India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against Australia as they beat them by 5 wickets on Friday at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. India’s full-time skipper, Rohit Sharma didn’t play the first game as he had to attend his brother-in-law’s wedding. Indian all-rounder, Hardik Pandya led the team in his absence.
On a lively surface, Indian bowlers put in an exceptional bowling display. Australia, batting first, were placed pretty well in the first 18 overs. However, Mitchell Marsh’s wicket in the 20th over led to Australia’s collapse.
After Head (5) and Smith (22 off 30) got out in the 2nd and 13th over respectively. Ravindra Jadeja took the most important wicket of Mitchell Marsh, who was wreaking havoc with the bat. The latter opened the innings in the absence of David Warner and played a sensational knock of 82 runs in 65 balls. Unfortunately, he couldn’t carry on to play a big knock.
Mohammed Shami then exhibited his masterclass as he rattled the stumps of Josh Inglis (26) and Green (12) to leave Australia reeling at 174 for 6. Shami picked his third wicket in the form of Marcus Stoinis (5) and Australia were bundled out soon for 188 runs.
As for India’s bowling, Shami and Siraj picked three wickets each, while Ravindra Jadeja returned with figures of 2 for 46 in 9 overs. At the end of the first innings, it looked like India would chase the target easily, however, it was not to be.
Bowling the second over of the innings, Marcus Stoinis had Ishan Kishan (3) leg before. Mitchell Starc brought the old days back as he put in an outstanding display of fast bowling. The southpaw accounted for the wickets of Gill (20), Virat Kohli (4), and Suryakumar Yadav (0) to leave the hosts in deep trouble. Skipper, Hardik Pandya (25 off 31) failed to convert the start as India had lost half of the side for just 83 runs on the board.
KL Rahul, who has received a lot of criticism of late, then took the matters in his own hand and played a sensational match-winning knock of 75 runs in 91 balls. Jadeja supported him well with a handy innings of 45 off 69 balls. The unbeaten 108-run partnership between the two helped the team chase down the target in 39.5 overs.
Here's how fans reacted to the win:
Any bhala toh sab bhala.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 17, 2023
Great all round show by Jaddu and top knock from KL Rahul. #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/npoS1E1zaS
A very impressive win from Team India. The bowlers were brilliant to get Australia all out for 188 after they were 129/2 before the 20 overs# and in the run chase KL Rahul’s composure under pressure was the key and that partnership with Jadeja was spectacular. #IndvsAus pic.twitter.com/8K4pKKrnZy
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 17, 2023
What a partnership! 👏
— DK (@DineshKarthik) March 17, 2023
First on the field and then with the bat 💯@klrahul @imjadeja#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/gpuzDKPQHn
Both of them played surprisingly well for India this week. #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/x7uLTPULzN
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) March 17, 2023
KL Rahul after playing match winning knock in 1st ODI.
— Ashutosh Srivastava 🇮🇳 (@sri_ashutosh08) March 17, 2023
Venkatesh Prasad and Aakash Chopra be like😅 #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/n38xVkhLYk
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.What a comeback from both of them.🔥 #INDvsAUS
— Akshat (@AkshatOM10) March 17, 2023
Bhakt role Mahadev impact pic.twitter.com/a4lJNaR0T0
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.What a comeback from both of them.🔥 #INDvsAUS
— Akshat (@AkshatOM10) March 17, 2023
Bhakt role Mahadev impact pic.twitter.com/a4lJNaR0T0
Jaddu once again saved India from top order failure. 2 wickets with the ball and a terrific catch and valuable 45 runs with the bat.
— Vamsi (@criccrazyvamsi) March 17, 2023
Man of the match performance ! ❤️
Shami is real man of the match in my book not KLop 🤡
— Abuseena (@tellonted) March 17, 2023
Rohit should stay at the wedding, india is playing good without him.
— winiswin (@SumanBadoni4) March 17, 2023
shshs