XtraTime Web Desk: Shikhar Dhawan proves his critics wrong, as hit his 17th ODI hundred and his 3rd in World Cups as India dictate terms against defending champions Australia at The Oval on Sunday after Virat Kohli won the toss.
After India decided to bat on a bright and sunny morning, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan were watchful against the Australian new ball-bowlers before Dhawan quickened the pace. Both India openers raced away to their fifties before Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 57.
Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma had added 127 for the 1st wicket and they were the first Indian openers to put on a century stand against Australia in any World Cup match. Shikhar Dhawan scored a blazing 117 off just 109 balls before getting out.
On Sunday, Shikhar Dhawan was under pressure after his failure against South Africa in India’s opening match of the 2019 Cricket World Cup on June 5. After weathering the early storm, Shikhar Dhawan opened up and played some thrilling shots on both sides of the wicket.
Shikhar Dhawan’s international form was a bit of a concern for India before the World Cup but he is a big tournament player.
In the 2015 World Cup, Dhawan had scored two hundreds. His 137 had set up victory for India over South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) while an 85-ball 100 in Hamilton highlighted a crushing win over Ireland.
Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma have been a formidable opening pair for India since the 2013 Champions Trophy. The two men brought up their 16th 100-run stand and are now only behind the erstwhile opening firm of Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar who had 21 century partnerships.