Ahmedabad, Oct 8: Defending champions India played like one to thrash Australia 54-20 to win their first match in ongoing 2016 Kabaddi World Cup, here on Saturday (Oct 8).
Full schedule and guide; India's fixture, start time
After being stunned by South Korea in their campaign opener, India came back strongly against minnows Australia to outclass them in every department.
An emphatic win was expected from the favourites India, who wanted to stamp their authority in the tournament.
India benched star raiders Rahul Chaudhari and Jasvir Singh to start with Pardeep Narwal and Sandeep Narwal in their place.
Indian kabaddi heroes dedicate their win to the superheroes who’ve dedicated their lives to serve the nation! #2016KabaddiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/7YauHw5BmO
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 8, 2016
Substitutes played a key role in India's emphatic victory as the bench contributed 20 points. Substitute Ajay Thakur was top scorer for India and grabbed seven points.
India's, seven time world champions, domination could be understood with the fact that Australians were all out four times in 40 minutes.
Deepak Niwas Hooda seemed like a merry man while raiding Australia tonight! #2016KabaddiWorldCup #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/mzBmrD79Jg
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 8, 2016
With 6 points in two matches, India now top the table. India will now face Bangladesh on October 11 in their next.
Earlier on Friday, India suffered a shock defeat in the inaugural match of the ongoing Kabaddi World Cup as they were upstaged 32-34 by South Korea.
The Koreans, who were trailing by seven points at one stage, capitalised on a few defensive errors towards the end to stage a superb comeback and clinch victory in the last two minutes.
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