Introduction
India’s openers, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, made a fast start in pursuit of Bangladesh’s total of 256 in the 17th match of the 2023 Cricket World Cup on October 19, 2023, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The duo put on a 103-run opening partnership, and they helped India to reach 63/0 in the first powerplay.
India’s fast start
Rohit and Rahul were both in excellent form from the start. They played some aggressive shots, and they didn’t give the Bangladesh bowlers a chance to settle down. Rohit was particularly impressive, and he reached his fifty in just 33 balls.
Rahul and Gill’s fast start
Rahul and Gill were both in excellent form from the start of their innings. They scored freely off both the front and back foot, and they punished any bad balls from the Bangladesh bowlers. Rahul reached his half-century in just 45 balls, and Gill reached his century in 97 balls.
Gill’s century
Gill’s century was a brilliant innings. He played some exquisite shots throughout his innings, and he was particularly good at playing the cut shot. Gill also showed good temperament, and he never looked flustered even when Bangladesh took a few wickets in quick succession.
Bangladesh bowlers struggled.
The Bangladesh bowlers struggled to contain Rohit and Rahul. They bowled too many short balls, and they were punished for it. The duo also took advantage of the fielding restrictions in the powerplay.
Rohit’s dismissal
Rohit’s dismissal for 62 was a setback for India, but Rahul continued to bat well. He reached his half-century in 54 balls, and he was looking good for a century before he was dismissed for 80. However, the damage had already been done, and India were well on course for victory by the time Rahul was dismissed.
Conclusion
India’s openers made a fast start in their pursuit of Bangladesh’s total, and this laid the foundation for their victory. Rahul and Gill both played well, and Gill’s century was a special innings. India is now the only unbeaten team in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, and they are looking like one of the favorites to win the tournament.