World Cup 2019: Seven factors that helped India defeat Australia

First Published Jun 10, 2019, 12:45 PM IST

London: In a high-scoring match, India bossed over Australia to cruise to their second win in a row at the ICC World Cup 2019 on Sunday (June 9). One of the pre-tournament favourites, India have lived up to the billing. Here are seven factors which provided the ‘men in blue’ to take the marquee contest by 36 runs at The Oval in London.

1. After India captain Virat Kohli won the toss and chose to bat first, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma made a cautious start. The duo did not allow the Australian pacemen to take a wicket in the opening 10 overs. They had a 127-run partnership, laying a good foundation for a mammoth score
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2. Shikhar's love affair with ICC tournaments continued with another century. His ton was crucial for India's mammoth total. He won the Man-of-the-match award for his 117
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3. Alex Carey dropped an easy catch off Hardik Pandya when the batsman was yet to open his account. This proved costly as the Indian all-rounder smashed a 27-ball 48
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4. Sending Pandya at number four was a masterstroke by the Indian team management. He justified his promotion by smashing the Australian bowlers. Thanks to his knock, India went past the 350-run mark
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5. Aaron Finch's run out in the 14th over was one of the turning points in the game. He was looking good but when his partner David Warner called for a second run, he hesitated and a throw from the deep from Kedar Jadhav caught his short of the crease as Pandya disturbed the stumps
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6. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's two wickets in one over proved decision. He first dismissed Steve Smith LBW and added the scalp of Marcus Stoinis two balls later in the 40th over
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7. Yuzvendra Chahal sent back the dangerous Glenn Maxwell for 28 off 14
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