In a riveting showdown, Australia unleashed a spirited batting display, posting a formidable total of 352 for 7 against India in the third and final ODI clash held on a dramatic Wednesday.
This high-stakes encounter witnessed Australia clinching a thrilling 66-run win, marking a thrilling end to the series. Despite this setback, India secured the series 2-1, having convincingly won the opening two games.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Australian skipper Pat Cummins displayed confidence in his team’s ability to set a formidable target.
The top four Australian batsmen launched a relentless attack, with David Warner (56 off 34 balls), Mitchell Marsh (96 off 84 balls), Steven Smith (74 off 61 balls), and Marnus Labuschagne (72 off 58 balls) all registering explosive half-centuries.
This collective batting prowess culminated in Australia’s best batting display of the series.
Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the standout performer for India in the bowling department, getting the best figures of 3/81. Spinner Washington Sundar contributed valiantly, finishing as the team’s most economical bowler with figures of 0/48 in his ten-over spell.
India’s pursuit of the mammoth target of 353 began with promise, as their opening batters displayed early intent. Rohit Sharma played a blistering knock, amassing 81 runs off 57 balls, while Virat Kohli contributed a composed 56 off 61 balls.
Shreyas Iyer added further stability with his well-crafted 48 off 43 balls. However, India’s batting order crumbled under the relentless pressure of the Australian bowling attack.
Despite the initial promise, partnerships failed to flourish, and wickets fell at regular intervals. By the culmination of the 49.4 overs, all Indian batters had returned to the pavilion, ultimately conceding the match to Australia by a margin of 66 runs.
Australia’s victory was facilitated by the impressive performance of Glenn Maxwell, who clinched four crucial wickets. Josh Hazlewood also contributed with two wickets, while Mitchell Starc, Cameron Green, and Tanveer Sangha claimed one wicket each, further dismantling the Indian batting order.
With the ODI series concluded, India and Australia will now shift their focus to the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The cricketing world awaits with bated breath as these formidable teams prepare to face off once more, set to write a new chapter in the world of cricket.
IND vs AUS 3rd ODI: Playing XI
India Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Australia Squad: Mitchell Marsh, David Warner, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Tanveer Sangha, Josh Hazlewood
