Advertisement
Australia Ends Losing Streak with Dominant 66-Run Win Over India in Final ODI
Australia showcased a clinical all-round performance to break their five-match losing streak in ODIs with a commanding 66-run victory over India in the final ODI at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium. While India won the series 2-1, this win marked a significant comeback for Australia.
India appeared to be in control of their chase at 171 for 2 while chasing a challenging target of 353 on a placid pitch. However, the Indian middle-order faltered as Glenn Maxwell’s off-spin delivered crucial breakthroughs, limiting the hosts to 286 in 49.4 overs. Captain Rohit Sharma’s blazing 81 off 57 balls and Virat Kohli’s brisk 56 set the stage for India, but the rest of the batting order couldn’t capitalize.
Rohit Sharma’s aggressive form, especially against left-arm pacers, was a standout for India. Opening with Washington Sundar, Rohit displayed excellent shot selection and power hitting, smashing six sixes during his innings. However, Glenn Maxwell’s stunning catch ended Rohit’s impactful knock.
Virat Kohli also made a statement with his return to form, putting pressure on the bowlers consistently. Maxwell, once again, played a pivotal role in breaking India’s momentum, dismissing Kohli for 56 and later accounting for Shreyas Iyer’s wicket.
Australia’s innings was characterized by David Warner’s attacking fifty and Mitchell Marsh’s dominant 96. Warner’s fifty came in just 32 balls before he was dismissed for 56. Marsh continued the assault, reaching his fifty in 45 balls. Steve Smith, who had struggled in the previous outings, found his form with a fifty in 44 balls.
Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav provided some respite by removing Mitchell Marsh and Smith, but Australia maintained their momentum. Bumrah’s lethal yorker dismissed Glenn Maxwell, and Kuldeep claimed Cameron Green’s wicket. Australia finished their innings at 352/7.
In the end, Australia’s clinical bowling performance and sharp fielding secured a consolation win, breaking their five-match losing streak in ODIs.
Brief Score: Australia 352/7 (Mitchell Marsh 96, Steve Smith 74, Jasprit Bumrah 3-81) vs India 286 (Rohit Sharma 81, Virat Kohli 56; Glenn Maxwell 4-40).
