Xtra Time Web Desk: A collective effort from the batting unit saw Team India chase down a target of 277 runs with 8 balls to spare in the first ODI against Australia at Mohali on Friday. Shubman Gill (74 off 63), Ruturaj Gaikwad (71 off 77), KL Rahul (58 off 63) and Suryakumar Yadav (50 off 49) all scored fifties. Earlier Mohammed Shami took a five-fer (51/5) to restrict the Australian batters to 276 all out.
The Men in Blue started the run chase stringly, with Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad impressively cracking shots against Sean Abbott and Marcus Stonis. Gill’s elegant punches and drives were particularly notable. However, Australia missed an opportunity when Josh Inglis dropped Gaikwad in the 8th over. Gaikwad later fell in the 22nd over while trying to sweep Zampa. Shreyas Iyer was run out cheaply for 3 runs.
Despite the setbacks, Gill continued to play well until he was bowled by Zampa. Australia had a chance to make a comeback when Zampa dropped both KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan in a single over. Kishan’s innings ended when he was caught by the wicketkeeper off Cummins. However, Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav’s partnership of 80 runs ensured India’s victory. Rahul finished the game with a six, leading India to a convincing win.
For Australia, David Warner (52 off 53), Steven Smith (41 off 60) and Josh Inglis (45 off 45) were the main run getters. Pat Cummins played a quickfire innings of 21 runs. Mohammed Shami was India’s star bowler, picking up 5 wickets for 51 runs, while Jasprit Bumrah and R Ashwin provided valuable support in the bowling department.
Shami’s five-wicket haul was the highlight of the match, helping India take a 1-0 lead in the series.