A Top, Top Win For us, Says Virat Kohli After Victory Over Australia

Virat Kohli’s reaction at the end of the match against Australia said it all as India skipper just could not hide his excitement. India overcame a stiff fight from the defending champions to register an impressive 34-run win and continue their winning start to the competition.

Batting first, India posted a mammoth total of 352 for 5 in the allotted 50 overs. Shikhar Dhawan starred with the bat by scoring a century while Virat Kohli scored 82.

Virat Kohli won the toss and decided to bat first. Openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma started cautiously before shifting gears. The two added 127 runs for the first wicket before Nathan Coulter-Nile dismissed Rohit to give Australia the much-needed breakthrough.It, however, did not bring any respite for Australia as Dhawan, Kohli, Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni and KL Rahul made sure to guide India to a mammoth total.

Also Read: Heartwarming Moment As Virat Kohli Asks Indian Fans To Stop Booing Steve Smith

That winning feeling ?

Worth all that earlier pain @imVkohli!#TeamIndia #INDvAUS #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/luCKtrjOAv

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 9, 2019

In reply, Australia started slowly which hurt them eventually. The reigning world champions did not show any urgency at the start and the required run-rate just kept on increasing. Openers Aaron Finch and David Warner added 61 runs for the opening wicket before the former was run-out. Warner and Steve Smith then added 62 runs for the second wicket before the former departed after scoring 56. Usman Khawaja could not score quickly either and was out while trying to up the ante.

INDIA WIN!

Their bowlers bowl Australia out for 316 after Shikhar Dhawan led with the bat scoring 117.#TeamIndia #INDvAUS #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/9CaZ8a1PY0

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 9, 2019

Glenn Maxwell then threatened to cause an upset but Bhuvneshwar Kumar put India in cruise control by dismissing Smith and Marcus Stoinis on successive deliveries. Maxwell departed soon too as India took command. Alex Carey hit a 25-ball fifty but it was not enough as Australia were all out for 316 on the last ball of the match.

Speaking at the end of the game, Virat Kohli hailed the team performance as he lauded his side for the display.

“A top, top win for us after losing that series in India. We came in with intent right from ball one. The opening p’ship was outstanding. It was an outstanding with the ball on a good batting track. You have to bowl well,” Virat Kohli said at the post-match presentation.

“You can’t take things for granted. That 30 runs gives you the luxury. One of the top three getting hundred. We decided to send Hardik to cash in. For us if Shami has to play, it has to be overcast and proper bowling conditions. Very professional again. You hardly need to say anything to them,” he added.