Team India defeated Australia by 5 wickets in the first ODI match
India vs Australia ODI match Highlits: Team India defeated Australia by 5 wickets in the first ODI match. The Mohali pitch promised a potential score of 277 runs, contingent on a powerful batting performance. The dilemma arose: should Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma be rested, or could others step up to the challenge? Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad dispelled any doubts from the outset. The opening duo amassed an impressive 142-run partnership. Despite losing four quick wickets afterward, Lokesh Rahul (KL Rahul) and Suryakumar Yadav held their ground. As a result, Team India secured a 5-wicket victory over Australia in their first match before the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 campaign began.
Australia: 276 in 50 overs (Warner-52, English-45, Shami-5/51)
India: 281 for 5 wickets in 50 overs (Shubman-74, Ruturaj-71, Rahul-58*, Surya-50)
India won by 5 wickets
Shubman and Ruturaj displayed enthusiasm from the start while chasing runs. Shubman, already in excellent form this year, partnered with Ruturaj, who was playing his third ODI. Despite the anticipation surrounding Ruturaj’s debut match, there was no sign of nervousness as both young players constructed a formidable opening partnership of 142 runs. Adam Zampa provided Australia with their first breakthrough when the team was in a commanding position. Ruturaj departed after scoring 71 runs from 77 balls, including ten boundaries.
A misunderstanding between Shubman and Shreyas Iyer led to the latter’s run-out. With two wickets falling for 148 runs, India was in a precarious position. Another blow followed soon after when Zampa claimed his second wicket, dismissing Shubman, who had scored a brisk 74 runs off 63 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes. India was under pressure at 3 wickets for 151 runs. When the team’s total reached 185 runs, Ishan Kishan’s dismissal further compounded their problems.
Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad initially took control of Australia’s bowling attack.
The match was finely poised at this juncture, with the outcome hanging in the balance. However, Surya and Rahul did not succumb to the pressure. Rahul had previously scored a century in his comeback match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup. On this day, he displayed his batting prowess once again. Surya, while typically known for his T20 prowess, had struggled in the 50-over format. However, in this match, he demonstrated his abilities by forging an 80-run partnership. This partnership tilted the match in India’s favor. Eventually, Surya completed his third ODI half-century, scoring 50 runs from 49 balls. Rahul remained unbeaten on 58 runs from 63 balls.
Despite the victory, India’s spin bowling did not meet expectations. Ravichandran Ashwin made a return to the 50-over format after a gap of one year and eight months. However, the seasoned off-spinner failed to make a significant impact, securing only one wicket while conceding 47 runs in his 10 overs. His sole wicket was that of Marnus Labuschagne. Aside from Mohammed Shami, none of the other bowlers made a significant impact. Shami claimed 5 wickets for 51 runs, but fielding lapses and dropped catches added to India’s woes. Despite these challenges, Australia was bowled out for 276 runs in 50 overs. However, India’s batting, led by Shubman and Ruturaj, proved enough to secure a 5-wicket victory in Mohali and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Mohammed Shami, who took five wickets against Australia ahead of the World Cup, expressed gratitude. However, India’s ground fielding was subpar, not only against Ashwin but also after the victory against Australia. Questions will likely be raised about Rahul’s wicketkeeping, as he took on the role despite Ishan being in the team. Rahul failed to gather a straightforward catch and missed the opportunity to run out Marnus Labuschagne, who had just arrived at the crease. Such lapses in wicketkeeping will raise concerns for Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid.
However, the match did not begin in this manner. Shami provided an early breakthrough for India on the fourth ball of the first over, dismissing Mitchell Marsh. Marsh fell prey to Shami’s outswing, and Shubman completed the catch. Following Marsh’s dismissal, Australia’s experienced batsmen, David Warner and Steve Smith, built a crucial partnership of 94 runs for the second wicket. However, with some caution, Shreyas could have broken this partnership earlier. Warner was on 29 runs when Shreyas held on to Shardul Thakur’s delivery. Ravindra Jadeja claimed India’s second wicket by dismissing Warner for 52 runs. Consequently, Australia lost two wickets for 98 runs. India continued to make regular breakthroughs, with Steve Smith departing after contributing 41 runs. Shami bowled him with a sharp off-cutter.
Ashwin may not be satisfied with his performance on the wicket. Despite making a return to the format, he could only manage one wicket while conceding 47 runs in his 10 overs. He dismissed Marnus Labuschagne. Apart from Shami, Jasprit Bumrah took one wicket for 43 runs, while Ashwin and Jadeja secured one wicket each. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Australia managed to post a total of 276 runs for the loss of all wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Shami was the standout bowler with 5 wickets for 51 runs. India’s victory came through an effective batting display, spearheaded by Shubman and Ruturaj, which allowed them to secure a 5-wicket win in Mohali. Both teams will clash again in the second ODI on Sunday, September 24, at 22 Yards, Indore.
