Highlights: IND vs AUS World Test Championship Final 2023

Australia Claims Victory in World Test Championship Final, Defeating India by 209 Runs

Australia emerged triumphant in the World Test Championship Final, overpowering India with a convincing 209-run victory at the Oval on Day 5 of the highly anticipated clash. Scott Boland made crucial breakthroughs early in the day, dismissing Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, leaving India in a vulnerable position. Nathan Lyon further compounded India’s woes by claiming quick wickets in the session, putting Rohit Sharma and his team under immense pressure.

On Day 4, India finished at 164/3, requiring 280 runs to defeat Australia in the World Test Championship final. Virat Kohli contributed 44 runs, while Ajinkya Rahane added 20 runs, and their partnership of 71 runs was crucial to India’s chances of victory.

Chasing a record total of 444 runs set by Australia after declaring their second innings at 270/8 on Day 4, India made a strong start. Shubman Gill’s controversial catch created some buzz before Rohit Sharma’s explosive 43 off 60 balls provided the necessary impetus for the chase. Kohli (44 off 60 balls) and Rahane (20 off 59 balls) held the fort and would be aiming for a positive start on Day 5.

The first hour of play on Day 5 was crucial, with Australia needing 7 wickets to secure victory and India relying on Kohli and Rahane to lead the charge.

In the earlier stages of the match, Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to field first. Australia posted an impressive total of 469 runs in their first innings, propelled by centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith. The duo’s magnificent partnership of 285 runs gave Australia a significant advantage throughout the match.

In response, India managed 296 runs, with Rahane top-scoring at 89. Shardul Thakur also contributed a valuable fifty, forming a crucial 109-run partnership that helped India avoid the follow-on.

In their second innings, Australia set a challenging target of 444 runs for India before declaring at 270/8. Shubman Gill scored 18 runs, and Cheteshwar Pujara added 27 runs, while Kohli and Rahane held firm on Day 4. The final day of the World Test Championship saw Kohli and Rahane battling against the Australian attack, aiming to secure India’s first ICC title since the 2013 Champions Trophy under the leadership of MS Dhoni.

Australia’s dominant performance in the World Test Championship Final showcased their prowess and earned them a well-deserved victory over India.