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Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar praised Team India for their remarkable victory over Australia at Perth's Optus Stadium, highlighting that the win was not just about the result but also about "redefining the mental battle."
India staged a stunning comeback from a series whitewash against New Zealand at home, defeating Australia by 295 runs at Perth despite being bowled out for a mere 150 runs in their first innings. Tendulkar took to X to commend Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul for their "critical" double-century partnership in the second innings and Virat Kohli for his match-defining century. He also lauded the Indian bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah, for leading the attack and the team with distinction as captain. "Congratulations to #TeamIndia! India's batting in the 2nd innings, especially on the front foot, was solid. @ybj_19 & @klrahul's opening stand was very critical for the team, and @imVkohli capitalized well to take the total beyond Australia's reach. Even in the 2nd innings, our bowlers created pressure on the Aussie batters, unlike their bowlers. @Jaspritbumrah93 led the bowling attack from the front and delivered as a captain as well. This victory isn't just about the result, it's about redefining the mental battle. #AUSvIND," posted Tendulkar on X. https://x.com/sachin_rt/status/1861037155860054513 In the match, India won the toss and opted to bat first. However, they were dismissed for just 150 runs, with Nitish Kumar Reddy (41 off 59 balls, six fours and a six) and Rishabh Pant (37 off 78 balls, three fours and a six) playing crucial knocks and adding a vital 48-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Josh Hazlewood (4/29) was the standout bowler for Australia, with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, and Mitchell Starc claiming two wickets each. Australia's reply was even worse, as they were reduced to 79/9 before Mitchell Starc (26) and Alex Carey (21) took the total to 104, giving India a slender lead of 46 runs. Jasprit Bumrah starred for India with figures of 5/30 in 18 overs, while debutant Harshit Rana impressed with 3/48. In their second innings, India amassed a massive lead. KL Rahul (77 off 176 balls, five fours) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (161 off 297 balls, 15 fours and three sixes) put up a 201-run opening partnership. Despite losing quick wickets, an unbeaten 100 by Virat Kohli (143 balls, eight fours and two sixes), supported by Washington Sundar (29 off 94 balls, one six) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (38* off 27 balls, three fours and two sixes), propelled India to 487/6 declared, setting Australia a daunting target of 534 runs. Nathan Lyon (2/96) was the best bowler for Australia, with Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood taking one wicket each. At stumps on Day 3, Australia were 12/3, with Bumrah taking two wickets and Mohammed Siraj one. On Day 4, despite valiant efforts from Travis Head (89 off 101 balls, eight fours) and Mitchell Marsh (47 off 67 balls, three fours and two sixes), Australia were bowled out for 238, giving India a resounding 295-run victory. Bumrah (3/42) and Siraj (3/51) led the bowling in the second innings, while Washington Sundar took two wickets, and Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana picked one each. Stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah was named 'Player of the Match' for his eight wickets in the game. (ANI)
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