India dismiss Australian opener for duck for first time in ODI World Cup history as Virat Kohli grabs a stunner

Game five of the ongoing ODI World Cup featured a clash between India and Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8. The much-awaited clash began with Australia winning the toss and opting to bat first. 

As David Warner and Mitchell Marsh took strike to open the innings, Australia’s party was spoiled as Marsh was sent packing for a duck. Bumrah’s brilliant delivery saw the ball land straight into the hands of Virat Kohli as he took an exceptional diving catch.

Unbelievable Catch By Virat Kohli Against Mitchell March 🇮🇳❤️🔥👑#MitchellMarch #INDvsAUS #CWC23 #ViratKohli𓃵 #BCCI #icccricketworldcup2023 pic.twitter.com/PeSItip25F

— Zeeshan Meo Rajput Official (@iamZeeshanMeo) October 8, 2023

Marsh had to depart for a six-ball duck after Kohli displayed brilliant acrobatic skills in India's tournament opener against Australia. With this catch, Kohli has now the most catches for India in ODI World Cups as a fielder. This was also the first time India dismissed an Australian opener for a duck in ODI World Cup history.

Bowling the third over of the game, Bumrah dismissed Marsh on the second ball of the over. As the ball moved outside off, it nicked the edge of Marsh’s bat and Kohli took a tumbling catch as he dived in first slip.

The early wicket of Marsh could prove to be a big plus for Team India. In recent months, Marsh has been in sensational form for the Aussies, and his wicket could be a big dent in Australia’s plan as they aim to post a big total on the board in the first innings. 

Australia recently lost a three-match ODI series against India in September 2023. Losing the first two matches of the series, they came back stronger in the final game. Australia will look to avoid a similar outcome against India as in their last ODI series.