Indian cricketer KL Rahul was left astonished after he smashed a colossal six to seal a victorious ending for India in their ODI World Cup 2023 opener. India faced off against Australia in their inaugural match of the ICC event on October 8th, Sunday, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Men in Blue, while chasing a target of 200, witnessed a dramatic collapse in their top-order batting lineup.
It was only when the former Indian captain and star player, Virat Kohli, and wicketkeeper KL Rahul took charge of the situation. Kohli played an outstanding innings of 85 runs from 116 balls before being dismissed by a Josh Hazlewood delivery in the 38th over. Meanwhile, Rahul held his ground and played an explosive innings to guide the team across the finish line.
Rahul was batting at 91 when the team required five runs to win the match. The 31-year-old, who had his sights set on scoring his seventh ODI century, executed a shot that resulted in a four. However, the shot was so powerful that it sailed straight into the crowd, registering a massive six.
The unexpected maximum left the cricketer in a state of shock. While he was pleased with the victory, the disappointment of not reaching his century appeared to momentarily confuse him.
Winning Six by KI Rahul
— पत्रकार मोहतरमा (@AbonitaMallick5) October 8, 2023
Massive#TeamIndia#ViratKohli #KLRahul #INDVAUS #CWC23 #ICCWorldCup #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/T7sfIwTiPF
Reflecting on the winning six, Rahul remarked, “I struck it too well. I had calculated how to reach a century in the end, aiming for a four and a six. But I have no regrets about missing out on that hundred.” Notably, India secured a six-wicket triumph over Pat Cummins’ side.