BENGALURU: On Sunday, during the 30th over of India’s innings against Australia in the third and final ODI, Rohit Sharma notched up his hundred. There were no celebrations. Just a simple raising of his bat. Chasing 287 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, he knew that the job wasn’t done.
In fact, it was just a continuation of the love affair the India opener has with this city. He loves playing ODIs at this venue, and Australia seem to be his favourite opponent. His last two scores against the Aussies at this stadium read 65 and 209. The opener was at his astonishing best.
His 119 helped India win the match by seven wickets and the series 2-1. If Rohit’s previous record at the Chinnaswamy stood out, it was the opposite for Virat Kohli. The India skipper had scores of 0, 8, 34, 0 and 21 in ODIs here before he featured in the series decider. But Kohli too starred in the victory with a crucial 89.
This win against Australia was a much-needed one for the home team. The visitors have been a thorn in the flesh for the Men in Blue, clinching the last ODI and the T20I series they played here. India wanted to break that trend, but things did not start on a bright note.
Opener Shikhar Dhawan walked off the field after picking up a shoulder injury while fielding, and did not feature in the game thereafter. After the dismissal of infrom KL Rahul in the 13th over, there was pressure on Rohit and Kohli to deliver. Especially since their middle-order had not looked impressive in the series. The vice-captain reeled out amazing shots in the first ten overs, including two scintillating sixes and a flurry of fours, taking his team to 61/0.
Even the dismissal of Rahul did not have much of an impact on Rohit’s approach. He was at his fluent best against both pacers and spinners, sending balls to the fence with disdain. Kohli might have joined the party a bit late, but he came into his own as the game progressed.
Scorching hits to the fence were unleashed. Though Rohit hogged the limelight, Kohli ensured runs from his end as well. After reaching his 29th ODI ton, Rohit fell in the 37th over with the score on 206/2, ending their 137-run stand. He hit eight fours and six sixes en route his match-winning knock.
With 81 runs still left and eight wickets in the bag, India had their noses in front. The dressing room looked relaxed, assured by Kohli’s presence. Shreyas Iyer too showcased his talent with an unbeaten 44 off 35, seeing India home after Kohli’s dismissal. Though India emerged victorious, Steve Smith was again on top of his game, scoring a ton. India had the upper hand after dismissing David Warner and Aaron Finch in the first nine overs. But then came a 127- run stand between Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.
After the latter was sent back, Smith did not find support besides Alex Carey’s 35. The Austalia No 3 completed his century in the 44th over, but was dismissed by Mohammed Shami in the 48th over. The pacer scalped three wickets during the death overs to end with figures of 4/63. Nadkarni honoured India players wore black armbands as a mark of respect for former India all-rounder Bapu Nadkarni, who had passed away on Friday.