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Righto! First win for India in Rajkot in three attempts. But as the home season nears a close, one has to say, this is the best series which we have witnessed. India-West Indies came close but two teams loaded with firepower in batting and bowling have given the fans their money's worth. Now, can the final ODI enthrall us as well and end India's home season with a bang? Well, join us for another batting paradise and bowlers' demise on Sunday, 19th January 2020 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

KL RAHUL HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH. Says that he could not asked for a better start to 2020. On batting at number 5, KL says that it was a different position and he just needed a couple of balls to adjust to the situation. Is happy with the way he batted and got a few partnerships along. On his wicket-keeping, Rahul says that it is something which he has grown up doing but didn't quite get to do it as he was mostly playing first-class cricket. Ends by saying that he has been keeping for Karnataka in the domestic circuit in the last season, so he was pretty confident about his skills.

Victorious Indian captain, Virat Kohli, smiles on being asked about his batting position again. Says that it is very important to figure out what is the best batting position for a player (KL Rahul) when he is in such great form. Lauds that innings as one of his best in his opinion, in international cricket. Observes that the last few games have been very important for Shikhar Dhawan and calls him as one of India's best players in ODIs. Adds that India are always in good shape when Rohit and Dhawan are looking good and Rahul's innings here adds the icing on the cake. On Rohit's fitness after he landed awkwardly on his left shoulder, Virat says that he just had a word with his vice-captain and says that Rohit was confident of being fit for the final game. On the yorkers coming one after another at the death, VK says that the bowlers told him that this is the best chance to showcase their skill and they did. On KL Rahul's keeping, Kohli says that it is great for the team if he becomes a multi-dimensional player as it opens up a lot of options for the team.

Australian skipper, Aaron Finch, admits that it is very cold in Rajkot and he did not expect it. Agrees that his bowlers conceded a few too many but also praises the Indian batsmen. Is full of praise for Adam Zampa for his progressive improvement. Lauds Marnus Labuschagne for his wonderful display in his first innings with the bat. On Harsha joking about Smith and Labuschagne being long-lost brothers, Finch smiles and also jokes that they are always together and further says that the only time they aren't together is when they are asleep. On the main reason why the chase faltered, Aaron says that they probably lost a wicket too many with the required rate climbing up.

Earlier in the day, after being asked to bat, India put their best foot forward as they amassed 340 on the board. The top three were in top gear as they batted at a better rate than on Tuesday and the result showed, as almost 350 was reached. Australia had a tough outing with the ball again and unlike the first ODI, could not quite turn things around this time. As many as four batsmen in the match got close to scoring a century but none got there. These are the most runs in an ODI in India without an individual century.

Kuldeep Yadav says that his fingers are cold but he is fine. On his 100th ODI wicket, Yadav says that it was a tough 4-5 months after the World Cup, but he is slowly getting his rhythm back. On his mindset while bowling his last two overs, Kuldeep says that Smith and Labuschagne were batting really well and he only thought that if he got one wicket, he would get another one. On him flighting the ball and worrying the batsmen, Yadav says that the wicket was on the slower side and hence, was looking to vary his flight and pace. Is happy that his plans and hard work are being shaped into place.

India tried their best on a pitch which was not aiding the bowlers much. Bumrah was good and economical as usual while Shami and Saini took care of the wickets. They went for runs but critically, kept the wickets coming. It was the spin duo of Jadeja and Kuldeep which made the real difference, going for 123 in 20 overs for 4 wickets. Here is Kuldeep talking to Harsha Bhogle.

Australia did not get off to the best of starts chasing 341, losing Warner early, but then got a lot of partnerships after that. 62 between Finch and Smith, then 96 between Smith and Labuschagne, followed by 38 between Smith and Carey and then 38 between the two Ashtons. They had the plans in place to chase down 341, with the blueprint neatly laid down but the slow pitch hampered their execution. Smith had to play till the end and the others around him. That almost happened, till that magical 38th over where Kuldeep removed Carey and Smith. Looking at the finish, one will feel had one of them stayed till the end, we could have had a different finish.

When 644 runs are scored in 99.1 overs, you really cannot blame the captains for wanting to field first. But perhaps, Aaron Finch read it wrong a bit. The pitch did slow down a touch in the second innings and there was not enough dew to pose problems for the bowlers.

Two days, two clinical performances, two different teams. Australia were resounding in Guwahati, while India were professional here in Rajkot. That sets up a cracking finale in Bengaluru.

49.1

W

OUT! CAUGHT! The match ends and the series is levelled. Zampa backs away to the leg side, attempting to pull but Bumrah bowls it short and into the body. As a result, Zampa is cramped for room. He now looks to run it down to third man but only manages to guide it straight to the keeper. KL Rahul. INDIA WIN BY 36 RUNS.

48.6

4

FOUR! Just over! A full toss, outside off, Richo backs away and goes hard. The ball hits the toe end of his bat and just about clears a leaping Kohli at mid off. 19 from that over, an ego-booster for the tail-enders.

48.5

6

SIX! Unbelievable shot. A length ball, outside off, Richardson backs away and lofts it over mid off. Clears long off with ease! AUSTRALIA REACH 300. That is a terrific effort.

48.4

4

FOUR! That is a low full toss, around off, Richardson is early into his swing. But he adjusts well and just chips it over mid on. The timing is good and it beats long on!

48.3

4

FOUR! TONK! A length ball, following the batsman, down the leg side, Richardson backs away and swings it over mid-wicket for a boundary!

48.2

.

Full on middle, driven back to the bowler.

48.1

1

Full and outside off, driven through the covers where the fielder has made a good stop. A single taken.

47.6

.

Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.

47.5

4

FOUR! THWACK! The tail-enders are enjoying themselves. Full and in line of the stumps, Richardson backs away and hammers it straight back over the bowler. Long on tries to get across but cannot do so in time.

47.4

.

Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off.

47.3

1

Landed outside off, down to third man for a run.

47.2

1

On middle, driven through mid on for a single.

47.1

.

Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.

Jasprit Bumrah returns. 8-2-26-0 so far.

46.6

.

A terrific yorker, dug out back to the bowler.

46.5

4

FOUR! THUNDEROUS! Short and outside off, Zampa backs away and slaps it over point for a boundary!

46.4

.

Full on middle, driven towards mid on. Zampa wants the run but Starc doesn't.

Adam Zampa is the last man in.

46.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A short ball, around middle, Starc looks to pull but misses. We all feel it is a play and a miss but India appeal and the umpire raises his finger! For the third time in this inning, we have had 2 wickets in an over.

46.2

1

A full toss, on middle, punched down to long on for a single.

Kane Richardson walks in at number 10, replacing Agar.

46.1

W

OUT! LBW! Straight on to the boots. That surely must be painful for the batsman. Add double pain, with the review going down the drain. A very full ball, almost a yorker, Agar gets across to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. Saini appeals and up goes the umpire's finger. Agar has a chat with Starc and takes the review. Nothing much to help him. Impact is in line and the ball is crashing into the stumps.

Agar has been adjudged LBW. He has taken the review though, on insistence from Starc. Looks dead plumb. Where is the impact? Ball Tracker shows it to be in line. Crashing into the stumps.

45.6

1

Another yorker, around middle, dug out towards cover for one more.

45.5

1

Bunts this down to long on for another single.

45.4

1

Another yorker, around middle, dug out to the covers for one.

45.3

1

Full and outside off, pushed through the covers for a run.

45.2

1

A full toss, on middle, pushed down to long on for a run.

45.1

1

Full on middle, pushed through mid on for a single.

44.6

1

Excellent yorker, on middle, Starc is expecting it, goes back and pushes it towards cover. One single taken.

44.5

1

Around middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a run.

44.4

1

The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen have run through for a single.

44.3

1

On middle, almost a yorker, pushed down to long on for a run.

44.2

.

Outside off, on a length, Agar pushes but misses.

44.1

1

Full on off, Starc backs away and heaves this down to long on for a single.

43.6

1lb

Another leg before appeal. Turned down. Shami is frustrated. A full ball, down the leg side, Starc misses his flick and is hit on the pads. Going down the leg side.

43.5

.

Around off, defended solidly to the off side.

43.5

1wd

WIDE. Full and down the leg side, Starc misses his flick.

43.4

.

A testing bouncer, around middle, Starc is late on the hook.

43.3

2lb

So close to a hat-trick! Shami goes full, targets the stumps but the angle just takes it down. Starc is late in getting his bat down and is hit on the pads. Shami appeals but the umpire shakes his head. Every Indian fan and player looks frustrated. No review left. Here comes Ball Tracker. Missing leg!

Mitchell Starc walks in now, to face the hat-trick ball.

43.2

W

OUT! Perfect yorker and Shami is on a hat-trick. Cummins cannot do anything. He is late in getting his bat down and the ball hits the stumps.

Pat Cummins walks in.

43.1

W

OUT! BOWLED! Turner cannot turn this game around. He backs away to the leg side, looks to back away and tries to put bat on ball but misses. The ball goes beneath his bat and hits the stumps.

Mohammed Shami returns. 7-0-51-1 so far.

42.6

.

Excellent yorker, on middle, dug out.

42.5

1

Down the leg side, flicked through mid-wicket for a run.

42.4

1

The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. One run added to the total.

42.3

2

Outside off, steered behind point for a couple.

The physio is out in the middle now. This does not look good for Rohit. He is going off the field.

42.2

4

FOUR! That is a cracking shot but has Rohit hurt himself? Certainly seems so. Short and outside off, Agar cuts this in front of point. Rohit Sharma gives it a good chase from sweeper cover and dives to his right to stop the ball. Now, while diving, he lands awkwardly on his left shoulder and does not release the ball. Immediately calls for the physio. Plenty of fielders rush towards Rohit, a few to check on him, one to release the ball. The batsmen take two, then the third. Turner looks for the fourth but Agar sportingly puts his hand up to stop his partner as Rohit fell down injured. The umpire refers the fielding effort upstairs and replays show that while tumbling, Rohit's foot was touching the ropes with the ball still in hand. Boundary signalled.

42.1

4

FOUR! THUMP! A short ball, around middle, Agar pulls this behind square leg and finds the boundary.

Navdeep Saini is back on. 7-0-40-0 so far.

