Australia defeat India by 21 runs to hand them First International series loss in 4 years
Ind vs Aus: Australia wrapped the tour to India on a high as they defeated Rohit Sharma and Co. by 21 runs in the final ODI to clinch the three-match series 2-1. After a cakewalk in Visakhapatnam, Australia were made to work hard for their victory but managed to edge past Rohit Sharma’s men.
With the loss, India have lost an international series on home soil after four years. India had won 24 international series and drawn two at home in the last four years. Further, Australia ended India’s four-series winning streak against them.
Zampa-Agar shine as Australia becomes No.1 team in ODIs
After posting 269 in 49 overs on a slow pitch where strokeplay wasn’t easy, Zampa and Agar helped Australia fight back in the middle overs to break the back of India’s batting. Even though Mitchell Starc went wicketless, the rest of bowlers along with fiery fielding show and spot-on fielding placements led to India being bundled out for 248 in 49.1 overs.
Despite India having a 65-run opening partnership, they lost four wickets for 43 runs after Virat Kohli and KL Rahul had put on 69 runs for the fourth wicket. But after Rahul and Kohli fell, the chase went downhill and India ended up on the losing side.
The 21-run win takes Australia marginally ahead of India at the top, with the visitors racking up 113.286 rating points compared to the Men in Blue’s 112.638. Before the start of the final ODI, India were on top with 114 rating points to Australia’s 112.
Ind VS Aus 3rd ODI: Virat Kohli’s Fifty goes in vain as Indian batters fail to accompany him
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul played with great caution, ensuring India do not lose a heap of wickets as they did in the previous ODI. Just as Rahul started to break free, he holed out in the deep, ending the 69-run stand. India’s decision to promote Axar up the order did not work out with a mix-up coupled with brilliant fielding from Smith and Alex Carey costing the southpaw his wicket.
India’s aggressive style while batting again proved their downfall as they fell to a 21-run loss to Australia in Chennai on Wednesday, a result that ultimately cost Rohit’s side the series and the No.1 ODI team ranking.
There were a host of experienced performers that holed out during India’s run chase at MA Chidambaram Stadium when a cautious approach may have been deemed more suitable, but Rohit wants his team to keep playing aggressively in 50-over cricket.
Also read: After Spectacular Five-fer Mitchell Starc won’t change his approach with World Cup on horizon
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