Cricket World Test Championship 2021-23

'Comeback ho toh aisa' - Fans abuzz as Ajinkya Rahane scores crucial 89 off 129 on his Test return in WTC 2023 final

Ajinkya Rahane scored a crucial 89 runs off 129 balls on his return to Test Cricket in the WTC Final. Here's how fans reacted.

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Daniel S
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Ajinkya Rahane, India

Ajinkya Rahane, India (Source: Twitter)

Ajinkya Rahane’s heroic effort to rescue India in the WTC 2021-23 Final ended with skipper Pat Cummins finding the outside edge of his bat to send it to Cameron Green fielding in an additional slip position. Green took an unbelievable catch to end a great knock under pressure. Rahane managed 89 runs off 129 balls which included 11 fours and a maximum to mark an exceptional comeback to Test Cricket after 512 days.

Previously, Australia reached 469 runs in the first inning, but the Indian bowlers managed to bowl them out. With 4/108, Mohammed Siraj continued to be India's go-to bowler. At the same time, Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur both returned to the field with two wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja got one wicket. Travis Head, who finished with 163 off 174 and is still the show-stopper for the Australians, was closely followed by Steve Smith, who had 121 off 268.

India suffered yet another top-order collapse

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, the two openers, helped India get off to a good start by amassing 30 runs without losing a wicket. Unfortunately, it was short-lived as the top order collapsed, leaving India four runs behind with 71 runs already scored. Ravindra Jadeja performed admirably for his 48 off 51 but was unable to plan his start to a significant innings.

Interestingly, Ajinkya Rahane had earlier made a statement where he said that his best was yet to come. This was after he scored a brilliant knock for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2023. Notably, Rahane’s selection in the WTC squad was also done based on his form in the IPL. Luckily for India, he continued his form into the all-important final and has probably given India a lifeline in the final with a solid middle-order knock.

Notably, there’s a prediction for rain on Days 4 and 5 of the WTC final. Rain could help India out because, in case of a draw, the Test Mace will be shared between the two finalists and not be given to the one who finished first in the standings. India managed 296 in their first innings, conceding a first innings lead of 173 runs to the mighty Aussies.

Here’s how fans reacted: 

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