Jadhav, Dhoni And Bowlers Script India's Win

- Shreedutta Chidananda

If there are any strong concerns over India’s batting line-up being top-heavy, Kedar Jadhav and M.S. Dhoni have allayed them for the moment. The two batted with great maturity and poise on Saturday to dig their team out of a tough spot and lead it to victory in the first ODI.

After Australia had stumbled to 236 for seven, thanks to a fine bowling performance led by Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav, India found itself wobbling at 99 for four. Dhoni and Jadhav, though, steadied the ship, adding 141 (149b) in their unbroken alliance for the fifth wicket, as India won with 10 balls to spare at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

Early in India’s run-chase, when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were at the crease, it looked like the task was going to be a simple one.

The pair added 76 for the second wicket, without a sign of the strain that was to follow. Kohli’s 44 (45b) included some imperious on drives and pull-shots, and a half-century seemed a certainty when Adam Zampa struck. Kohli failed to spot a googly and pushed forward in defence; he was given out leg-before on review.