It was perfectly set up for the series finale with both teams having 2 wins each. But it didn’t end perfectly for India. On the other hand, Australia pulled off a superb performance and clinched the series. They now go back with both T20I and ODI trophies. The visitors had lost the first 2 ODIs and then made a remarkable comeback to win the last 3 to end with the scoreline of 3-2.
The surface at the Kotla for the last game was dry and Aaron Finch had the fortune by his side as he won the toss. He had no hesitation in opting to bat first. The openers tackled the new ball and added 76 runs for the first wicket before Finch was dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja.
Usman Khawaja and Peter Handscomb once again got together and frustrated the Indian bowlers. They added 99 runs for the 2nd wicket when Khawaja got out after scoring his second century of the series. The visitors were at 175/2 after 33 overs. They should have got to a big score but some good death bowling by India restricted them to 272/9.
India lost Shikhar Dhawan early courtesy, Pat Cummins. Virat Kohli looked good during his short stay in the middle. But Marcus Stoinis caught the big fish for 20 in the 13th over. The chase was derailed as the Men in Blue lost wickets consistently. Rishabh Pant and Vijay Shankar got in and then threw their wickets away.
Rohit Sharma, who was still out there, was battling hard alone. But Adam Zampa removed him for 56 in the 29th over as India reached 132/5. Kedar Jadhav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar added 91 runs for the 7th wicket and hung in there. But they were always behind the 8-ball. Ultimately, the hosts bundled out for 237 as Australia won the match by 35 runs.
Match Summary
Australia won the toss and opted to bat first
Australia:Â 272/9 in 50 overs
Usman Khawaja 100 (106), Peter Handscomb 52 (60)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar 48/3 (10), Ravindra Jadeja 45/2 (10)
India:Â 237/10 in 50 overs
Rohit Sharma 56 (89), Bhuvneshwar Kumar 46 (54)
Adam Zampa 46/3 (10), Pat Cummins 38/2 (10)
Australia won by 35 runs
Player of the Match:Â Usman Khawaja
Player of the Series:Â Usman Khawaja
Also Read:Â Who will win the ODI World Cup 2019? Here are the top 5 contenders
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