India scored 205/5 in 20 overs, where as Australia scored 181/7 in 20 overs.
So, finally India beat Australia by 24 runs.
In an innings reminiscent of his peak form as a white-ball batter, Rohit Sharma blitzed a 41-ball 92 as India secured a 24-run victory over Australia at St Lucia.
Despite Travis Head’s impressive performance, akin to his standout performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, Kuldeep Yadav’s magical spell tied down Australia, leading to their downfall once Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell fell, shortly followed by Head.
Where was the game won?
The first half of India’s innings, thanks to Rohit’s assault.
Despite the challenging conditions and St Lucia’s reputation as a ground for big hits, the surface wasn’t always easy to score on, especially against the older ball.
Rohit’s innings stood out as none of the batters in the game struck the ball as cleanly as the Indian captain did.
His remarkable assault on Mitchell Starc, shortly after Virat Kohli’s dismissal for a duck, set the tone for India’s dominance.
Although Australia made a comeback in the second half, India’s total of 205 always seemed challenging.
INDIA
Powerplay: Rohit dominates Australia’s bowlers
Phase score: India 60/1 [RR: 10.00, 4s/6s: 5/5]
India suffered an early setback when Virat Kohli fell for a duck in the second over.
However, Rohit’s aggressive approach turned the tide.
He counter-attacked fiercely, particularly against Mitchell Starc, who was hammered for 29 runs in an over, including four sixes.
Rohit’s aggressive intent put significant pressure on the Australian bowlers.
Middle overs: India maintains momentum
Phase score: India 102/3 [RR: 11.33, 4s/6s: 8/7]
Despite losing Rishabh Pant, Surya Kumar Yadav’s arrival matched Rohit’s tempo with crisp strokes.
The four overs following the powerplay yielded 54 runs, with boundaries flowing freely.
Even the introduction of Adam Zampa failed to stall India’s rampage.
Mitchell Starc’s return brought some relief for Australia, dismissing both set batsmen in successive overs, but India had already established a strong position.
Death overs: Australia restricts but India finishes strong
Phase score: India 43/1 [RR: 8.60, 4s/6s: 3/1]
After Rohit and Suryakumar’s dismissals, Australia managed to contain the scoring.
Only four boundaries were conceded in the last five overs.
Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins bowled effectively, with Marcus Stoinis conceding 14 runs in the 19th over.
Despite initially looking set for a 220-plus total, India finished strongly.
AUSTRALIA
Powerplay: Warner’s early exit but Head and Marsh flourish
Phase score: Australia 65/1 [RR: 10.83, 4s/6s: 7/4]
Australia lost David Warner early, but Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh counter-attacked aggressively, even taking 14 off a Jasprit Bumrah over.
Their onslaught, particularly against India’s premier bowler, caught India off guard, leaking runs in the powerplay.
Middle overs: Australia’s surge countered by Kuldeep and Axar
Phase score: Australia 76/3 [RR: 8.44, 4s/6s: 4/6]
Axar Patel’s acrobatic catch at deep square leg broke the threatening partnership.
Despite Glenn Maxwell’s brisk start, Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliance dismissed him, followed by Axar removing Marcus Stoinis.
Australia’s comfortable position quickly turned dire.
Death overs: India seals the game with controlled bowling
Phase score: 40/3 [RR: 8.00, 4s/6s: 1/2]
Australia’s slog overs faltered as wickets tumbled around Travis Head, who also perished under pressure.
With Jasprit Bumrah bowling two death overs and Axar Patel delivering a tight 16th over, Australia’s chances diminished rapidly.
Axar’s exceptional bowling mirrored his performance against Pakistan, sealing India’s victory.
Leave a Reply