IND vs AUS: Australia Thwarts India’s Clean Sweep Hopes; Kohli and Rohit Return to Action
Rajkot, 27th September 2023 – Australia clinched a 66-run victory over India in the final match of the 3-game ODI series at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium. India, having won the first two matches, failed to secure a clean sweep against a resurgent Australian side. Australia opted to bat first after winning the toss.
India welcomed back seasoned batsmen Virat Kohli and Captain Rohit Sharma, both of whom had been rested for the earlier games.
Australia’s decision to bat first paid off, with key contributions from David Warner (56 runs off 34 balls), Mitchell Marsh (96 off 84), Steve Smith (74 off 61), and Marnus Labuschagne (72 off 58). The team posted a formidable total of 352 runs in their 50 overs.
In India’s bowling lineup, Jasprit Bumrah claimed 3 wickets but conceded 81 runs. Kuldeep Yadav took 2 wickets, while Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna each secured one.
India’s batting was spearheaded by Rohit Sharma, who scored 81 runs off 57 balls. Virat Kohli added 56 runs off 61 balls, and Shreyas Iyer contributed 48 runs off 43 balls. Despite efforts from Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul, India was bowled out for 286 runs in 49.4 overs.
Australia’s Glenn Maxwell turned heads with his bowling, taking 4 wickets for just 40 runs. Josh Hazlewood claimed 2 wickets, while Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, and Tanveer Sangha each took one.
As the pre-ICC ODI World Cup series wraps up, both teams have displayed their strengths and weaknesses, promising an exciting World Cup ahead. India will next face England, one of the World Cup favorites, in a warm-up match on September 30th.
