After Robbing Himself of a Century at the World Cup Against Australia, KL Rahul Was Shocked

How often have you seen a batter wearing a defeated expression after smashing a six that helped his side win a World Cup match?

India defeated Australia by six wickets in their first match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Chennai thanks to a six from KL Rahul, who hit an inside-out shot from Pat Cummins over extra covers.

Rahul, though, was astonished when the camera first focused on him and the six delivered a loss rather than a victory.

Why?

Rahul intended to smash a four and a six in an effort to get his century as India needed five runs to win. His only mistake was that he timed the ball too accurately in the end.

The surprise gradually gave way to a wry grin and then to elation at having helped India escape difficulty and secure a victory that was rather comfortable.

“I struck it too well; I simply figured out how to get a final score of 100. The only way was a four and a six, but Rahul stated after accepting the player-of-the-match trophy, “I have no regrets about not reaching that hundred.

Prior to Virat Kohli and KL Rahul putting together a century partnership at the Chepauk, India had been reduced by Australia pacers to 2/3 in 2 overs while chasing 200.

Together, the two scored 165 runs for the fourth wicket. Kohli eventually left the game after scoring 85 off 16 balls, including six fours.

Rahul scored an unbeaten 97 from 125 balls, including eight fours and a few sixes.

When Australia decided to bat first, the opener Mitchell Marsh was out after six balls for a duck. Even though David Warner and Steve Smith had a strong relationship, India’s spinners took over after the format was abandoned.

Australia was dismissed for 199 runs in 49.3 overs.

On Wednesday in Delhi, India will play Afghanistan.