India thumped Australia by a colossal 295 runs in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth, reclaiming the top spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings.
The match was nothing short of a rollercoaster. After being bundled out for a modest 150 runs in the first innings, India seemed to be staring down the barrel. But in true Indian cricketing style, they clawed back into the contest.
A Remarkable Fightback
The turning point came when India’s bowlers restricted Australia to 104, earning a slender but vital 46-run lead. From there, the stage was set for a batting masterclass.
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and seasoned campaigner Virat Kohli stepped up when it mattered the most. Their heroics powered India to a massive 487 runs in the second innings, leaving Australia with a mountain to climb.
India’s comeback story also had contributions from KL Rahul, who scored 77 crucial runs in the second innings after a slow start with 26 in the first. His performance all but solidified his spot in the XI, even as senior players Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill prepare to return.
Chasing an impossible 534-run target, Australia folded for 238 in the final session of day four. Despite a steady start, their innings unraveled against India’s relentless bowling attack.
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Jasprit Bumrah, leading from the front, bagged 3-42 in the second innings, taking his match tally to eight wickets. He was ably supported by Mohammed Siraj, who picked up three wickets of his own. Together, they dismantled Australia’s hopes of a comeback.
WTC Standings: The New Leader
This emphatic win catapulted India to the top of the WTC standings, with a points percentage (PCT) of 61.11. Australia, the previous leaders, slipped to second with a PCT of 57.69.
But the job is far from done. To secure a place in the WTC final, India must win three of the remaining four Tests. A clean sweep (5-0) or even a 4-1 series victory would guarantee their ticket. Anything less, and their fate will rest on how other teams perform in the championship.
As the series moves to Adelaide, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With star players set to return and confidence soaring, India looks poised to capitalize on this momentum.
But cricket is unpredictable, and Australia won’t take this loss lying down. One thing’s for sure: the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has just begun, and it’s already delivering the drama we all love.
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