The third and final ODI between India and Australia in Rajkot marked the start of the final countdown for the much-anticipated ICC World Cup 2023, starting 5 October. As far as the series is concerned, the hosts have already taken it, and as such it’s an inconsequential affair but in terms of preparations, the game held significance for both sides with Australia managing to avoid a whitewash, and more importantly got their top order firing in unison to wrap up the rubber with a consolation win by 66 runs.
Electing to bat on a flat deck, Australia’s top order served a timely reminder of what’s in store for the opposition teams during the showpiece tournament. Mitchell Marsh (96) and David Warner (56) fired explosive half centuries to get Australia off to a fiery start in the mandatory powerplay, before Steven Smith (74) and Marnus Labuschagne (72) belted equally destructive half centuries to propel Australia to a massive 352 for 7, the highest at this venue.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ponting predicts 3-1 triumph for Oz in Border-Gavaskar series
Former captain Ricky Ponting predicted a 3-1 victory for Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India as he feels the visitors will find taking 20 wickets in a Test as the \"biggest challenge\" in the absence of Mohammed Shami.
Days after CA lifts leadership ban, David Warner named Sydney Thunder captain
Days after Cricket Australia lifted the leadership ban on David Warner due to his role in 'Sandpaper-gate' during the Newlands Test in 2018, the former Australia batter was appointed captain of Big Bash League (BBL) team Sydney Thunder.
ISL: Kerala Blasters FC, Hyderabad FC strive to boost struggling campaigns
Both Kerala Blasters FC and Hyderabad FC will aim to give their struggling campaigns some much needed boost when they meet in an Indian Super League (ISL) clash in Kochi on Thursday.
For first time in a decade, Kohli slips out of top-20 in Test rankings
Former Team India captain suffers dramatic fall in ICC rankings after poor New Zealand series
Luis Enrique heaps praise on Atletico coach Simeone
Paris Saint Germain head coach Luis Enrique has expressed great admiration towards Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone, having played against the Argentine 14 times during his stint as FC Barcelona manager.
Martinez returns to Argentina squad for World Cup qualifiers
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is set to return to Argentina's national squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers after serving a suspension.
Champions League: Real Madrid head coach Ancelotti laments lack of 'solidity' after AC Milan humiliation
After his side's disappointing defeat against AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti said that they are struggling to find that solidity.
Nikhat Zareen hails bid to host 2036 Olympics
After India made a formal bid to host the 2036 Olympics, two-time world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen said the bid would motivate sportspersons but called for the need to establish Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres in every state to foster overall sports development, essential for staging such a prestigious event in the country.
AC Milan thrash Real Madrid 3-1; Sporting CP, Liverpool also win
Milan puts defending champion's chances for knockout stage in doubt while Sporting, Liverpool also win big
Assam government suspends five officers for dereliction of poll duties
In a move to uphold administrative discipline, the Assam government has suspended five Assam Civil Services (ACS) officers for allegedly neglecting their assigned election duties.