India vs Australia 3rd ODI Review: Kohli’s ton goes in vain as visitors keep series alive

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After posting a mammoth total in excess of 300, Australia hung on to register a 32 run victory despite letting skipper Kohli to score a brilliant century.

Australia beat India by 32 runs in the 3rd ODI at Ranchi to register their first win and thereby keep the series alive. Skipper Kohli fought a lone battle in which he managed to score his 41st century, but eventually failed to guide his side over the finish line.

After winning a rare toss, Virat elected to bowl first. The Indian side were seen wearing camouflage caps in a heartwarming tribute to the Indian Army. Virat was soon left to rue his decision as both Finch and Khawaja went on to add 193 runs for the 1st wicket.

Usman Khawaja’s 103 along with Aaron Finch’s 93 took Australia to a commanding position. But as usual the middle order collapsed, failing to capitalize on the strong start and were suddenly seen stationed at 263-5 with 38 balls more to go.

It was Kuldeep, who had inflicted this mini collapse. After the dismissal of the openers and Maxwell, Kuldeep picked up the priced scalps of Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb in the same over. Stoinis then stitched up a crucial partnership with Carey to guide the Australian total to a respectable 313-5.

The Indian innings got off to a horrid start as they lost both their openers within the span of 5 overs. Rayudu, who accompanied Kohli at the crease too didn’t last long and fell for 2, after being castled by a superb delivery from Cummins.

Kohli waged a lone battle, lacking support at the other end. Dhoni promoted himself up the order and even played some lashing shots to entertain his home crowd. But his stay at the crease was short lived after he fell to Zampa yet again.

Kedar Jadhav tried to support the skipper for sometime at the crease. While Jadhav was picked up by Zampa on 26, Kohli kept on thrashing at the other end. His assaults in the other end looked as though he would take India home despite the falling wickets.

Trying to take on Zampa after already having scored 2 boundaries of the over, Kohli misread the line, to lose his wickets. He departed after making a stunning contribution of 123 in just 95 balls. The nature of the pitch helped him hit through the line as he left after smashing 16 fours and a six.

Following his wicket, the pair of Shankar and Jadeja got together but it was always going to be difficult from this position onwards. Needing 87 off the last 10 overs, the batsmen failed to maintain the scoring rate. In attempting to do so, they gave away their wickets cheaply, eventually surrendering to a 32 run defeat.

The trio of Zampa, Richardson and Cummins each profited with 3 wickets each. With this win the Aussies keep the series interesting and most importantly alive.

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