In a thrilling One Day International (ODI) clash between India and Australia, the Indian cricket team showcased their prowess by striking at regular intervals to limit Australia to a competitive total of 276 runs. Mohammed Shami emerged as the standout performer for India, delivering a sensational bowling display that earned him a remarkable five-wicket haul.
India’s decision to bowl first proved fruitful right from the outset, as Mohammed Shami struck early by dismissing Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh in the very first over. Shami’s delivery led to Marsh being caught in the lone wide slip, setting the tone for an impactful bowling performance.
Australia fought back admirably, with David Warner and Steve Smith forming a spirited partnership worth 94 runs. Warner, who was dropped on 14 by Shreyas Iyer at mid-off, capitalized on the opportunity to score his 29th ODI fifty. Alongside Smith, who held one end firmly, Warner seemed poised to accelerate the scoring in the middle overs, despite limited assistance for the bowlers.
However, India managed to break through the Australian partnership, with Shami dismissing Warner, who holed out to long-on against Ravindra Jadeja. Shami returned for another spell and outfoxed Steve Smith with a sharp incoming delivery, providing crucial breakthroughs for India.
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green combined to stabilize the innings after the double blow. Unfortunately for Labuschagne, a stroke of misfortune led to his dismissal as he was stumped off a ricochet from KL Rahul’s pad, courtesy of an R Ashwin delivery.
India’s fielding efforts, though somewhat lackluster, did not prevent the run-out of Cameron Green, who was involved in a mix-up with Josh Inglis. However, Inglis and Marcus Stoinis mounted a counterattacking partnership, amassing 62 runs in just 41 balls. Their power-hitting, highlighted by Inglis’ slashed six over extra cover off Jasprit Bumrah, posed a threat to India’s bowling attack.
Just as Australia was on the verge of gaining momentum, Mohammed Shami returned to the attack. He first dismissed Stoinis, clean-bowling him, and then had Inglis caught at deep mid-wicket. Shami’s exceptional bowling performance earned him a well-deserved second five-wicket haul in ODIs when Sean Abbott dragged on against a slower delivery. Pat Cummins contributed a quickfire 21 runs off 9 balls, lifting Australia’s total beyond the 270-run mark.