Shubman Gill, who was in great form, fell victim to a quicker delivery from Adam Zampa and got out for a splendid 74 from 63 balls during the first ODI against Australia in Mohali on Friday, September 22. In pursuit of a target of 276, Gill continued his excellent batting from the recently concluded Asia Cup, reaching his fifty in just 37 deliveries.
He formed a breathtaking opening partnership of 142 runs with Ruturaj Gaikwad, who also achieved his first fifty. Just when it seemed like they might both reach centuries, Gaikwad was dismissed leg before wicket by Adam Zampa, and a run-out cost Shreyas Iyer his wicket.
After these two quick wickets, Gill, in an unusual lapse of concentration, misjudged the pace and length of a slider from Zampa while attempting a cut shot, resulting in the ball hitting his stumps. This setback reduced India from 142/0 to 151/3 in less than four overs.
You can watch the video of Gill’s untimely dismissal here:
https://twitter.com/Srkxtaylor/status/1705227877019791583?t=5gK-zNREQsLqL18XF_nW9w&s=19
Gill has showcased impressive batting form, particularly in the 50-over format, this year. He has accumulated more than 1,100 runs at an average of 70.37 and a strike rate of 104.84. This includes four centuries and five half-centuries, including a double century against New Zealand in 19 ODI matches. He was also the top run-scorer in India’s successful Asia Cup campaign, amassing 302 runs in six matches at an average of 75.50 and a strike rate of 93.49.
While Gill experienced a period of poor form during the West Indian tour, he has now regained his top form as Team India prepares for the upcoming World Cup on home soil. Earlier in the day, Indian captain KL Rahul won the toss and chose to bowl first in the scorching Mohali heat. However, Australian batsmen faced difficulties as fast bowler Mohammed Shami delivered an exceptional performance, taking 5/51 in his ten overs.
After dismissing the dangerous Mitchell Marsh in the first over, the 33-year-old also accounted for well-set Steve Smith and Marcus Stoinis. Shami completed his five-wicket haul by removing Matthew Short and Sean Abbott, restricting the visitors to a below-par total of 276 runs in 50 overs.
This performance marked Shami’s second five-wicket haul and his best bowling figures in ODIs. While Team India had initially opted for Mohammed Siraj as their second specialist seamer alongside the versatile Shardul Thakur during most of the Asia Cup, Shami has made a strong case for his inclusion in the Indian lineup.
David Warner was the highest scorer for the Australians with a well-played 52 off 51 deliveries, while Steve Smith and Josh Inglis contributed valuable scores in the 40s. In response, India currently finds themselves at 190/4 after 34 overs, with skipper KL Rahul and T20 specialist Suryakumar Yadav at the crease.
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