41.6

2

TOP EDGE, SAFE! Loopy delivery, around middle, Turner looks to slog this across the line but gets a top edge. It goes high in the air but the distance is barely past the 30-yard circle at square leg which is unmanned. Yuzvendra Chahal has to cover great ground to his left from the deep but cannot get there. Two runs taken. Kuldeep finishes with figures of 10-0-65-2.

41.5

1

Works this through the leg side for a run.

41.4

1

Short and outside off, the googly, Turner cuts it towards point and calls for a run. There is Rahul excited about a run out chance and he yells at Saini but he slips and does not throw.

41.3

1

Partner-killer! Short and outside off, Agar pulls it right back at Turner. The non-striker Ashton just ducks in the nick of time and allows the ball to go to long on. A run taken.

41.2

.

No clue at all. This is a leg spinner, pitched around middle and then spinning away. Agar looks to work it to the leg side but misses. Excellent keeping from Rahul.

41.1

1

Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to bowl out. 9-0-59-2 so far. Long on, deep mid-wicket, deep backward square leg, deep point and long off. All ringing in the perimeter.

40.6

.

Another yorker, dug out back to the bowler. Normally, a bowler struggles to come back after going for a boundary on the first ball. But not this bloke. 4 from the first, 2 from the next 5. Amazing.

40.5

1

Short and outside off, punched through the covers for a single.

40.4

.

Outside off, pushed straight to cover.

40.3

1

Excellent yorker, targetting the stumps, Agar somehow gets his bat down in time. The outside edge is eked but it goes slightly wide of Rahul. A run taken.

40.2

.

Around middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.

40.1

4

FOUR! That is excellent timing! Full and outside off, Agar goes back and cuts it behind point. Navdeep Saini starts to run to his left from third man but gives it up within 5 paces.

POWERPLAY 3 time. 5 fielders allowed outside the circle but neither side will care. The game is just drifting along and unless someone plays a blinder, everyone knows that it is just a matter of time before 1-1 is the series scoreline.

39.6

2

A short ball, pulled wide of mid-wicket for a couple.

39.5

.

Excellent yorker on middle, Turner digs it out back to the bowler. Shami leaps and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Replays show that Turner would have been short had that hit!

39.4

1

This time he connects with the short ball and pulls it away for a run.

39.4

1wd

WIDE. A short ball, down the leg side, Ashton looks to pull but misses.

39.3

.

A bouncer, on middle, Agar lets the ball go over him.

39.2

1lb

NOT OUT. Comfortably missing leg. Surprising review from Shami. Kohli had no clue, he just trusted his bowler. That looked not out to the naked eye itself. Full and swinging down the leg side, Turner missed his flick and was hit on the pads. Shami appealed and instantly urged Kohli to go for the review. Keeper Rahul was not sure but the skipper went with his bowler. Ball Tracker shows it to be missing leg. The review loss will not hurt India but questions the judgement of the bowler.

LBW REVIEW. Shami is confident, Rahul is not. Kohli goes with his bowler.

39.1

2

A short ball, pulled through mid-wicket. Chahal does a good stop but releases the ball pretty late. The batsmen take the second on the throw.

He is ringing the changes now, Kohli. Brings back Mohammed Shami to give him a chance to improve his figures. 6-0-45-1 so far.

38.6

1

Outside off, tapped to the off side. Turner calls through for a quick single and Agar responds but is late. Bumrah gets across and looks to underarm his throw but fails to collect. Ashton Agar could have been in trouble.

38.5

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES. Down the leg side, a bit too straight, Turner looks to flick but misses. The ball goes off his pads to the fine leg fence.

38.4

1

Full on middle, Agar drives this straight back. Bumrah gets down to stop but cannot do so cleanly. A single taken.

38.3

.

This is another slower one, outside leg, Ashton looks to tuck it to the leg side but is squared up by the off cutter. Gets an outside edge which does not carry to the keeper.

38.2

.

Landed outside off, Ashton plays inside the line and is beaten.

38.1

1

Around middle, worked through mid-wicket for a single.

Kohli looking to finish this off. Jasprit Bumrah returns. 6-2-17-0 so far.

37.6

.

Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover. Two runs and two wickets from the over. A game-changing over.

Ashton joins Ashton in the middle. Agar walks out at number 7, replacing Smith.

37.5

W

OUT! BOWLED! Dragged on. Is that the game? India certainly think so. We certainly feel so. Kuldeep is pumped up. He was not that great throughout the game but in his 9th over, he has delivered two massive blows. The wrong 'un, outside off, Steven goes back to punch but gets a thick inside edge onto the stumps. The crowd erupts in joy. Australia probably are thinking about the flight timing to Bengaluru. 120 more needed from 73 balls. This one's gone, let's plan for the decider on Sunday.

37.4

.

Nicely bowled by Kuldeep, lobbed through the air, slowing the pace down. Smith comes down the track and looks to flick but is not to the pitch of the ball. Gets a leading edge to cover.

37.3

1

Short and outside off, the googly, punched through the covers for a single.

Ashton Turner walks in next at number 6, replacing Carey. A slip in place for him.

37.2

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Another dangerous-looking stand is broken. 100TH ODI WICKET FOR KULDEEP YADAV. His first in this game and it is a big one. Full and outside off, Carey backs away to the leg side and looks to go aerial over cover. But he cannot find the elevation. What he finds instead, is the man at cover. And he does not drop many catches. Virat Kohli ends the quickfire 42-run stand. 121 more needed from 76 balls.

37.1

1

Around off, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.

36.6

1

A short ball outside off again, SS looks to back away and cut but gets a bottom edge. It bounces just wide of the stumps and goes to the right of Rahul. A run taken.

36.5

.

A short ball outside off, Steven looks to pull but misses.

36.4

.

Around off, defended solidly.

36.3

4

FOUR! What a shot. Fractionally short in length, outside off, Smith flays this behind point. The ball races away. Point does not move, neither does third man. The stand moves to 40 from 34 balls.

36.2

1

Around middle, tucked through square leg for a run.

36.1

1

Full and down the leg side, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.

Navdeep Saini returns. 6-0-33-0 so far.

35.6

.

Oohhh... that skids off the deck. The leg spinner, around off, Carey looks to punch but mistimes it to point.

35.5

1

Full and around off, pushed towards cover for one more.

35.4

1

Short and in line of the stumps, punched to sweeper cover for a run.

35.3

1

Comes down the track now, is not to the pitch of the ball and skews it towards long on for a single.

35.2

.

Down the leg side, Steven looks to sweep but misses and is hit on the pads. Kuldeep appeals but in vain. Looked to be going down the leg side. Replays show an inside edge as well.

35.1

.

Floated around leg stump, Smith is down the track early and has to adjust to defend.

34.6

1

Punched off the back foot by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.

34.5

6

SIX! THRASH! Full and outside off, Smith gets down and slog sweeps this massively over mid-wicket!

34.4

.

Around off, punched towards short mid-wicket.

34.3

1

Goes way down the leg side, Jadeja follows him and Carey works it past short fine leg for a run.

34.2

1

The batsman dances down the track. The batsmen have run through for a single.

34.1

1

Short and around leg stump, Carey rocks back to the leg side and punches it straight to point. He has mistimed it, so it is just a single. 200 UP FOR AUSTRALIA. 141 more needed from 95 balls.

33.6

2

Dropped short, stays low, Smith pulls this through mid-wicket for a couple. 13 from the over.

33.5

3

Good fielding by Navdeep Saini. A short ball, Alex pulls it through mid-wicket. The fielder in the ring dives but misses it. The ball races to the ropes but Saini gets across and sticks out his left foot to stop the ball. Very risky. Could have hurt himself. He runs two yards extra beyond the ropes due to the momentum and that allows the batsmen to come back for the third.

33.4

6

SIX! A mishit but it will stay hit. 147 more needed from 98 balls. Full and outside off, Carey gets down, reaches out and attempts the slog. He does not like it because the connection is not sweet. It is flat, mistimed but has enough on it to sail over long on.

33.3

.

Ooohh... that was close! Full and outside off, the wrong 'un, Carey initially thinks about the pull. But then he realizes that the length is not ideal for that. He adjusts quickly and tries to push it through the off side but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.

33.2

1

Comes down the track and drives it through mid off for one more.

33.1

1

Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a single.

32.6

1

On middle, pushed through mid on for a run.

32.5

.

Full and outside off, Carey looks to play the reverse sweep but misses and is hit on the gloves.

32.4

1

The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single.

32.3

.

Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.

32.3

1wd

WIDE. Full and down the leg side, Smith misses his paddle.

32.2

.

Full and around off, Smith drives this straight back. It is uppish but the ball does not carry to the fielder.

32.1

1

Full and outside off, reverse swept to point for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. Right. Where are we? Right in the middle of a well-played game. It would have been right in the balance had the master and disciple been playing together but Labuschagne's wicket has just tilted the balance in India's favour. It is all up to Smith now and with the required run rate slowly reaching the roof, he will need someone to play a blinder. Kohli has played his cards perfectly. In the 18 allotted overs remaining, he has 4 left for Bumrah, 4 for Saini and 2 for Jadeja. In the pending 8, he has 4 each for Shami and Kuldeep, both being a touch expensive tonight. He will look to get those two out of the way quickly, before this partnership starts to build. If a wicket falls, nothing better.

31.6

1

Outside off, punched through the covers to retain the strike.

31.5

1

Flicks this away for one more.

31.4

.

Full and around off, driven back to the bowler.

31.3

1

Now, the conventional sweep is played. It goes towards short fine leg where Jasprit Bumrah charges in as the batsmen take the single. But at the last moment, he looks up and fumbles. Now, Smith wants the second but is sent back.

31.2

.

Landed around middle, Carey reverse sweeps this but finds short third man. Wants a single but is sent back.

31.1

1

Full and around off, worked through mid on for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav is back on. 5-0-37-0 so far.

30.6

.

Around off, pushed to the off side. 7 runs and a wicket from the over, Jadeja's figures read 8-0-44-2.

Alex Carey walks in at number 5, replacing Labuschagne.

30.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Taken in the deep. Jadeja breaks the 96-run stand. The master and his disciple are separated. Full and outside off, Labuschagne comes down the track and looks to go inside out. But Jadeja smartly slows the pace down. As a result, Marnus has to reach out a bit to play that shot and miscues it. So, instead of the ball going to cover, it goes to wide long off. Mohammed Shami is stationed there and accepts the catch. India get an opening. 163 more needed from 115 balls.

30.4

1

Punched off the back foot by the batsman. One run added to the total.

30.3

4

FOUR! JUST WIDE! Full and outside off, Smith comes down the track and hammers it straight back. The bowler sticks out his right hand but the ball whizzes past.

30.2

1

Comes down the track and pushes this down to long on for a single.

30.1

1

Full and outside off, Smith drives it towards cover and sets off for a quick single. The throw comes in at the keeper's end but Rahul disturbs the stumps before the throw arrives. Would not have mattered. Labuschagne was well in.

29.6

.

A short ball, down the leg side, Marnus looks to hook but misses. Bumrah appeals for the catch but the umpire shakes his head.

29.5

.

Action replay of the previous delivery.

29.4

.

Outside off again, played straight to point.

29.3

1

Outside off, punched through the covers for a run.

29.2

1

The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. They pick up a single.

29.1

1

Landed outside off, steered to third man for a single.

28.6

1

The batsman has driven it through mid on. The batsmen have run through for a single.

28.5

1

Shimmies down the track and hits it down to long on for one more.

28.4

1

Full and on middle, Steven comes down the track and pushes it down to long on for a run.

28.3

.

NOT OUT. Umpire's call! Boy, Smith looked confident right from the start but that was closer than a hair's breadth. The arm ball, around middle, Steven got back to flick but missed and was hit on the pads. It looked very close and Jadeja was confident. But the umpire shook his head. Rahul, Jadeja and Kohli got together for a chat and eventually, the skipper took the review. Ultra Edge showed a spike when the ball passed the bat but there was a big gap between bat and ball. Now, Ball Tracker comes. It shows the ball to be hitting the outer half of leg stump! Umpire's call has saved Smith here.

That looks plumb. But umpire Kettleborough has chosen to keep his finger down. Smith is the man in question. India take the review. Ultra Edge shows a spike when the ball goes past the bat but there is a massive gap between bat and ball. Ball Tracker shows the ball to be clipping leg stump. Smith survives!

28.2

1

Pushes this down to long on for a run.

28.1

1

Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single.

27.6

.

Outside off, punched straight to cover.

27.5

.

Around off, worked towards short mid-wicket.

27.4

4

FOUR! BEAUTY! There is just no substitute for that shot. Full and around off, Labuschagne drives this straight back to where it came from. Past the bowler, through mid on where the fielder has no chance. Hold the pose for the cameras, Marnus! 178 more needed from 134 balls.

27.3

1

Down the leg side, flicked through fine leg for one.

27.2

1

Landed outside off, chopped down behind point for a run.

27.1

1

Outside off, punched through the covers for a single.

Kohli goes for the kill. Jasprit Bumrah is back on. 4-2-7-0 so far.

26.6

4

FOUR! Goes up and over! Full and wide outside off, Labuschagne reaches out and lofts it over cover for a boundary.

26.5

.

Outside off, punched towards cover. The bowler rushes to his left but misses. Kohli dives to his right and misfields but mid off mops it up.

26.4

1

Slower ball, around middle, SS goes back and works it with soft hands through mid-wicket for a run.

26.3

.

Hat-trick of dots. Pressure building and the crowd realizes that. Roars and cheers. Full and outside off, Steven drives this straight to cover this time.

26.2

.

Outside off, this is driven straight to point.

26.1

.

Full and around middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.

25.6

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

25.5

1

Outside off, punched through the covers for a run.

25.4

.

How did that miss - A. Inside edge. B. Pad. C. Leg stump? Majority of the Indian fielders have their hands on their hips. Virat Kohli cannot suppress his smile. A length ball, on middle, Steven gets across and looks to flick but misses. That was not far from points a, b or c.

25.3

.

Around off, defended from the crease.

25.2

.

Outside off, punched straight to cover.

25.1

.

Full on middle, pushed straight to mid on. Shami collects and fires a throw at the bowler's end. The ball deflects to mid-wicket and Labuschagne wants the overthrow but his teacher sends him back.

24.6

1

Around middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a run. 150 UP FOR AUSTRALIA. 191 more needed from 150 balls.

24.5

.

Outside off, punched straight to cover.

24.4

4

FOUR! Wrong line and Smith gets it fine. Down the leg side, Smith just helps it past short fine leg and Shami's pursuit is in vain.

24.3

.

Much quicker through the air, albeit short in length, Steven looks to cut but misses.

24.2

.

Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.

24.1

1

A touch short, around off, punched down to long on for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja returns. 4-0-21-1 so far.

23.6

1

On middle and leg, flicked past mid-wicket for one more. 6 singles from that over.

23.5

1

Short and wide outside off, slapped but straight to Shreyas Iyer at sweeper cover. Just one.

23.4

1

Goes for the yorker but just misses it by a fraction. It is full and Labuschagne flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. 199 more needed from 158 balls. The stand moves to 60 from 51 deliveries.

23.3

1

The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.

23.2

1

Landed outside off, steered through third man for a run.

23.1

1

Around off, pushed through point for a single.

Navdeep Saini is back on. 4-0-26-0 so far.

22.6

.

Wasn't there a nick? No one thinks so. Quicker one outside off, Labuschagne looks to cut but misses. There seems to be a noise when the ball goes past the bat but no excitement shown by Rahul.

22.5

4

FOUR! TAKE THAT! Full and around off, Labuschagne gets down and sweeps it powerfully through mid-wicket. Manish Pandey dives to his left there, gets a hand to it but the ball escapes him.

22.4

2

Full and down the leg side, Labuschagne gets down and looks to play the paddle. Just about gets it over Rahul and beats Rohit Sharma at short fine leg. Now, Rohit mimes a throw without even collecting the ball. Isn't that barred? Anyway, no one notices it. Chahal gets to the ball from fine leg and the batsmen return for the second.

22.3

.

Nicely flighted outside off, driven straight to cover again.

22.2

.

The googly now, outside off, short in length, punched straight to cover.

22.1

.

Landed outside off, coming in slightly, punched back to the bowler. Kuldeep goes to his left to collect and collides into Smith.

21.6

1

50-RUN STAND IS UP! In just 41 balls. A length ball, around off, Labuschagne tucks it through square leg and retains the strike. 209 more needed from 168 balls.

21.5

1

More of the wristiness comes into play, as Smith works this through mid-wicket and rotates the strike.

21.5

1wd

WIDE. A short ball, well outside off and a bit too high as well. Wided for height.

21.4

.

Full and around off, clipped straight to short mid-wicket.

21.3

1

A length ball around off, tucked through square leg for a run.

21.2

.

Outside off, punched off the back foot.

21.1

1

A short ball around off, Smith looks to pull but is not in control of the same. He gets a top edge but luckily for him, it is wide of the man running to his left from deep backward square leg. A single taken.

20.6

1

HALF CENTURY FOR SMITH! His 24th in ODIs. But Australia need more. Down the leg side, Steven tucks it towards fine leg to get to that milestone.

20.5

1

Down the leg side, tucked through fine leg for one more.

20.4

1

Around off, spinning in, wristily whipped through mid-wicket for a run.

20.3

1

Outside off, pushed down to long off for a single.

20.2

.

Huge shout for LBW but the umpire straightaway looks down. Full and outside off, Marnus gets down to sweep but misses and is hit on the pads. Replays seem to show that the impact is outside off but the Ball Tracker shows the impact to be umpire's call.

20.1

2

Full and around leg, Labuschagne paddles it through fine leg for a couple.

19.6

4

FOUR! Edgy! Australia won't care though how they come as long as they do. Shorter and outside off, Smith looks to push it through the off side but it goes off the outside edge. It is fine on the off side and a boundary results. Once again, like many a times today, the last ball spoils the over. Shami continues to be expensive.

19.5

1

One more single! This is outside off, it is guided down to third man for one.

19.4

1

A slower one but it is shorter in length. Smith works it through square leg for one.

19.3

1

Good fielding! Shorter and outside off, Labuschagne uses the pace and guides it towards third man. Kuldeep runs to his left and does well to stop. A single taken.

19.2

1

Shorter and on middle, Smith works it through square leg for one.

19.1

1

Shorter and outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.

Change in bowling! Mohammed Shami returns.

18.6

4

FOUR! SPANKED! Full and outside off, Smith gets down and mows a slog sweep. It is wide of mid-wicket in the deep and he gets a boundary. The stand moves to 30 from 23 balls. 229 more needed from 186 balls.

18.5

1

Full and wide outside off, Labuschagne reaches out and slaps it through mid off for one.

18.4

1

Full and around off, tucked through fine leg for a run.

18.3

.

Around middle and off, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.

18.2

1

Full and around off, swept through mid-wicket for a single.

18.1

1

A touch short, the googly, around off, worked through mid-wicket for a single.

A slight delay. Marnus Labuschagne is getting his right arm taped. Not sure what happened. But we are ready to resume.

17.6

.

A dot to end one more good over for the Aussies. On off, it is pushed back to the bowler.

17.5

1

An arm ball now, it comes in with the angle. Smith looks to hit it against the angle but it goes off the inner half down to long on for one.

17.4

4

FOUR! Top shot! A back foot punch through the off side, one of the toughest shots to play. Slightly shorter and around off, Smith pushes it through covers and it races away to the fence.

17.3

1

Misfield and a run! This is on off, Labuschagne pushes it to the left of the bowler. Kohli dives to his right from short extra cover in an attempt to stop it but ends up pushing it towards mid off. One taken.

17.2

2

Good running! Labuschagne has started off really well here. He rocks back this time to this slightly short delivery. He gets it through point and takes two.

17.1

1

On off, this is pushed through covers for one.

16.6

2

A couple to end! Plays the paddle sweep, he had to get bat to that or he was a goner. Hits it nice and fine and collects two.

16.5

4

FOUR! A confident shot for his first boundary in ODIs. This is nicely tossed up on off, it is slightly fuller. Labuschagne lofts it over mid off and bags a boundary.

16.4

.

Slightly behind a driving length, it is played to covers.

16.3

1

Slightly shorter and on middle, Smith goes back and works it through square leg for one.

16.2

1

On middle, ML works it with the turn through mid-wicket for one.

16.1

1

Well fielded! India have their tails up here! This is floated up outside off, Smith drives it towards cover-point. The fielder there dives to his left and saves at least two. Just the one run.

15.6

.

A dot to end a successful over from Jadeja. This is tossed up on off, Labuschagne hits it nicely to covers.

15.5

1

Uppish but just wide! This is flatter and around off, Smith looks to drive but the ball grips in the surface. It then goes uppishly to the left of Jadeja. He dives but it is out of reach. A single down to long off.

15.4

1

One more single to long off this time from the bat of Labuschagne.

15.3

1

Smith now takes one as he eases it to long off.

15.2

1

Gets off the mark on the first ball itself as he strokes it with the turn down to long off for one.

Marnus Labuschagne walks out to bat. On his debut, he has been brilliant in the red ball format, can he do something special here?

15.1

W

OUT! STUMPED! The Australian skipper has been ruled out and Jadeja has given a massive breakthrough. The 62-run stand is broken. Beautifully flighted outside off, Finch reaches out to go inside out. But he misses the ball. While doing so, his foot is dragged out of the crease. That is enough for Rahul as he quickly whips the bails off and appeals. It is referred upstairs but both the parties seem to think that it is out. The third umpire has numerous looks at the replays. The foot is definitely on the line when the bails are dislodged, but where was the ball collected? There seems to be a bit of a confusion when the bails are dislodged as to whether the ball is collected in front of the stumps. But eventually, the third umpire rules it out. Australia needed to press the accelerator but India have struck at the right time. 259 more needed from 209 balls.

Stumping appeal referred upstairs! Is Finch gone? His reaction seems to suggest. The gloves are off and he is sort of half-walking back to the pavillion. Here comes the replay. The foot is on the line when the bails are dislodged. But the question is - Where was the ball collected? In front of the stumps, or behind? 'It is very tight' says the third umpire. Eventually, he gives it in favour of the Indians.

Change of ends for Ravindra Jadeja.

14.6

2

Another couple to end! This is floated up on off, Smith looks to go over mid off but does not get the connection right. It clears the fielder who runs back, collects the ball and keeps it down to two. 8 from the over.

14.5

1

On the pads, it is worked through square leg for one.

14.4

2

Off the inner half! This is tossed up outside off, Finch looks to go big, it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for two.

14.3

.

Nicely bowled! Slower through the air outside off, Finch looks to sweep but misses.

14.2

1

Plays the paddle scoop, it is hit fine on the leg side so a single.

14.1

2

A couple to begin Kuldeep's first! On the pads, it is worked through square leg. Away from the fielder in the deep and two is taken.

Kuldeep Yadav is on now! He replaces Jadeja.

13.6

2

Two to end! So 6 from the last two balls means it is a good over for the visitors. On the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

13.5

4

FOUR! That raced to the fence! 50-run stand up and an important one as they lost Warner early and the two have steadied the ship. Shorter and on the body, Finch gets on top of the bounce and pulls it through backward square leg for a boundary.

13.4

1

Shorter and outside off, Smith uses the pace and guides it through backward point for one.

13.3

1

A single! Shorter and around off, Finch guides it towards point for one. Finch is finding it difficult to score runs here.

13.2

.

A huge shout! India are thinking about a review but then don't take it! Full and on the pads, Finch looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and goes to Rahul who takes it with a dive. An appeal from the bowler, Rahul is celebrating. Nothing from the umpire. Kohli has a word with his keeper but then they don't review.

13.1

.

Stays low! However, there is no foot movement from Finch. It is outside off, Finch looks to cut away from his body but misses.

12.6

.

A dot to end a good over by Jadeja. This is on middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.

12.5

.

On off, this is hit back to the bowler.

12.4

2

A couple! This is angled into the pads, Smith works it behind square on the leg side and takes two.

12.3

1

Very full and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

12.2

.

Angled into the pads, Finch looks to flick but misses. Jadeja makes a huge appeal but he is the only one doing so.

12.1

.

On middle, Finch pushes it to covers.

11.6

1

Outside off, punched down to mid on for a quick run. Kuldeep is the man there, taking his own sweet time to release the ball.

11.5

.

A bouncer on middle, Finch looks to pull but misses.

11.4

1

RUN OUT CHANCE MISSED! Direct hit was needed. Smith works this to the left of mid-wicket and sets off for a quick single. Rohit Sharma gets across to his left and back-flicks it to the bowler's end. He misses the stumps while the bowler fumbles as well. Direct hit would have surely got Smith.

11.3

1

Outside off, punched through mid on for a single.

11.2

.

Landed outside off again, Finch backs away and plays a loose shot through the off side, only to get beaten.

11.1

.

Landed outside off, tapped straight to backward point.

10.6

1

Five singles in the over! On middle, Finch taps it towards cover for one.

10.5

.

Shortens his length this time, Finch pushes it covers.

10.4

1

One more single down to long on this time by Smith.

10.3

1

Angled into the pads, Finch plays it towards short mid-wicket. He dives to his left and gets a hand to it but can't stop the run.

10.2

1

Gives it air and lands it on middle, Smith hits it down to long on and takes one.

10.1

1

Loopy ball on off, this is eased down to long off for one.

Ravindra Jadeja into the attack. Very interesting phase coming up. Will Australia target him?

Fielding restrictions lifted! Time for Powerplay 2. 4 fielders now allowed outside the 30-yard circle, till the 40th over.

9.6

.

A dot to end! Another big over for the Aussies. They are 55 for 1 after Powerplay 1. Decent start for them. Another 286 is needed in 240. This is fuller and on middle, Smith hits it to mid on.

9.5

4

FOUR! Straight down the ground! Third boundary in the over and runs flowing now. Fuller and around off, Smith creams it past the fielder at mid off and it races away to the fence.

9.4

.

Back of a length and on off, kept out.

9.3

4

FOUR! Another boundary! Consecutive ones for Australia. It is full and on the pads, Smith loves it there. He flicks it uppishly towards the square leg fence. Bumrah in the deep runs to his left, gets to the ball but lets it through. Poor effort by the pacer. 50 up for Australia.

9.2

4

FOUR! That is a lovely shot! Brilliant use of the wrists. Just uses the pace of the bowler. It is on middle, Smith works it through square leg and the ball races away to the fence.

9.1

.

This is angled into the middle pole, it is on a length. Smith pushes it to mid on.

8.6

1lb

A leg bye to end! 10 from this over. A good one and a much-needed one for Australia. On the pads, Smith looks to work it on the leg side but misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. One run taken.

8.5

1

A single now! This is angled into the batter, Finch works it through backward square leg for one.

8.4

.

Slightly fuller than the last ball and on middle, Finch pushes it to mid off.

8.3

4

FOUR! Second boundary in the over! Shami has not started well here. He bangs it short and on the body. Finch swivels and pulls it to the right of fine leg.

8.2

.

On the off pole this time, Finch looks to hit it through the off side again but it goes off the inner half back to the bowler.

8.1

4

FOUR! Australia will hope this breaks the shackles! A little bit of room outside off, it is shorter. Finch guides it past point and it races away to the fence.

Change of ends for Mohammed Shami.

7.6

1

Good running! Back of a length and on off, Finch pushes it to mid off for one. End of a tidy over from Saini.

7.5

1

On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

7.4

.

Inside edge but does not carry! Length and outside off, this one stays a touch low. Smith looks to push it through the off side but it stays low, hits the inside edge and goes towards the keeper.

7.3

1

Good running! Back of a length and on off, Finch drops it towards the off side and takes one. When boundaries are not easy to come, rotation of strike becomes important.

7.2

.

Closer to the off pole this time and on off, Finch plays it towards point.

7.1

.

Extra bounce! Shorter and outside off, Finch hops and looks to cut but there is extra bounce. He gets beaten.

Navdeep Saini is on now!

6.6

.

Two maidens in a row for Bumrah. Brilliant from him. The last ball is on off, Smith pushes it to mid off.

6.5

.

Shorter and on middle, Smith ducks under it.

6.4

.

10 dots in a row for Bumrah! On a length and around off, Smith opens the face of the bat and plays it towards cover-point.

6.3

.

Back of a length delivery and on off, Smith pushes it back to the bowler.

6.2

.

Length delivery and on off, Smith strokes it to covers.

6.1

.

Back of a length and on off, SS pushes it to covers.

5.6

.

A dot to end! On middle, kept out.

5.5

1lb

OUCH! That must have hurt! A short one on middle, it does not bounce a lot. Smith looks to pull but misses to get hit on the body. It rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

5.4

.

A huge shout but not given! A little too high and also the impact seemed to be outside off. It is on a length and around off, Smith shuffles across and looks to defend but misses to get hit high on the pads. An appeal but the umpire shakes his head.

5.3

3

Uppish but over the fielders in the ring! Lack of timing again. It is fuller and around off, Finch lofts it over covers. Pandey from covers runs after it, slides and pushes it back in. The fielder from short covers does the mopping up job. Three taken.

5.2

2

Two taken! Poor from Kuldeep! This is shorter and outside off, it is guided towards third man. They take one. Kuldeep fumbles, seeing that Finch goes for the second and completes it.

5.1

1

India are using the tactics New Zealand used! They have a short backward square leg in place. Just like Wagner, Shami bowls it short. Smith pulls, he hits it uppishly but wide of that fielder there. It goes towards fine leg for one.

4.6

.

A maiden over! Finch is on 1 run of 15 balls. Shorter and on off, Finch pushes it to covers.

4.5

.

Almost drags it on! Shortish and outside off, a little too close to cut. Finch tries to do so but ends up getting an inside edge. It goes just past the off pole.

4.4

.

Finch is very disappointed he did not put that away! It is short and outside off, Finch guides it to point.

4.3

.

Excellent delivery! Bumrah is causing a lot of problems for Finch here. This one comes back in a long way from outside off. Finch hops and tries to keep it out but gets hit high on the thigh pad.

UNDER-19 WORLD CUP UPDATE - Not a day to remember for the Proteas. They are the hosts for this tournament but have started their campaign on a sorry note. In the very first match of the World Cup, they have been stunned by Afghanistan. Bowled out for a paltry 129, South Africa could not do much as they were trounced by 7 wickets and 25 overs to spare!!!

4.2

.

Back of a length and on middle, defended.

4.1

.

On the fuller side and attacking the stumps. Finch plays it towards covers.

3.6

1

A single to end the over! On the pads, Finch works it wide of mid on and takes one.

3.5

1

A little too straight, Smith works it towards fine leg and a run is taken. SS is off the mark.

3.4

.

One more short ball, Smith evades it.

3.3

.

Good length and on off, kept out.

3.3

1wd

A bumper to welcome the new batter. It is down the leg side. Left alone, wided.

Steven Smith walks in at no.3.

3.2

W

OUT! TAKEN! Pandey has taken a one-handed blinder. WOW! That is something special to dismiss a player in special form. This should make Pandey feel a lot better, he did not do a lot with the bat but this effort could be a very vital contribution. India have struck early and it is Warner who was looking good in the little balls he faced. This is short and outside off. Warner slaps it hard, he does not keep it down. He must have felt he has got another boundary to his name. Pandey though at covers, times his jump to perfection, stretches right hand upwards and takes it. The Indians are pumped up. Just the start they would have wanted.

3.1

4

FOUR! Too short and Warner does not have any problem dealing with it. The timing is not quite there but still a boundary. Short and outside off, Warner drags it over mid-wicket and it races away to the fence.

2.6

.

BEATEN! A testing over from Bumrah comes to an end. This is shorter and outside off, Finch looks to push it through the off side but the ball straightens and whizzes past the outside edge.

2.5

.

Finch misses out there! This is short and outside off, Finch creams it but straight to point.

2.4

.

Inside edge! Bumrah gets this one to jag back in a long way from outside off. Finch looks to drive it against the movement through the off side but gets an inside edge to mid-wicket.

2.3

.

Lovely stuff! Bumrah goes wide of the crease and angles it into the off pole. He gets it to straighten after pitching. Finch looks to drive but misses.

2.2

.

Another inswinger. This time he gets it to tail back in from outside off. Finch looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

2.2

5wd

FIVE WIDES! Bonus runs! Bumrah looks to bowl the big booming inswinger. He though starts from middle, it keeps going away. Finch looks to flick but misses. Rahul dives to his left but fails to stop it.

Navdeep Saini is getting some treatment outside the boundary ropes. India are playing with 5 main bowlers and the Indian skipper would hope that this is not something major. Also, Shikhar Dhawan has not taken to the field and Yuzvendra Chahal has come on as a substitute for him.

2.1

1

A little too straight, Warner works it towrads fine leg for one.

1.6

.

Back of a length and on off, kept out. An expensive first over by Shami.

1.5

3

Three! It is shorter in length and outside off, Warner helps it over mid-wicket. He manages to drag it in that region. Saini hares after it and pushes it back before it crosses the rope. Three taken. Saini though is seen holding his ankle, he is back on his feet and is seen walking off the field.

1.4

.

The batsman works it down the leg side.

1.3

.

Shorter in length and on middle, Warner drops it on the off side. Finch wants a run but is sent back in time.

1.2

4

FOUR! The timing! No Indian fielder even gave it a thought of chasing. First boundary of the chase. It is on a length and around off, Warner creams it through extra cover and it races away to the fence.

1.1

2

Two! On the pads, errs in line does Shami. Warner flicks it through square leg and two is taken.

Mohammed Shami to bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

He is this time tempted into the drive. A full ball outside off, Finch looks to drive away from the body but the ball shapes away, beats the outside edge and goes to the keeper. Just a single from the over, a good one for the Indians.

0.5

.

In the channel outside off, the ball shapes away further after pitching. Finch is not lured into the drive as he lets it be.

0.4

1

Warner and Australia are underway! A length ball on middle, Warner works it towards square leg for a single.

0.3

.

Play and a miss! A shortish length ball pitched outside off. It angles away from the bat as Warner looks to drive away from the body t get beaten.

0.2

.

Another length ball on the stumps, Warner tucks it towards the leg side of the wicket off his back foot.

0.1

.

Bumrah starts with a length ball on middle, Warner blocks it out off the back foot.

Time for the run chase! The Indian players are getting final instructions from the skipper in a huddle. David Warner and Aaron Finch, the two Aussie openers, walk out to the middle too. Jasprit Bumrah will start the proceedings for the Indians. Here we go...

Now, 340 is a very good score but the wicket is looking really good for batting and the Australian openers showed what they are capable of when they chased down 256 inside 38 overs in the first ODI. One might say that the Indian bowling was slightly off-color in that game and they would look to turn things around here in Rajkot. Interesting to see how the run chase pans out.

Shikhar Dhawan is caught for a quick chat. He starts by saying that he did not know that he was on 96 but he is happy with how he and Kohli batted. Praises Rahul for ending the innings well. Adds that they needed to attack the bowlers and that's what they did. Goes onto say that Rahul showed great composure and calmness. On the pitch, Dhawan goes onto say that it is a good wicket and they need to bowl right lines and lengths. Finishes by saying they have added an extra pacer and it is going to be a different ball game altogether.

As far as the Australian bowling is concerned, it looked really off color at the start with Starc and Richardson going for runs. It was Adam Zampa who provided the breakthrough for the Aussies when he removed Rohit Sharma in the 14th over of the innings. He kept bowling tight lines and length from his end and did not allow Indians to score briskly. He finished with a 3-fer and once again dismissed Virat Kohli. However, he did not get enough support from the other end and the Indians managed to build a few good partnerships. The hosts slammed 91 runs in the final 10 overs that is good enough to describe how things panned out in the death overs for them. Although they will be disappointed not to cross the 350-run hurdle.

A tight final over from Mitchell Starc but India would feel happy with the total they have put on the board after being asked to set the target. They started really well with Rohit and Dhawan adding 81 runs for the opening wicket. Indian skipper joined Dhawan out in the middle and both took the team to an even better position as they added 103 runs between them. Dhawan fell just 4 short of a well-deserved ton. Kohli raked up his half ton and added 78 runs with KL Rahul to propel India. Australia bounced back with quick wickets but KL Rahul with his brilliant 52-ball 80 took India to 340.

49.6

1

Short ball outside off, Jadeja punches it to the cover region and takes a single. Brilliant last over for Australia. Only 5 runs have come from it. INDIA END ON 340/6.

49.5

1

Yorker on off, Shami looks to dig it out but gets an inside edge which goes towards the leg side. The batters take a single.

Mohammed Shami walks in next. 2 balls left.

49.4

W

OUT! RUN OUT! Rahul has to depart after playing a terrific innings. He does not even wait for the umpire's decision and starts walking. Short ball on middle, Jadeja backs away and then looks to pull but misses. Rahul wants the bye and takes off. Carey collects and has a shy at the stumps. He hits. The third umpire is called and the replays show that even the dive did not save Rahul as he is way short of the crease.

Is KL Rahul struggling? He thinks so as he keeps walking. He wanted to steal a bye but Carey hit the stumps with his under arm throw. The third umpire has been called for and the replays show that he is short.

49.3

1b

BYE! Short ball down the leg side, Rahul makes room for himself and looks to pull but misses. The batters manage to take a bye.

49.2

1

Short ball on middle, Ravindra pulls it but finds the deep mid-wicket fielder. Only a single.

49.1

1

EDGY BUT SAFE! Good length ball on off, Rahul looks to heave it away to the leg side but gets a top edge. It lands in no man's land and the batters take a single.

48.6

1

Short ball on middle, Rahul works it to deep square leg for a single.

48.5

4

FOUR! Excellent batting! Full delivery on middle,, Rahul flicks it nicely to the fine leg region. Agar comes across, slides but is unable to stop the ball from reaching the fence.

48.4

6

SIX! Nicely played! Another short one outside off, Rahul makes room and plays it uppishly over the point fielder for a biggie.

48.3

.

Play and a miss! Short delivery on middle, Rahul looks to heave it away but fails to get any bat on it.

48.2

2

Short delivery outside off, Rahul swats it towards deep square leg and takes a couple.

48.1

1

Back of a length ball on middle, Jadeja makes room and then pushes it to cover for a single.

Pat Cummins to bowl the penultimate over of the innings. 9-1-9-39-0 from him so far.

47.6

1

Full toss on the pads, Jadeja misses out as he flicks it to fine leg for a single. 11 runs have come from this over.

47.5

1

Short ball on middle, Rahul pulls it to fine leg for a single.

47.4

1

Fullish on middle, Jadeja works it to mid-wicket for a single.

47.4

1wd

WIDE! Length ball down the leg side, Jadeja lets it go to the keeper. It is wided. Rahul wants to steal the bye but Rahul says no.

47.3

2

Full toss on middle, Jadeja looks to flick but it goes off the inside half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for a couple before the fielder can come across and clean it up.

47.2

1

Back of a length ball on off, Rahul taps it to the deep point region for a single.

47.1

4

FOUR! That is some shot from KL Rahul! Good length ball outside off, Rahul guides it past the point fielder for a boundary. Good start to the over for India. 1000 runs for Rahul in ODIs.

46.6

2

Full delivery on middle and leg, Jadeja times his flick perfectly towards deep square leg and calls Rahul for a couple. Richardson is done for the day. He finishes with 10-0-73-2.

46.5

1

Another slower one, this one is full on off, Rahul taps it to point for a single.

46.4

1

Shorter on off, Jadeja stands tall and pulls it to deep square leg. Only a single.

46.3

1

Slower short ball on off, Rahul waits for it and then pulls it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.

46.2

1

Fullish on off, Jadeja drives it to long off for a single.

46.1

2

Slower delivery on middle, Jadeja flicks it to deep square leg region. The fielder comes across and throws it to the keeper but Jadeja is quick and manages to come back for the second. Jadeja is warned again for running on the pitch.

45.6

1

Short delivery around the leg stump line, Jadeja pulls it to fine leg for a single

45.5

1

Short delivery on middle, Rahul pulls it to the leg side for a single.

45.5

1wd

Full delivery down the leg side, Rahul lets it go to the keeper. Wide signaled.

45.4

6

SIX! Sensational batting! Not easy to hit these balls and Rahul has done it with ease. Full delivery outside off, Rahul nonchalantly lifts this over the extra cover region for a biggie.

45.3

4

FOUR! Nicely played from Rahul! 6th Fifty for KL Rahul! Low full toss outside off, Rahul hammers it through the cover region. The fielder comes across and dives the ball goes onto touch the ropes.

45.2

1

Short of a length ball on middle, Jadeja looks to defend but gets hit on the gloves and then it rolls to the point region. The batters take a single.

45.1

1

Full delivery outside off, Rahul drives it to deep cover for a single.

Mitchell Starc is back into the attack. 7-0-48-0 are his figures.

44.6

1

Fullish delivery on off, Rahul drives it to cover and takes a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. Jadeja was in though.

44.5

1

Outside off, Jadeja cuts it to the deep point region for a single.

44.4

.

Back of a length ball on off, Jadeja pushes it to the point region. Jadeja wants the single but is sent back. He has been warned to not run on the pitch as well by the umpire.

44.3

4

FOUR! Gets off the mark with a boundary. Good length ball down the leg side, Jadeja just helps it on its way to the fine leg region for a boundary.

44.2

1

Short delivery outside off, Rahul pushes it to point and crosses over for a single.

Local lad Ravindra Jadeja comes in now.

44.1

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and India are struggling yet again in the death overs. Richardson gets his second. Short of a length ball on off, Pandey looks to pull but does not get any timing on it. It lobs up way in the air towards deep mid-wicket. Ashton Agar runs in from deep mid-wicket and takes a simple catch.

43.6

1

On the pads again, this time Pandy works it behind square leg for a single. Agar finishes with 50/3 in his 10 overs.

43.5

1

Full and around off, Rahul tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

43.4

1

Full and around off, pushed to mid off for a single.

43.3

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

43.2

1

Shortish ball on middle, Rahul works it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Manish Pandey replaces his skipper out in the middle.

Australia have got the massive wicket of Virat Kohli in time. They will now look to restrict the Indians to as smaller a total as possible. Interesting few overs coming up.

43.1

W

OUT! Caught! Brilliant stuff from Agar and Australia have got the big fish. A floated ball on middle, Kohli looks to smash it over the bowler's head for a maximum. He does not time it too well and gets more height than the distance. Agar from long off runs across, keeps his eyes on the ball and pouches it well. He though feels that the momentum will take him over the ropes so he throws the ball towards Starc who comes from long on. Starc does not make any mistake there and pouches it to safety. The umpires get together and refer the decision upstairs. After checking multiple replays it is clear that this is a clean catch which means Kohli will have to keep walking. End of a very good hand from the Indian skipper but the Aussies would be really happy seeing his back.

Adam Zampa to bowl out.

42.6

1

Full delivery on off, Kohli defends it to cover and crosses over for a single.

42.5

1

Short delivery on middle, Rahul pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

42.4

2

Good length ball on off, Rahul makes room and then slides it towards the deep cover region for a couple.

42.3

.

What happened there? Good length ball down the pads, Rahul looks to play the paddle scoop but gets hit on the thigh pad. He does not know where the ball is and then sees the ball is rolling towards the stumps and pushes it away.

42.2

1

Slower short one on off, Kohli pulls it to long on for another run.

42.1

1

Short of a length ball outside off, Rahul punches it to deep cover and collects a single.

Kane Richardson is back on. 7-0-52-1, his figures so far.

41.6

2

Floated on middle, Kohli whips it to the deep mid-wicket region and calls Rahul for a couple. Brilliant running. 13 runs from the over.

41.5

1

The batsman plays a pull shot to this short delivery. The batsmen have run through for a single.

41.4

2

Nicely fielded! Short of a length ball on off, Rahul cuts it to deep point where Labuschagne comes across and makes a good sliding stop. The batters take two.

41.3

6

SIX! Thrashed! Agar tosses this one up on leg, Rahul hammers it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

41.2

1

On middle, Kohli punches this down to long and picks up another single.

41.1

1

Floated on middle and leg, Rahul works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Ashton Agar is back on. 7-0-50-0 from him so far.

40.6

1

Full and outside off, Rahul eases a single through mid off. 8 from the over.

40.5

1

On the pads, it is worked behind square leg for a single.

40.4

4

FOUR! Slammed! Full and outside off, Kohli gets in the position and slogs it using his bottom hands. The ball goes to the deep mid-wicket fence all along the ground.

40.3

1

Quicker one on middle, Rahul works it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

40.2

.

Floats it on off, Rahul looks to defend but the ball takes the inside edge onto the pads.

40.1

1

Full and on middle, Kohli pushes it to long on for a single. 250 up for India with that run.

Powerplay 3 time! Maximum of 5 fielders can be stationed outside the 30-yard circle till the end of the innings. Also, Adam Zampa is back into the attack. 8-0-38-1 are his figures so far.

39.6

4

FOUR! Nicely done! 50-run stand is up between the two as well. A short of a length ball on the hips, Rahul swivels and pulls it to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

39.5

1

Good length ball angled into the batsman. Kohli works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

39.4

1

On off on a shortish length, tapped through covers for a single.

39.3

1

Around off, this time Kohli pushes it to deep point for a single.

39.2

.

Run out chance goes abegging! A direct hit was needed. Short of a length ball around off, Kohli taps it towards point and then thinks off a single. Rahul takes off from the other end but Kohli quickly says no. Smith picks the ball and throws it towards the bowler but the throw is not a good one and Rahul returns safely.

39.1

1

Full and on middle, Rahul whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Kane Richardson is back into the attack. 6-0-44-1 are his figures so far.

38.6

.

Full and around off, this time Kohli pushes it straight to the man at covers.

38.5

1

Around off, pushed to sweeper cover for a single.

38.4

4

FOUR! Kohli had missed out a couple of balls earlier but Rahul takes full toll to this short and wide delivery outside off. He goes on the back foot and slams it through point for a boundary.

38.3

1

Full and on middle, it is eases for a single through mid on.

38.2

.

Short and wide outside off, Kohli looks to cut off his back foot but misses.

38.1

1

Slightly short and on off, Rahul taps it through cover-point for a single.

37.6

1

A quick run to end the over! A good length ball on off, Rahul taps it closer to the stumps. The ball goes behind and before Carey can get to the ball, the batters cross over.

37.5

.

Around off on a length, Rahul taps it to point.

37.4

1

A back of a length ball on middle, Kohli pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

37.3

.

That kept low! Both the bowler and the batsman exchange smiles. A good length ball outside off, Kohli looks to defend but the ball goes to to the keeper under his bat.

37.2

.

Length ball angled into the batter, Kohli keeps it out.

37.1

1

Length ball on the pads, Rahul works it to fine leg for a run.

36.6

2

Outside off, Kohli rocks back and cuts it towards the deep point region. The fielder comes across to clean it up but does not manage to stop the batters to take a couple.

36.5

.

Flatter one on middle, Kohli defends it back to the bowler.

36.4

1

Floated on off, Rahul pushes it to deep cover for a single.

36.3

1

Short ball on off, Kohli punches it to long on for a single.

36.2

1

Looped up ball on middle, Rahul taps it to point and crosses over a single.

36.1

1

Full and on middle, Kohli pushes it for a single through mid off.

Ashton Agar back on. 5-0-37-0 are his figures.

35.6

.

Length ball around off, Rahul defends it off the back foot. 9 from Cummins 8th over.

35.5

1

Full and outside off, Kohli guides it to third man for a single.

35.4

.

Length ball on middle, this time Kohli tucks it towards square leg.

35.3

.

Good length ball around off, Kohli keeps it out.

35.2

4

FOUR! Through the off side this time. Brilliant batting. Cummins once again bowls it full and just outside off, Kohli creams it through the extra cover region for another boundary. That looked really classy.

35.1

4

FOUR! Whipped! Full and outside off, Kohli moves towards the off side and whips it to mid-wicket using his wrists. No chance for anyone there.

Pat Cummins is back on. 7-1-27-0 are his figures so far.

34.6

.

Full and around off, it is defended.

34.5

1

FIFTY UP FOR THE INDIAN SKIPPER! 56th half ton in the ODIs. A very calm and composed innings from him so far and he would look to score a big one. He gets there by nudging this full ball on the stumps towards long on. He failed in the first ODI but one cannot keep the best batsman in the world quite for too long.

34.4

1

On the pads, it is worked behind square leg for a single.

34.3

1

Full and outside off, Kohli strokes it to deep cover for a single. He moves to 49 with that run.

34.2

1

Very full ball on off, Rahul pushes it through mid off for a single.

34.1

1

Shortish ball on middle, Kohli turns it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

33.6

1

Full and outside off, pushed to deep cover for a single. 12 from the over.

33.5

4

FOUR! Smashed! A short ball outside off, Kohli stays on the back foot and punches it through covers for a boundary.

33.4

1

Shortish ball outside off, Rahul taps it through covers for a single.

33.3

.

Length ball on the pads, Rahul works it back to the bowler.

33.2

2

Slightly short and around off, Rahul taps it through point and bags a couple now.

33.1

4

FOUR! Full and outside off, Rahul leans into the drive and creams it through the covers to bag his first boundary. 200 up for the Indians with this boundary.

32.6

1

On the pads, Rahul works it towards square leg for a single to get off the mark.

32.5

.

On off, Rahul pushes it towards covers.

KL Rahul walks in next.

UNDER-19 WORLD CUP UPDATE - Yes, that tournament is going on as well. In fact, it kicked off at the same time when Pat Cummins was charging in to bowl the first over of the match today. Hosts South Africa are taking on Afghanistan and please, brace yourselves. Because the Afghans have bundled the Proteas out for a paltry 129! Well, this is going to be a shocker for many...

Drinks! Australia are making a good little comeback here. After a brilliant partnership between Dhawan and Kohli, the Aussies have managed to pick up two quick wickets and now they would be looking to restrict the Indians. The hosts now would depend on Kohli to stay out there and get them to a huge score as this looks like a pretty flat track.

32.4

W

OUT! Knocked over! Iyer misses out another opportunity. Change of ends works wonders for Zampa. He floats this one around off and middle, Iyer looks to smash this one over long on but misses. The ball goes, kisses the pads and then goes behind to shatter the stumps. A needless shot from Iyer and he will be gutted as he trudges off. Zampa has his second wicket.

32.3

.

Full and around off, Iyer looks to go hard at the ball but mistimes it towards covers.

32.2

.

Short and outside off, Iyer cuts it well but finds the point fielder.

32.1

1

Full and around off, Kohli smashes it down the ground. The ball goes to Zampa on the bounce who cannot collect the ball cleanly as it goes to mid on and a run is taken.

Adam Zampa has a change of ends. 6-0-31-1 are his figures.

31.6

.

Shortish and wide outside off, Iyer throws his bat at it but gets an under edge. The ball rolls towards the off side for nothing.

31.5

.

Full and on off, it is pushed to covers.

31.4

.

Bangs it short and outside off, Iyer guides it towards point.

31.3

1

Shortish ball around off, Kohli guides it to the man at third man for a single.

31.2

.

Fuller and outside off, Kohli strokes it to mid off.

31.1

2

Starc starts the new spell with a ball on the pads, Kohli nudges it behind square leg and scampers back for a couple.

Mitchell Starc is back on. 5-0-33-0, his figures so far.

30.6

.

Good length ball around off, Iyer taps it towards the off side and thinks off a run but Kohli says a loud no.

30.5

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Iyer sways away from it.

30.4

4

FOUR! This time he hammers the short ball. Richardson bangs it short and outside off, Iyer waits on the back foot and then drags the pull to the deep mid-wicket fence.

30.3

.

A slower bouncer, it is outside off. Iyer lets it be.

30.2

2

Driven nicely! Overpitched and outside off, Iyer drives it through the covers and wide of the sweeper in the deep. A couple of runs taken.

30.1

1

Shortish ball just outside off, Kohli taps it to third man off the back foot for a single.

29.6

.

Floated on off, Iyer punches it to cover. Good over from Zampa as only three runs have come from it.

29.5

1

Flighted one on middle, Kohli works it to the leg side for another single.

29.4

1

Floated on off, Iyer taps it to the cover region and takes a single to get off the mark.

29.3

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

29.2

.

Just short! Very lucky is Shreyas Iyer! Floated ball on middle, Iyer looks to push but does so uppishly. Zampa though is late in getting down and the ball falls just short of him.

29.1

1

Floated one on off, Kohli drives it to deep cover for a single.

Adam Zampa returns. 5-0-28-1 are his numbers so far.

28.6

.

Length ball on middle, Iyer defends it to the leg side.

28.5

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around off, Iyer sways away from it.

No KL Rahul at no 4 then. It is Shreyas Iyer who walks in next to join skipper out in the middle.

28.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! What happened there? Richardson is surprised as to how he managed to get that wicket. It is a pretty innocuous delivery really and it should have been put away. Short delivery down the leg side. Dhawan pulls it but finds Mitchell Starc to perfection at fine leg. Kohli looks disappointed as he shakes his head at the non-strikers head. Dhawan has to go after playing a majestic 96 and deserved a ton.

28.3

4

SIX! Hammered! Slower one on middle, Dhawan waits for it and thrashes it over the bowler's head for a biggie. 100-run partnership is between the two.

28.2

1

Slower delivery on middle, Kohli works it to square leg for a single.

28.1

2

Short delivery outside off, Richardson punches it through covers for a couple.

Bowling change! Kane Richardson is back on. 4-0-30-0 from him so far.

27.6

4

FOUR! Ruins a good over! Only 3 had come from the first 5 balls and this has made it 7. Full delivery down the leg side, Dhawan moves into the 90s by just helping it on its way to the fine leg region for a boundary.

27.5

1

Loopy delivery on off, Kohli drives it down to long off for a single.

27.4

1

Short ball on middle, Dhawan pulls it uppishly and it lands in front of the deep mid-wicket fielder. A single taken.

27.3

.

Low full toss on middle, Dhawan flicks it to mid-wicket.

27.2

.

Full toss on middle, Dhawan pushes it back to the bowler.

27.1

.

Good delivery! Floats this one up on off, Dhawan comes down the track and looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

26.6

1

On the pads, it is worked behind square for a single. 12 from the over. Indians are not allowing the spinners to settle in.

26.5

.

Stifled appeal from the bowler but nothing from the umpire. Lands around off , Dhawan looks to defend but the ball hits the inner half of the bat. Agar makes an appeal but nothing from the umpire.

26.4

4

FOUR! A dragged down one from Agar, Dhawan rocks back and pulls it to the deep square leg fence. Poor ball from Agar and Dhawan is in good rhythm to miss out on these.

26.3

6

SIX! Massive! First biggie of the game. A loopy ball on middle, Dhawan comes down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and hammers it over deep mid-wicket for half a dozen.

26.2

.

Full and outside off, Dhawan skips down the track and pushes it to mid off.

26.1

1

Around off on a shortish length, Kohli runs it down to short third man gently and takes a quick run.

25.6

.

Flatter one on middle, Dhawan is quick to get his bat down in time and does so towards cover. There is an appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head. 8 runs have come off Labuschagne's first. Probably, they felt that it was pad first and then the pad.

25.5

1

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. They pick up a single.

25.4

1

Short delivery on middle, Dhawan pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

25.3

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Kohli works it towards deep square leg for a single.

25.2

1

OHH! Just over. Floated on off, Dhawan looks to drive but takes the bottom half of the bat and goes uppishly towards the bowler. Marnus jumps but it goes over and the ball rolls towards long off. A single taken.

25.1

4

FOUR! Welcome into the attack, Mr. Labuschagne! Short ball outside off, Dhawan cuts it nicely through the point region for a boundary.

Part-timer, Marnus Labuschagne, is into the attack now.

24.6

1

Short of a length ball on middle, Dhawan works it to the leg side to keep strike for the next over.

24.5

4

FOUR! Reverse sweep this time from Dhawan! Flighted on middle, Dhawan revers sweeps this one down to the third man region to pick up another boundary.

24.4

4

FOUR! Swept away nicely. Floated on middle, Dhawan bends on his knee and slog sweeps it in between the deep mid-wicket and deep square leg fielder for a boundary.

24.3

1

Floated one on off, Kohli defends it to cover and takes a single.

24.2

.

Flatter one on middle, Kohli stands tall and defends it back to the bowler.

24.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Kohli pushes it back to Agar.

23.6

.

Good length ball on middle and leg, Dhawan works it to mid-wicket for nothing.

23.5

2

Full delivery on the pads, Dhawan plays the pick-up shot towards deep mid-wicket. Labuschagne from deep square leg runs across and gets to the ball on the bounce. Two taken.

23.4

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Dhawan sways away from it. Given one for the over.

23.3

.

Good length ball on off, Dhawan pushes it down to mid off.

23.3

1wd

Short ball down the leg side, Dhawan looks to pull but misses. It is wided by the umpire.

23.2

1

The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single.

23.1

1

Full delivery down the leg side, Dhawan flicks the ball and it rolls wide of Carey. The batters steal a single.

22.6

1

Loopy delivery on middle, SD works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

22.5

.

Floated one on the pads, Dhawan looks to flick bu8t misses to get hit on the pads.

22.4

1

On middle, punched down to long on for another run.

22.3

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Dhawan works it to the leg side for a single.

22.2

1

Flat one on off, Kohli punches it to long off for a single.

22.1

1

Flatter one on the pads, Dhawan flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

21.6

1

Full delivery on the pads, Dhawan flicks it to fine leg for a single. 50-run stand is up between the two.

21.5

4

EDGY FOUR! Just wide of the keeper. Short delivery outside off, Dhawan looks to cut but gets an outside edge. Carey behind the wickets sticks his left hand out to catch but the ball evades him and goes to the third man fence.

21.4

1

On the pads, Kohli flicks it to fine leg for a single.

21.3

.

Short of a length ball outside off, Kohli punches it to cover off the back foot.

21.2

1

FIFTY! 29th one for Dhawan in ODIs. Back-to-back in this series. He missed out on a hundred in the previous game but can he convert it here? He gets to the milestone by pushing this length ball to cover and taking a single.

21.1

1

Starc starts with a good length ball on the pads, Kohli whips it to fine leg for a single.

Mitchell Starc returns. 3-0-20-0 from him so far.

20.6

1

The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single.

20.5

1

Floated ball on middle, Dhawan comes down the pitch and lifts it towards mid on. The fielder collects it on the bounce and the batters take a single. Moves to 49 with that single.

20.4

.

Looped up ball on middle, Shikhar works it to mid-wicket.

20.3

.

On middle, defended out onto the pitch by Dhawan.

20.2

.

Flat one on middle, Dhawan dances down the track and pushes it back to the bowler.

20.1

1

Floated on middle, Virat drives it to long on for a single.

19.6

.

Very full delivery on the pads, Dhawan will feel that he missed out on that as he just flicks it to the short fine leg fielder.

19.5

1

Shorter of a length delivery on middle, Kohli punches it down to long on for a single.

19.4

1

Flatter one on middle and leg, Dhawan works it to the deep square leg region for another run.

19.3

1

Short delivery on middle, Kohli whips it to deep mid-wicket and crosses over for a single.

19.2

.

Flatter delivery outside off, Kohli cuts but finds the point fielder.

19.1

1

Floated on off, Dhawan prods forward and then drives it to long off for a single.

18.6

1

Flatter one on middle, Dhawan works it to deep square leg for a single. 9 have come off Agar's first.

18.5

1

The batsman has driven it through mid-off. The batsmen have run through for a single.

18.4

2lb

LEG BYES! Floated ball on the pads, Kohli looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls to fine leg and the batters take a couple of leg byes before the fielder comes after it and cleans it up.

18.3

1

Loopy delivery outside off, Dhawan pushes it to the deep cover region for a single.

18.2

4

FOUR! Beautiful batting from Dhawan! Full delivery outside off, Dhawan lunges and just caresses the ball through the cover region for a boundary. Marnus Labuschagne comes across to cut it off but fails to reach it on time.

18.1

.

Agar starts with a flatter one on off, Dhawan defends it out.

Ashton Agar comes into the attack now.

17.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Kohli defends it back to the bowler. 8 runs have come from the over.

17.5

1

Flighted ball on off, Dhawan dances down the track and drives it to long off for another single.

17.4

1

Floated on off, Kohli pushes it to deep cover and crosses over for a single.

17.3

4

FOUR! Short of a length from Zampa. Kohli rocks on his back foot and then pulls it to the backward square leg region for a boundary.

17.2

1

Floated on off, Shikhar pushes it to the cover region and takes a single.

17.1

1

Low full toss outside off, Kohli drives it to long off and takes a single. 100 up for the hosts.

16.6

.

BOUNCER! Cummins bowls this one around middle, Dhawan does well to sway away from it.

16.5

.

Fuller one on off, Shikhar defends it to cover.

16.4

1

Short ball outside off, Kohli guides it towards third man for a single.

16.3

.

Length ball on off, Kohli defends it to gully.

16.2

4b

FOUR BYES! Short ball around middle, Kohli looks to pull but misses. Carey hops, goes at it with both hands but fails to collect it. The ball rolls to the fine leg fence for four byes.

