Team India's road to the 2023 ODI World Cup began with a bang as Hardik Pandya's men beat Australia by 5 wickets in the 1st ODI at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday.
The hosts have now taken a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series. Put into ba, Australia lost opener Travis Head in the 2nd over, after which Mitchell Marsh's resilient 81 gave the Aussies some comfort.
However, 3 wickets each by Mohd. Shami and Mohd. Siraj derailed the Australian batting order as the Kangaroos were bowled out for a below-par 188.
Chasing which, India had a tough time themselves as Mitchell Starc's dangerous bowling reduced the hosts to 39/4 in 10.2 overs.
KL Rahul then rose to the occasion with a gritty 75 not out and found a willing ally in Ravindra Jadeja who too remained unbeaten on 45.
Their 108-run stand helped the Men in Blue avoid a scare as the duo took India over the finish line without any hiccup.
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