India halted Australia’s 10-ODI winning streak and also ended their record of not losing a World Cup game while chasing since the 1999 edition. It was Shikhar Dhawan's ton which took the 'men in blue' to 352/5 and later bowlers delivered
London: The clash between the pre-tournament favourites turned to a be a one-sided one as India dominated Australia to win by 36 runs in the ICC World Cup 2019 at The Oval in London on Sunday (June 9).
Once India ran up a massive total of 352/5 thanks to Shikhar Dhawan’s magnificent century, it was always going to be tough for the five-time world champions. In the end, they were bowled out for 316 in 50 overs. Indian bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/50), Jasprit Bumrah (3/61) and Yuzvendra Chahal (2/62) were excellent taking crucial wickets.
Three half centuries went in vain for Australia. However, a hundred was needed from one of the top-four but that did not happen. Steve Smith top-scored with 69 while David Warner made 56 and wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey made a quick 55 not out towards the end but his knock came too late as the required run rate had gone out of control.
Also read: Full schedule of India matches at World Cup with start times, live TV, streaming info
India halted Australia’s 10-ODI winning streak and also ended their record of not losing a World Cup game while chasing since the 1999 edition.
Earlier, the legend of Shikhar in ICC tournaments continued to grow as his stylish hundred formed the cornerstone of a fantastic batting display that powered India to a commanding 352/5.
Also read: World Cup 2019 format, rain rules, Super Over and other playing conditions
The left-handed opener's 17th ODI hundred (117 off 109 balls) was well complemented by fellow opener Rohit Sharma's 57 off 70 balls with the openers raising a stand of 127.
Ever consistent skipper Virat Kohli (82 off 77 balls) played an effective knock and shared a 92-run stand with Dhawan. Kohli's sixes off Mitchell Starc — over long-on and extra cover — stood out.
The last 10 overs yielded India 116 runs, primarily due to Hardik Pandya's whirlwind knock of 48 from 27 balls and MS Dhoni's 27-run cameo.
Floater Pandya played in a manner only he can while Dhoni did his bit in putting the finishing touches, which included a six over square leg off Starc.
The Indian openers played out a good opening spell from Starc (1/74) and Pat Cummins (1/55), who pitched it up and repeatedly beat the bat.
What worked brilliantly for Indian batsmen was the manner in which they planned which of the bowlers they wanted to go after.
They took 157 runs from 20 overs bowled by Marcus Stoinis (2/62 in 7 overs), Adam Zampa (0/50 in 6 overs) and Glenn Maxwell (0/45 in 7 overs).
When Rohit was dropped on 2 by Nathan Coulter-Nile at square leg off Starc, the Indian openers became more cautious.
Dhawan, who has a stupendous record at the Oval ground where he averages over 120, waited for Coulter-Nile. Three boundaries in the eighth over eased the pressure.
The hero of Australia's match against West Indies, didn't have the pace to trouble the Indians and he bowled short enough to be cut and pulled by both the players.
Rohit hooked him for a six while Dhawan played some fabulous cut shots.
Leg-spinner Zampa who was impressive against India in the last series, was targeted from the onset as both the openers used their feet to perfection. Once they started using their feet, the leg-spinner started dropping it short and Dhawan would rock on the backfoot to punish him.
Rohit was subdued but it didn't matter as the Delhi southpaw's 16 hits on the day set the tone.
(With inputs from PTI)
Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.