India lost the third One Day International (ODI) against Australia by 32 runs today at Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Australian was put to bat after India won the toss. The Australian opening pair, captain Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja posted a partnership of 193 runs. Australia finished their batting innings by posting a humongous, yet achievable total of 313/5 in their 50 overs.
Left hander Usman Khawaja hit his maiden century in ODIs scoring 104 runs off 113 balls. His innings had 11 fours and one six. The Aussie Captain Finch missed a century after being dismissed at 93 off 99 balls. With the dismissal of Finch, Glenn Maxwell fired a quick 47 off 31 balls. India picked up three quick wickets checking the the Australian batting line up.
The sixth wicket partnership of Marcus Stoinis, 31 and Alex Carey, 21 put a 50 run stand to take Australia beyond the 300 run mark. Australia finished at 313/5 in 50 overs.
Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu were gone before India touched the 30 run mark. The Indian opening pair failed miserably, however Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni fresh on the crease took it to themselves.
As soon as MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli brought the 50 run partnership, Zampa picked up MS Dhoni in a cheeky inside edge hitting the stumps. It was emotional as MSD was seen walking back into the stands at his home city.
The new batsman Kedar Jadhav and Virat Kohli put run by run, take India off the 100th and 150th mark. Adam Zampa again striked, picking up the wicket for India at 174/5 in 31.4 overs. Virat Kohli reached his 41st ODI century, 19th century as captain. Kohli also accumulated 4000 runs as India captain.
Vijay Shankar and Ravindra Jadeja made a formidable contribution but as the asking rate was climbing, India’s wickets were tumbling. India had bright chances until Virat Kohli stayed at the grounds, he made 123 off 95 balls. India were all out at 281, 32 runs away from victory.
India however still lead the 5 match ODI series 2-1, the fourth ODI will be played on Sunday at Mohali, Punjab.