World Test Championship (2021-23)

'Khatam, bye bye, goodbye, gaya' - Fans lose hope of India winning WTC 2023 final as Scott Boland removes well-set Virat Kohli on Day 5

Virat Kohli fell just 1 run short of his half-century after being dismissed by Scott Boland on Day 5 of the WTC final.

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Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)

Virat Kohli Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)

Indian fans rested their hopes of winning the World Test Championship (WTC) final on the shoulders of Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, as the Men in Blue needed 280 runs on the final day of the Ultimate Test. However, Scott Boland broke the hearts of millions by sending Kohli back to the pavilion in the first hour of Day 5 at The Oval, London.

Although India lost three wickets in the second innings, Kohli and Rahane remained firm at the crease. The former India captain was well-set, forming a 90+ partnership with Rahane, but had to depart just 1 run short of a half-century after Steve Smith pulled off a screamer at slips.

Kohli got a thick edge and Smith dived to his right at second slip to get rid of the right-hander, who walked off in disappointment. Reacting to the catch, former India head coach Ravi Shastri said on air, "Steven Smith drops nothing of Virat Kohli. He takes everything, even a blinder".

Boland removes Jadeja in the same over

Boland, who replaced Josh Hazlewood, has been a huge asset for Australia in this Test. Just one delivery later, the right-arm fast bowler removed Ravindra Jadeja as well. Jadeja nicked the ball, which was then fed to wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who made no mistake in dismissing the ace all-rounder for a golden duck.

Boland was the one who removed Shubman Gill to give his side an early lead, and on Sunday, he flipped the momentum, helping the Aussies to win the crucial opening hour. Australia has managed to get rid of half of the side and will now try to finish off India's innings soon to get their hands on Test mace.

Earlier, after the end of Day 4, veteran Indian pacer Mohammad Shami had said that everyone believes India can chase down the target on the final day. "100 per cent everyone believes that tomorrow we will win the match. Because we have always fought. We perform well around the world. Not here only. So, we believe and we always come together to win this match.”

Here's how fans reacted to Virat Kohli's dismissal on Day 5 of the WTC final: 

India Virat Kohli Australia WTC