Well....That was some real bashing by Australia today. It all started with Aaron Finch winning the toss and electing to bat first on a flat track which had loads of runs written over it. Australian openers Finch and Warner started cautiously in the first few overs, seeing of Bumrah and Shami with the new ball. Once they got settled in the middle, the runs started to flow and in a moment Australia was roaring with a score of 150* in 27.2 overs. Finch and Warner registered a century and half century respectively and proved why they still form one of the best opening partnership in one day cricket. India got its first wicket when Warner departed after nicking a yorker bowled by Shami. Firstly he was given not out but DRS made sure that he was departed back to the pavilion. In came Steven Smith, the star of today's show. He was saved by a review earlier in the innings, when umpire gave him a wrong LBW against Jadeja, after that he never looked back. The ease with which he played those wristy strokes was amazing to watch and he didn't spare even a single bowler. Australia made certain that runs were coming at a great pace. India saw a hope of comeback when Finch and Stoinis got out in quick succession, But Maxwell had some other plans, He butchered the bowlers effortlessly, his long time rival Chahal had no answers and was beaten in the mini battle this time. Smith and Maxwell batted ruthlessly, and maintained the run rate around 8 with ease. Indian fielders contributed in the cause with some rubbish fielding, that is not at all accepted from an international team, Pandya and Shikhar dropped easy catches, and there were many slip ups in the field too including a one from captain Virat himself. Smith achieved a heroic century and was soon departed after that, courtesy Shami, who took 3 wickets in the whole match, and on a day when all other Indian bowlers including Bumrah disappointed. Some contributions from Alex Carey in the last 4 overs ensured that Australia ended with a mammoth total of 374/6. The chase was a very difficult one but India started their innings with a blast, scoring 20 runs in the very first over bowled by Starc. Mayank and Shikhar looked decent in the beginning and managed an opening stand of 50. But then Mayank got out to Hazelwood, who broke a havoc at Indian top order by striking two more wickets of captain Virat and Shreyas Iyer, taking a total of 3 wickets in the match. KL Rahul the man in form also walked back to the pavilion in quick time after giving a dolly to Smith gifting Zampa a wicket. India stood at 101-4 in 13.3 overs. Hardik came at no.6 after much debate regarding his place in the team, He along with Shikhar started the revival process of Indian innings, Both complemented each other and played good strokes, and even maintained a healthy run rate. India crossed 200 and just when situation was looking under control, Shikhar lost his wicket to Zampa while attempting to a play a lofted shot. Hardik displayed some power hitting but it was a bit too late as he succumbed to the pressure of rising required run rate, but he played a great knock of 90 runs in 76 balls and zipped up the mouth of those people who questioned his presence in the team, he declared that he is still a great asset even if he is not contributing with the ball. Zampa got the better of him and ended with a 4-fer. Jadeja, Saini and Shami showed some spirit in the end but it was of no use as the target had reached very far from the sight of hope. Australia won the match in the end by 66 runs and India made 308/8 playing their full quota of 50 overs. The kangaroos have gained a lead of 1-0 in the series with 2 matches to go, Let's see if they can seal the series on Sunday or India can make a strong comeback.
Comments
Post a Comment