CHENNAI, India (AP) — Virat Kohli inspired India's recovery from 2-3 in its reply to Australia's below-par 199 all out to secure a six-wicket win for the host nation in its opening match at the Cricket World Cup on Sunday.
Kohli hit 85 off 116 balls and delivered a calmly constructed fourth-wicket stand of 165 with KL Rahul (97 not out) as India reached 201-4 with 52 balls to spare in front of a passionate home crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Australia had taken three wickets in the first two overs to leave India in a perilous position before Kohli and Rahul came to the rescue in a meeting of two of the tournament favorites.
After winning the toss, Australia — a five-time world champion — slumped after being 74-1 in the 17th over. Steve Smith was the top scorer with 46.
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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket
