India vs Australia, 4th ODI: Shikhar Dhawan returns to form with a century after 17 innings
NEW DELHI: Opener
Shikhar Dhawan
scored a brilliant century in the ongoing fourth one-day international (ODI) against Australia at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. Returning to form after a series of low scores, the swashbuckling left-hander scored his 16th ton in the ODI format. With 12 fours and one six, Dhawan reached the three-figure mark off just 97 balls in the 32nd over of the Indian innings.
Opting to bat, the Indian openers provided the home team a terrific start. Dhawan, in particular, looked in sublime touch, smashing the bowlers around the park.
The 33-year-old, who had scored 0, 21 and 1 in the first three matches of the ODI series, looked solid from the word go. Batting at a strike rate of over 105, Dhawan helped India cross the 100-run mark in 17.2 overs.
Dhawan scored his last ODI ton against Pakistan (114) in September 2018 during the Asia Cup and since then he had only two 50-plus scores in the 50-over format -- highest score being 75 not out against New Zealand in Napier.
In the match, Dhawan and Rohit also broke several records during their marathon 193-run opening stand.
The duo bettered India's opening stand against Australia surpassing their previous best (178) in Nagpur in 2013.
Dhawan and Rohit also went past 1000 runs against Australia as they brought up their 15th 100-run partnership in ODIs.
The duo also became India's second most successful opening pair, surpassing the pair Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag (4387 run) in the 50-over format.
Dhawan, eventually got out after scoring 143 off 115 deliveries while Rohit missed out on his 23rd ton after getting out on 95.
India made four changes in the playing XI with Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yuzvendra Chahal replacing
, Ambati Rayudu, Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja respectively.
Australia too made a couple of changes with Ashton Turner and Jason Behrendorff coming in place of Marcus Stoinis and Nathan Lyon.
0 Comments