ICC World Cup 2019 | Had a point to prove after home series loss, says Virat Kohli

ICC World Cup 2019 | Had a point to prove after home series loss, says Virat Kohli

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Virat Kohli mentioned that the Indian team had a point to prove against Australia in Sunday’s encounter at The Oval, referring to the home series loss against the same side earlier this year. India had set a huge target of 353 runs for their opponents and comprehensively won the match by 36 runs.

India had won the toss for Sunday’s encounter and opted to bat first which turned out to be the right decision as India blasted 352 runs. In reply, Australia could only manage 316 despite playing the full 50 overs. It was an all-round performance from India and Virat Kohli could not be happier.

“A top, top win for us specially after losing that series in India. We had a point to prove against this side. We came here with intent right from ball one,” he said at the post-match press conference, reported PTI.

India’s first wicket fell in the 23rd over after 127 runs with Rohit Sharma being dismissed for 57 off 70 deliveries. Shikhar Dhawan too scored a sublime century of 117 runs in 109 balls. Virat Kohli held one end as he stayed till the 50th over to score 82 runs while Hardik Pandya played the aggressor’s role by blasting 48 off 27 deliveries. MS Dhoni came to bat in the 46th over and he too did his job by scoring 27 off 14. KL Rahul finished things off in style as he blasted a four and a six of the three balls he played. The skipper was delighted with his batsmen. 

“The opening partnership was outstanding. It was a brilliant start with the ball on a wicket that was quite flat. That always pleases you as a captain. I got a few runs, Hardik the way he played and MS. One of the top three getting hundred. We decided to send Hardik to cash in, he could just hit from ball one,” explained the 30-year-old.

All the Indian bowlers, barring Bhuvneshwar Kumar, gave runs at an economy of over six but managed to strike wickets at the right time. Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah each picked three wickets while Yuzvendra Chahal claimed two. Other two wickets were in the form of run-outs. The top ranked batsman reckoned that things cannot be taken for granted despite a big score.

“You have to bowl well. You can't take things for granted just because you have 350+ on the board. That 30 runs gives you the luxury. For us if Shami plays, it has to be overcast conditions and the pitch has to offer a lot. You can't take Bhuvi's performances in the one-day format for granted. He's a champion bowler and picks up wickets with the new ball and with the old ball. It was a game changer (the wickets of Smith and Stoinis in the same over),” Kohli shared.

“These guys are so experienced and professional, you hardly need to say anything to them. They know what to do. Their plans are being executed which is a very good thing for the team."

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