The Indian team looks to build momentum in the 2nd One day international against Australia to be played at iconic Eden’s Garden, Kolkata. At Chennai, the top order consisting of Rahane, Virat Kohli & Manish Pandey were dismissed cheaply which left team India in big trouble at 11 for 3.
At one point, India were 87 for 5 with Kedar Jadhav and Rohit Sharma being dismissed. Hardik Pandya and MS Dhoni added 118 runs for the sixth wicket which steadied the innings. The hard-hitting Pandya smashed the Australian bowlers to all parts scoring 83 runs in 63 balls which shifted the momentum to India. MS Dhoni again showed his experience by staying until the end with Bhuvneshwar Kumar help the Men in Blue post a competitive total of 281 for 7 in 50 overs.
It is the favorite ground for Rohit Sharma who scored the highest individual score in ODI format till date of 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014
In the bowling department, all Indian bowlers especially Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav did a brilliant job by restricting the run flow and also picking wickets at regular intervals. Jasprit Bumrah got the early breakthrough for India in the 1st ODI. Hardik Pandya also performed well with the ball taking 2 wickets. It was a great effort by team India who restricted Australia to 137 for 9 in 21 overs. Australia was given a target of 164 in 21 overs due to rain.
India should try KL Rahul as an opener in tomorrow”s match instead of Rahane. With the pitch helpful for fast bowlers, either Mohammed Shami or Umesh Yadav should be given a chance.
Australia bowled well in the initial stages taking 5 early wickets for 87. After that, the other bowlers could not put pressure on Indian batsmen and allowed the hosts to post a competitive total. In the batting department, only Glenn Maxwell played with positive intent.
Steve Smith will be playing his 100th ODI in Kolkata, tomorrow. If Australia wants to come back into the series, then David Warner and Steve Smith must fire. With rain likely to interrupt, the team that chases would get an advantage.
