The Indian spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav produced a mesmerising spell as India bundle out Australia for 199 in IND vs AUS World Cup clash in Chennai on Sunday.
Ravindra Jadeja grabbed his first 3-wicket haul in ODI World Cup while Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Ashwin took 2/42 & 1/34, respectively, as Timid Australia surrendered in the middle overs. David Warner (41) and Steve Smith’s (46) brilliant 69-run partnership gave Australia hope of eyeing at a 275-run target on a slugglish Chennai pitch. However, the wicket of Warner and introduction of Jadeja changed the complexion of the innings.
Australia’s spin woes continues
Australia began the match with a run rate just above 5 runs per over in the initial 10 overs. However, their scoring momentum began to wane as the spin trio started bowling in tandem.
The Australian middle order had no answer to the questions posed by the spin trio on a turning track at the Chepauk stadium. Steve Smith’s gritty knock in a hot & humid Chennai was ended by Ravindra Jadeja who got the Australian batter for the 11th time in international cricket. Smith’s wicket opened the flood gates as Australia stumble from 110/2 to 119/5.
Australia’s run scoring in powerplays
1-20 overs – 85/2
21-40 overs – 71/5
41-49.3 – 43/3
Boosted by the Smith’s wicket, Jadeja was on song and dismissed Marnus Labuchagne (27) and Alex Carey (0) in the same over. Glenn Maxwell, who tried to take aerial route off Kuldeep Yadav was undone by low bounce and slowness of the pitch. All-rounder Cameron Green who got the ‘green’ light ahead of Marcus Stoinis didn’t stay for long as well and fall prey to Ashwin’s carrom ball.
Team India’s success with the ball also translated into a good show in the field as the team didn’t let Australia deal in singles or doubles. The pacers played their parts well and made sure India doesn’t give any breathing space to exhausted Australia.
Editors pick
