World Test Championship (2021-23)

'Hopefully party tomorrow' - Fans ecstatic as India regains grip on Day 4, need 280 runs to win WTC 2023 final 

With one day left, India needs 280 runs and Australia needs seven wickets to win the World Test Championship 2023.

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Rohit Kumar
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WTC final

WTC final (Source: Twitter)

Australia set a massive target of 444 for India and Indian batters come out with positive intent to bat in the final innings, scoring at a run rate of more than 4. However, Australia will not be much disappointed as they managed to pick up three wickets in the process. With one day left, India needs 280 runs and Australia needs seven wickets to get their hands on the World Test Championship (WTC) Title.

Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc added 93 runs for the seventh wicket in Australia's second innings on Day 4, allowing skipper Pat Cummins to declare for 270-8 with one and a half sessions remaining in the game. Chasing a massive target, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave a solid start for Team India, but Scott Boland drew first blood just before the tea break.

Gill was caught at slip by Cameron Green, but the catch created controversy as TV replays appeared to show latter had touched the ground. However, the third umpire decided in Australia’s favour and Gill had to walk off in disappointment as India suffered an early setback.

Indian skipper and Cheteshwar Pujara then stitched a 50-plus runs partnership, but Nathan Lyon trapped the former in front of the stumps. Aussie captain Pat Cummins gave India another setback by dismissing Pujara in the very next over. However, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane are playing with intent and Indian fans are hoping that the duo will continue the from and built a solid partnership to help India win the title on Day 5.

Speaking after the game on Day 4, Aussie wicket-keeper batter Alex Carey said: "I think we have the runs on the board, always look for more wickets, but they played well (on Rahane and Kohli). We'll have another chance tomorrow. It's not great to see them scoring at 6 RPO, but we pegged them back, quick wickets do help and we'll look for more tomorrow. A tricky little period in the morning and we got over well. Class players, this is a good partnership, we need to remain patient, hit the right areas and hopefully the wickets will come."

Here's how fans reacted to WTC 2023 Final Day 4: 

India Australia WTC