Ranchi ODI: Australia defeat India by 32 runs, Kohli's 41st ton goes in vain
Saturday, 9 March 2019 (11:02 IST)
Ranchi: Australia defeated India by 32 runs in the third One-Day International of the five-match series here on Friday.Chasing a challenging target of 314 runs, India were bowled out for 281 runs in 48.2 runs.
India got off to a poor start as both the openers, Shikar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, were dismissed in less than five overs. Ambati Raydu was clean bowled by Pat Cummins for two runs, reducing India to 27/3.
MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, who scored his 41st ODI ton, eight against Australia, stitched together a crucial 59 runs partnership for the fourth wicket. Adam Zampa dismissed former captain Dhoni for 26 runs in 20th over.
Kedar Jadhav gave good support to his captain and kept India in the chase. Jadhav and Kohli added 88 runs for the fifth wicket stand.
Adam Zampa clean bowled Kohli for 123 runs off 95 balls, he hit 16 fours and one six during his 25th ton while chasing in the format.
After their captain's dismissal, the hosts kept losing their wickets and folded for 281 runs in 48.1 overs, giving the visitors their first victory in the series.
Virat Kohli was the highest run-scorer for the visitors.
Adam Zampa, Pat Cummins and Jhye Richarson bagged three wickets each for Australia. Usman Khawaja was adjudged Man of the Match for his maiden ODI ton.
India are still leading the series 2-1. The fourth ODI will be played at Chandigarh's PCA Stadium on Sunday.
Earlier, Usman Khawaja (104) and skipper Aaron Finch's (93) runs innings powered Australia to 313 runs in the stipulated 50 overs.
India won the toss and put the visitors to bat. Skipper Finch and Left-handed Khawaja gave their team a flying start as the opening pair scored 193 runs in 31.5 overs.
Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav gave India its first breakthrough when he dismissed Finch.
However, Glenn Maxwell, who replaced his captain, added a quick 47 runs off 31 balls, hitting three sixes and as much boundaries.
After the wicket of Khawaja, the Aussies lost the plot and could score 74 runs in the last 11.3 overs.
In the span of just three overs, Australia lost three quick wickets, Maxwell, Shaun Marsh (7), Peter Handscomb (0), allowing India to make come back in the game.
Kuldeep Yadav took three wickets in his ten overs quota, considering 64 runs. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami gave 52 runs in his 10 overs and managed to bag one wicket.(UNI)
