Australia kept their hopes alive in the five-match ODI series after defeating hosts India in the 3rd ODI by 32 runs. Dhoni’s probable final ‘homecoming’ match at JSCA International Stadium turned out to be a heartbreaking outing for the fans and the cricketers.
Australia put up a total of 313 for 5 wickets in their stipulated 50 overs, courtesy a fine century from Usman Khawaja (104). Aussie skipper Aaron Finch too played a superb inning of 93 runs, with Glenn Maxwell contributing a quickfire 47 runs. For India, Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers claiming three wickets, while Shami was the most economical bowler.
Chasing a total of 314, Dhawan and Rohit failed to deliver at the top of the order. Skipper Virat Kohli was at his usual best, first adding 59 runs for the fourth wicket with the MS Dhoni, staging a mini-recovery. But the local boy, Dhoni did not stay long as he was bowled out by Zampa for 26 runs. Following his departure, Kohli decided to change gears and formed the 88-run partnership with Kedar Jadhav, and soon enough brought up his 41st century. In the process, he became the fastest captain to reach 4000 runs in ODI history, in just 63 innings.
Nevertheless, it was a deserving victory for Australia. India, 2-1 up in the series, would like to seal the deal in the next match at Mohali.
