Watch: KL Rahul accidentally hit a six to win India’s opening match of the World Cup against Australia, stranding himself on 97 and finishing just short of a century.

Rahul had come in to bat when India were in dire straits, having collapsed to 2-3 in the first two overs of their chase. He then combined with Virat Kohli for a 165-run stand to take India to safety in a chase off 200. Joined by Hardik Pandya at the crease when Kohli was out, the pair began to accelerate towards their target.

When India needed 18 more runs to win, Rahul hit a six and then a four before knocking a single to progress into the nineties. At the beginning of the 42nd over, Rahul was on strike on 91 and India needed five runs to win. The only way Rahul could reach his century before India reached their target was to hit a four and then a six. After the four the scores would have been level and Rahul on 95.

However, attempting to chip a drive over cover for four off Pat Cummins, Rahul accidentally hit the ball too well and it sailed over the rope for six. That ended the game and left Rahul unbeaten on 97.

In disbelief at what he’d just done, Rahul sank onto his haunches with his eyes wide. After spending some time processing what had just happened, he got up to shake hands with the Australia players. India won the match by six wickets, and will play their next game of the tournament against Afghanistan on Wednesday, October 11.

Watch: KL Rahul sinks to his haunches after accidental match winning six

 

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