Win Projections to be updated soon
Low scoring games are always the most thrilling ones and the 2nd ODI between India and Australia in Nagpur was just another example of that. The hosts proved why they are being considered as one of the favorites to win the World Cup. It’s no more just about India’s batting but the class in bowling is winning them matches these days too.
Aaron Finch won his second toss in a row and this time, he asked India to bat first. The pitch was seemingly difficult to bat on, especially once the ball got old. When most of the batsmen struggled to hold the fort for long, Virat Kohli proved once again why he is a class apart.
India scored 250 in which the captain made 116 from 120 balls. Apart from him, only Vijay Shankar looked comfortable as he made 46 from 41 balls. But his unfortunate run out cut short his knock. However, Kohli carried on to notch up his 40th ODI ton that propelled the side to a respectable total of 250 under testing conditions.
The Australian openers knew that run-making would get difficult later and so, they went after the new ball bowlers. India found the first breakthrough in the 15th over when Kuldeep Yadav trapped Finch in front for 37. His partner Usman Khawaja too departed at the same score courtesy Kedar Jadhav.
That was the opening India needed and they pounced on the opportunity. The runs were dried out and the spinners made it difficult to score. Marcus Stoinis and Peter Handscomb batted well together and threatened to run away with the game at one stage. But Ravindra Jadeja demonstrated his value in the outfield as he ran Handscomb out courtesy a direct hit.
Then, Stoinis and Alex Carry added 47 runs for the 6th wicket. Australia needed 38 runs from the last 6 overs. Kuldeep castled Carry for 22 in the 45th over and brought his team back. The master of death bowling, Jasprit Bumrah, removed 2 more wickets in the next over to bring the game more in favor of India.
Stoinis was still out there and he was waiting for the right bowlers to go after. He played out Bumrah’s last over by just taking a single. Australia needed 20 from 2 overs as the penultimate over was bowled by Shami that went for 9. Shankar had the responsibility for the last over with 11 in the bank. He removed Stoinis off the first ball and 2 balls later, sent Zampa packing as well. India stole the win from the visitors and pulled off their 500th ODI win.
Match Summary
Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first
India:Â 250/10 in 48.2 overs
Virat Kohli 116 (120), Vijay Shankar 46 (41)
Pat Cummins 29/4 (9), Adam Zampa 62/2 (10)
Australia:Â 242/10 in 49.3 overs
Marcus Stoinis 52 ( 65), Peter Handscomb 48 (59)
Kuldeep Yadav 54/3 (10), Jasprit Bumrah 29/2 (10)
India won by 8 runs
Player of the Match:Â Virat Kohli
Here’s how Twitter reacted to India’s thrilling victory
What a nail biting game this has been.
Two wickets for @vijayshankar260 in the final over and #TeamIndia win the 2nd ODI by 8 runs #INDvAUS. We take a 2-0 lead in the five match series pic.twitter.com/VZ3dYMXYNh
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 5, 2019
India become the second team to win 500 ODIs after Australia. #INDvAUS
— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) March 5, 2019
All Vijay Shankar has to do now is avoid invites for Koffee with Karan.
— Abijit Ganguly (@AbijitG) March 5, 2019
India's 500th ODI victory!
Only Australia (558) has achieved this landmark!#IndvAus— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 5, 2019
RT if you believe #KingKohli will score more than 55 ODI hundreds.
— Madhav Sharma (@HashTagCricket) March 5, 2019
Acid Test for Vijay Shankar….Jaisa Naam Waisa Kaam kar do and go to World Cup Champ
— Samip Rajguru (@samiprajguru) March 5, 2019
Good time to check with Vijay Shankar which airline he prefers flying to England. Also, in case he has any seat preference.
— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) March 5, 2019
No more Doubting Thomases for Vijay Shankar now #IndvAus
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) March 5, 2019
Bumrah's last 2 overs changed the course of the match. Best limited-overs by a distance. One of the greatest ever in death overs. Already deserves a place in India's all-time ODI team. Incredibly valuable for India #INDvAUS
— Navneet Mundhra (@navneet_mundhra) March 5, 2019
Most tons in winning causes in ODI cricket:
33 – Sachin Tendulkar/VIRAT KOHLI*
25 – Ricky Ponting
24 – Hashim Amla, Sanath Jayasuriya #INDvAUS— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) March 5, 2019
https://twitter.com/AnshumanM86/status/1102962507705131010
https://twitter.com/Rai4Prince/status/1102962562570706944
Vijay Shankar’s batting will be the talk of the town in the IPL. Will play some match winning knocks this season. Early call. #SRH #IPL
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 5, 2019
Vijay Shankar ki ticket for World Cup is confirmed @vijayshankar260
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 5, 2019
Well bowled vijay shankar and great leadership by Virat. A nailbiter finish for the crowd and great result for team India #indvsaus
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 5, 2019
Undortunate end to Vijay Shankar’s innings. But he’s been very impressive today, which wouldn’t have been lost on his partner and captain
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 5, 2019
Vijay Shankar has been extremely impressive. This is who he is. A quality batsman who can give you a few overs.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 5, 2019
Also Read:Â Who will win the ODI World Cup 2019? Here are the top 5 contenders
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