Canberra: India avoided series whitewash with 13-run victory in third ODI against Australia yesterday.
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah found his mojo and the Indian team its winning ways in a morale-lifting 13-run triumph over Australia in the third and final ODI on Wednesday, salvaging some of the lost pride in a 1-2 series defeat.
An in-form Hardik Pandya blasted 92 not out off 76 balls and Ravindra Jadeja’s useful 66 off 50 took India to a healthy 302 for 5 in 50 overs after an inept show in the first 30 overs.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli, said, ‘We were put under the pump in the first half and in the second half of Australia’s innings. Shubman and others coming in, it brings in a bit freshness. I think the pitch was much better for the bowlers. So the confidence levels go up. Playing international cricket for so long, that’s the challenge you face and those are the kind of comebacks you make. We were clinical with the ball and in the field. Happy with the performance and hopefully we take the momentum forward. I would have liked to go on for a bit longer, but it was a great partnership between Pandya and Jadeja. The team needed that kind of a boost. That’s needed when you play a team like Australia’.
Aussie sipper Finch, said, ‘ I thought we fought really well. It was a great partnership between Hardik and Jadeja. If we got one of those wickets, we could have chased 240 max. Cameron Green came in and made an impact with ball and bat, and showed he belongs here. Agar bowled beautifully, it was a good day in terms of the changes we made. The impact that the two spinners are having, that’s important. It’s nice when the guys in the top order contribute and then Maxi (Maxwell) can come in and do his thing with Carey and other guys. Hopefully he’s (Starc) ready for the T20Is. Was just a niggle.’
Hardik Pandya, Man of the Match, said, I will be fine to play the T20Is. I have been working hard to play for my country, happy that I’ve got the opportunity. Really happy for Natarajan and rest of the bowlers. It’s been quite a story for him. You need to be on your toes when it comes to playing against Australia. You got to push hard and face the challenge against them.