover in time. Ishan will replace him.”
Indian opener Shubman Gill was sidelined due to dengue, with Ishan Kishan taking his place alongside captain Rohit Sharma as an opener. The Indian team hopes to secure a victory, leveraging their familiarity with home conditions, while the experienced Australian players are ready to face the challenges posed by Indian pitches.
Australia Playing II
D Warner, M Marsh, S Smith, M Labuschagne, G Maxwell, A Carey (wk), C Green, P Cummins (capt), M Starc, A Zampa, J Hazlewood.
India Playing II
R Sharma (capt), I Kishan, V Kohli, S Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), H Pandya, R Jadeja, R Ashwin, J Bumrah, K Yadav, M Siraj.
The cricketing world eagerly awaits the outcome of this thrilling encounter as the teams battle it out in the tournament opener.
