Australia’s decision to bowl first on a pitch known for its favorable conditions for pace bowling raised questions, especially as the three-time world champions appeared shaky at the start of their batting innings. Aussie openers Sam Konstas and Harry Dixon faced a tough challenge in the initial over delivered by Raj Limbani.
Konstas particularly struggled against Limbani’s well-directed length deliveries mixed with inswing. With just one run from the first over, Naman Tiwari took the ball for the second over.
Dixon seized the opportunity and hit Tiwari for a boundary, scoring 15 runs and providing Australia with the momentum they needed. However, Konstas continued to struggle and eventually fell to Limbani’s bowling in the third over.
In his second over, Limbani enticed Konstas with a well-pitched delivery, tempting the young batsman to drive. The ball, however, moved in the air unexpectedly, sneaking through the gap between Konstas’ bat and pad to shatter the middle stump.
𝙆𝙣𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧! 💥
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Raj Limbani draws first blood for #TeamIndia as Sam Konstas departs for a 🦆 in the Final 🤯
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There was no sign of an inside edge, and Limbani capitalized on the pace-friendly nature of the Benoni pitch, claiming the first wicket for the Men in Blue and breaking the opening partnership. Konstas, visibly disappointed by his dismissal after a tough start, trudged back to the pavilion.
