The PCA Stadium, Mohali hosted the 4th ODI between India and Australia. Having won the last game, Australia brought confidence in Mohali and their superb run-chase just proved that. The series is now leveled at two apiece with the final game to be played on Wednesday.
Indian openers had been failing to put together a stand of substance thus far in the series. But as Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat, a batting paradise was ready for the Indian duo. Shikhar Dhawan, who has been questioned for his poor form of late, was determined to well in Mohali, the venue where it all began for him against the same opposition.
He was aggressive from the outset while Rohit Sharma took his time initially. But soon enough, both of them were striking from either end. They added 193 runs for the first wicket before Rohit got out for 95 in the 31st over, But Dhawan carried on to make a century and came back to form in style.
The opener finished with 143 from 115 balls in the 38th over. India lost a few quick wickets during the slog overs that hampered their progress slightly. But the quickfire knocks from Rishabh Pant and Vijay Shankar propelled the hosts to 358/9. It was a winning score on most days but there was a threat of dew later in the day.
Australia was rocked back early as Bhuvneshwar Kumar castled Aaron Finch for a duck. Jasprit Bumrah did the same to Shaun Marsh and the visitors were struggling at 12/2. But the centurion from the last game – Usman Khawaja was still out there. Peter Handscomb gave him good company as the duo scripted a comeback.
All of a sudden, the batsmen were dominating and the bowlers weren’t looking threatening. The dew played its part and made it difficult for the spinners to grip the ball. Things were moving swiftly for the visitors until Khawaja was removed by Bumrah for 91 in the 34th over. A magnificent partnership of 192 ended there.
Glenn Maxwell came in and threatened to strike big. But Kuldeep Yadav trapped him in front for 23. Handscomb, after getting to his maiden century, departed for 117 courtesy of Yuzvendra Chahal. Australia needed 98 runs from the last 10 balls. However, Ashton Turner, who was playing just his 2nd ODI, was unperturbed.
He almost single-handedly took his team close to the victory. Even the death bowling specialist pair of Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah wasn’t tough for him. He kept swinging his bat and ultimately, the Indian bowlers had no answer. With 13 balls in hand, Australia cruised past the line with Turner being unbeaten at 84 from just 43 balls.
Match Summary
India won the toss and opted to bat first
India: 358/9 in 50 overs
Shikhar Dhawan 143 (115), Rohit Sharma 95 (92)
Pat Cummins 70/5 (10), Jhye Richardson 85/3 (9)
Australia: 313/5 in 50 overs
Peter Handscomb 117 (105), Usman Khawaja 91 (99)
Jasprit Bumrah 63/3 (8.5), Kuldeep Yadav 64/1 (10)
Australia won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Ashton Turner
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Australia’s series-leveling win in Mohali
https://twitter.com/MClarke23/status/1104686441794199554
https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1104686240207593472
https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/1104686958406586368
https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1104710330976894978
https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1104687641130196993
Australian quicks haven’t bowled a single bouncer to Dhawan.
Indian seamers haven’t bowled a single bouncer to Khawaja. #IndvAus— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 10, 2019
That last six from Bumrah had everyone in splits. Even on an excellent batting surface, 358 is a formidable score.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 10, 2019
And it's over. What a treat it was #Dhawan
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 10, 2019
This is simply sensational striking from Shikhar Dhawan. Only seeing the gaps, oblivious to the presence of fielders
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 10, 2019
Some more tweets best tweets of the day
Don't know about KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, but Peter Handscomb and Ashton Turner surely have booked World Cup tickets tonight. #IndvAus
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) March 10, 2019
Most 150-plus opening stands in ODIs:
10 – Sourav Ganguly/Sachin Tendulkar
6 – Hashim Amla/Quinton de Kock
6 – Rohit Sharma/Shikhar Dhawan*
5 – Herschelle Gibbs/Graeme Smith
5 – Gordon Greenidge/Desmond Haynes#INDvsAUS— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) March 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1104686187678179328
The belief with which Ashton Turner’s played here is unbelievable.. Second match of his career, daunting chase, but he’s made it look like a walk in the park .. There’s dew yes, dropped catches, yes but don’t take anything away from him .. #IndvAus
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) March 10, 2019
Ashton Turner … pretty sure someone said he should be in the team during the #BigBash !!!! #INDvAUS #JustSaying … Now getting very concerned the Aussies are starting to get something going at the right time !!!! #CWC19
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 10, 2019
– This is Australia's highest successful run chase in ODIs.
– This is the fifth highest successful run chase in ODIs.
– This is the highest successful run chase in ODIs against India.#IndvAus— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 10, 2019
One of India's most listless display with the ball and in the field in recent times. Dropping absolute sitters. Also, in times like these, India realise the value of Mahendra Singh Dhoni behind the wickets. Taking nothing away from the brilliance of Turner though #IndvAus
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/fwildecricket/status/1104775379326300161
Don't know about KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, but Peter Handscomb and Ashton Turner surely have booked World Cup tickets tonight. #IndvAus
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) March 10, 2019
Outstanding run chase by Australia. Handscomb was brilliant and Turner really turned things around in a display of some of the cleanest hitting. India would like to forget this, learn from their mistakes and give it their best in the decider in Delhi #IndvAus
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 10, 2019
Also Read: Who will win the ODI World Cup 2019? Here are the top 5 contenders
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