India on Sunday defeated Australia by seven wickets to win the third One Day International and the ongoing series 2-1.
Batting first at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore, Australia had made 286-9 in 50 overs with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne once again shining with the bat. Smit made 131, while Labuschagne was out for 54. At one point, Australia appeared destined to amass a huge total but Mohammad Shami’s menacing spell put paid to their hopes. Shami finished his spell for 4-63 in 10 overs.
India’s response was equally blistering as Rohit Sharma scored a superb century. He got out after playing a remarkable knock of 119. With 29 tons, Rohit climbed to the fourth position in the list of most ODI century makers. Sachin Tendulkar with 49 and Virat Kohli with 43 centuries have occupied the top two positions.
Ricky Ponting with 30 centuries, Sanath Jayasuriya with 28 and Hashim Amla with 27 are currently at the third, fifth and sixth positions respectively.
Indian captain Virat Kohli was unlucky to not have completed his century as he got out at 89. Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten at 44.
Virat Kohli was named Man Of The Match for his brilliant knock. Reacting about his team’s win, Kohli said, “We are quite experienced players, and we were one short in Shikhar today. We got a very good start, and when KL got out, it was a tricky situation because the ball was turning and gripping. We had to play deep, and this is how we have played in the last 4-5 years. This is what experience helps. It’s quite enjoyable batting with Rohit, but more importantly, a comprehensive win.
“You do practise a lot in the nets. If you are not worried about the short ball, you look to get forward all the time. When I have that clarity in my mind, I just look to get forward. Clarity of mind is the key thing. You need to have a free mind, and today I felt like that. Today I went for my shots. Even better than last time. There’s Steven, David and Marnus. After 2-0, we lost the last series. We won this after going one down. 2020 has been wonderful, and we just want to go onwards and upwards. Great for the team.”