Australia dashed India’s hopes for a final-day miracle, securing a 209-run victory in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at The Oval. With an enormous target of 444 runs set by Australia, India wanted 280 runs on Sunday to say victory. Despite the enthusiastic assist for Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane as they resumed India’s second innings at 164-3, Australia’s bowlers, led by Scott Boland, swiftly dismantled the Indian batting order, dismissing the top-ranked team for 234 earlier than the lunch break.
Kohli’s dismissal for 49 within the seventh over of the day, caught at second slip by Steve Smith off Boland’s quick bowling, signalled the start of the top for India. Boland also claimed Ravindra Jadeja’s wicket in the identical over. With Kohli’s departure, it grew to become clear that Australia would emerge as first-time world check champions.
Rahane, who had scored 20 in a single day, reached 46 before edging Starc behind, initiating the collapse of the final 5 Indian wickets inside 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled lunch. Boland’s two wickets set the stage for Australia’s celebrations, whereas Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon each claimed two wickets in the morning session. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey took 4 catches within the innings.
India’s last seven wickets fell for just 70 runs on the final day, ensuing in their second consecutive defeat within the WTC ultimate. Behind the scenes marks the capture of the one major men’s cricket title that had beforehand eluded them..