16.1

1

Full delivery on middle, Dhawan works it wide of mid on for a single.

15.6

1

Flatter one on middle, Dhawan works it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.

15.5

1

Full delivery on middle, Kohli drives it down to long on for another run.

15.4

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Dhawan flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

15.3

1

On off, Virat pushes it to deep cover for a single.

15.2

2

Floated on off, Kohli prods forward and drives it through covers. Labuschagne runs across from deep point, slides and makes the stop. The batters only take two. The umpires check whether Marnus has managed to clean it clearly and the replays show that it is.

15.1

.

Flatter one on off, Kohli punches it to cover.

Drinks! India have started well. Australia won't be unhappy too as they got rid of dangerous Rohit just before this mini-break. However, Shikhar Dhawan is still out there and is looking really good. The Indian skipper has just joined him out in the middle at his regular no. 3 batting position and would look to build another stand. The Aussies, on the other hand, would look to keep chipping away at wickets and have the scoring rate under check. Interesting second hour awaits.

14.6

.

On middle, Dhawan solidly defends it to the cover fielder.

14.5

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Dhawan ducks under it.

14.4

1

Length ball on middle, Kolhi whips it to deep square leg for a single.

14.3

4

FOUR! Sumptuous! Kohli's cover drive has arrived in Rajkot. Can watch this shot all day long. Cummins goes full and outside off, Kohli lunges forward and creams the drive through the covers for a boundary. First one for him in this innings.

14.2

.

Length ball just outside off, Kohli moves a hint to the offside and keeps it out.

14.1

.

Good length ball outside off, Kohli looks to drive away from his body without moving his feet. He makes no connection though. A risky attempt that from the Indian skipper so early on in his innings.

Pat Cummins is back on. 5-1-20-0 from him so far. A slip in place for him.

13.6

.

Loopy one on middle, flicked to mid-wicket.

13.5

.

The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot.

13.4

1

Floated on middle, Kohli drives it to deep cover to get off the mark for a single.

The crowd roars as they see the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, walking out to the middle at his regular no. 3 spot.

13.3

W

OUT! LBW! All reds and a waste of a review from Sharma and India. This is a big, big wicket as Rohit can be dangerous and he had just started to get going. Floated ball from Zampa on off, Sharma looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads. He falls on the ground in the process. Zampa and the rest appeal for LBW and the umpire agrees with them as he raises the finger. Rohit does not look happy and after discussing with Dhawan, he goes for the review. The Ultra Edge rolls in and it confirms there is no bat on it. The Ball Tracker rolls in and it shows that it is pitching in line and going on to hit the middle stump. The Hitman has to go and takes the only review with him. He was just 4 runs away from reaching the 9000-run mark in ODIs.

Rohit has been given out but he has taken the decision upstairs. That looked really close. He had a long chat with his partner and then took the call. The Ultra Edge arrives a little late but it does and shows that there's no bat. Now, the Ball Tracker, three reds it is as the ball is hitting the middle stump. Rohit has to go and he takes the lone review with him too.

13.2

4

FOUR! Rohit Sharma has started to make a move on now. Floated on off, Sharma lunges and sweeps it towards the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.

13.1

1

Full delivery on middle, Dhawan drives it past the bowler and towards long off for a single.

12.6

.

Good length ball on off, Rohit taps it to point for nothing.

12.5

1

On a length on middle and leg, Dhawan flicks it to backward square leg and collects a single.

12.4

1

Length ball on middle, Sharma whips it to square leg for a single.

12.3

4

FOUR! Slapped! This is Rohit Sharma at his best. Short delivery outside off, Sharma dances down and swats it towards the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.

12.2

1lb

Short ball on the pads, Dhawan looks to pull but misses to get hit on the thigh pad. The ball rolls to the leg side and the batters steal a leg bye.

12.1

1

Short and outside off, Rohit waits on the back foot and runs it down to third man for a run.

11.6

1

On the pads, Rohit works it towards short third man and takes a quick single. 4 from Zampa's first over.

11.5

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

11.4

1

Full and around off, SD guides it towards point and takes a single.

11.3

.

Hit very hard but on the stumps at the non-striker's end. A full ball around off, Dhawan drills it straight down the ground but demolishes the stumps. That would've been a certain boundary.

11.2

1

Misfield and a run. Full and around off, Rohit pushes it towards mid off where the fielder misfields and allows a single.

11.1

.

Fires it on the stumps, it is pushed towards mid on.

11.1

1wd

WIDE! Zampa starts with a full toss on the pads, Rohit looks to sweep but does not get any connection. Called wide.

Spin for the first time today! Adam Zampa is into the attack.

10.6

4

FOUR! Poor bowling from Richardson. He bowls it short and without much pace on middle, Dhawan goes on the back foot and pulls it to the deep square leg for another boundary.

10.5

1

Full and on off, Sharma pushes it to sweeper cover for a run.

10.4

.

Shortish and outside off, Rohit rides the bounce and strokes it straight to covers.

10.3

1

Short and outside off, SD goes back and guides is to fine leg for a single.

10.2

1

Goes wide and outside off on a good length, Rohit runs it down to third man for a single.

10.1

2

A couple of runs! That was not from the middle of the bat though. Richardson bowls it short and outside off, Rohit looks to hammer it over mid-wicket but does not time it well. It goes towards mid-wicket uppishly but bounces well away from the fielder. A couple of runs.

Powerplay 2 has been signaled. Maximum of four fielders can be now stationed outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over.

9.6

1lb

On the pads, it is worked behind square leg for a single. 55/0 at the end of 10 overs.

9.5

.

Landed around off on a length, it is defended off the back foot.

9.4

.

Length ball angled into Rohit. He gets his bat down in time to work it towards mid-wicket.

9.3

.

Good length ball around off, bounces a bit extra. Rohit keeps it out off his back foot.

Shikhar Dhawan seems to have hurt himself near the rib cage. He is lying on the ground and the physio is out there to have a look at him. Let's hope that he is fine.

9.2

1

Oouch! Dhawan is looking in the pain. That would've hurt. A shortish length ball on the body, Dhawan hops and looks to tuck it around the corner. However, he misses and the ball goes straight into the ribs of Dhawan. He takes the leg bye as the ball goes towards fine leg. But once he reaches at the bowler's end, he goes down on the ground. The umpire has given it as a run.

9.1

1

Full and on the pads, Rohit flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

8.6

1

Around off, it is worked towards square leg for a single.

8.5

.

Length ball around off, Richardson rolls his fingers on this one, Rohit reads it well and keeps it out.

8.4

1

Quick single! A full ball on the pads, SD tucks it to the left of the bowler and takes off for a run. Richardson runs after the ball and looks to pick up and throw but he cannot do so. Had he picked the ball and hit the stumps with the throw, Dhawan would've been in trouble. A risky run this.

8.3

1

50 up for the Indians. A ball on the pads of Sharma now, he nudges it towards square leg and takes a single. An excellent start for the Indians.

8.2

4

FOUR! Poor ball and punished! Short and outside off, enough room for Rohit to slash it through cover-point. Once it beats the fielder, the ball races to the fence.

8.1

.

Slightly shortish and around off, Rohit pushes it towards covers.

7.6

4

FOUR! Whipped! Another over that closes with a boundary. Cummins strays on the pads of SD on a fuller length. Dhawan flicks it firmly to the deep square leg fence.

7.5

1

Fullish and around middle, Rohit tucks it to right of the mid-wicket fielder. Before the fielder can get to the ball, both the batters change their ends.

7.4

.

Length and around off, Rohit taps it onto the pitch and thinks of a run but Dhawan is not interested.

7.3

1

Edgy single! A good length ball just outside off, Dhawan looks to drive but the ball takes the outside edge and goes to third man for a single. A slip there would've made things a touch interesting.

7.2

.

Good length ball around off, Dhawan this time pushes it to point.

7.1

.

Full and outside off, Shikhar drives it well but straight to mid off.

Pat Cummins has a change of ends. 3-0-12-0 are his figures so far.

6.6

4

FOUR! Timed it superbly! Richardson bowls it on the pads on a length, Rohit flicks it to deep square leg fence. The short fine leg fielder chases the ball but comes second. 7 from Richardson's first over.

6.5

1

On the pads, SD works it towards mid-wicket and takes a run.

6.4

.

Length ball outside off, Dhawan comes forward and pushes it to mid on.

6.3

.

In the channel outside off, Dhawan initially wanted to play at it but at the last moment pulled his bat away.

6.2

1

Length ball outside off, Rohit guides it towards short third man where the fielder makes a diving stop but a single is taken.

6.1

1

Richardson starts with a length ball on the pads, Dhawan works it in front of square leg for an easy run.

Kane Richardson comes into the attack for the first time today.

5.6

2

A couple to end the over! Slightly shortish ball on middle, Rohit looks to pull but mistimes it towards mid-wicket. Before the fielder can get to the ball, the batters take two.

5.5

.

Good length ball on middle, Rohit looks to pull but misses to get hit high on the pads.

5.4

2

Dropped! A tough chance for Smith though. A short ball outside off, Rohit cuts it towards point uppishly. Smith there dives to his right and tries to catch with his one hand. The ball hits his hand and goes behind. A couple of runs taken.

5.3

.

Full and around off again, RS pushes it towards covers.

5.2

4

FOUR! Glorious! Full and around off from Starc, Rohit leans into the shot and times it brilliantly. It races to the fence through the covers.

5.2

1wd

WIDE! Stars errs his line and bowls it down the leg side. Rohit looks to flick but misses. Wided by the umpire.

5.1

.

Back of a length ball around off, it is defended.

4.6

2

Overthrow! Full and on middle, Dhawan pushes it towards mid on and takes a run. Richardson from mid on picks the ball and has a shy at the batter's end. He hits the stumps and the ball goes to fine leg and an overthrow has been conceded. Needless.

4.5

.

Beaten! Nicely shaped away with the angle. Cummins pitches it just behind good length and outside off, Dhawan looks to push it towards the off side but misses.

4.4

.

Landed on a length around off, Dhawan looks to cut but ends up chopping it on the off side.

4.3

.

Shortish length ball from Cummins. It is angled away from the left-hander. Dhawan without any feet movement looks to cut but misses.

4.2

1

Length ball angled into the batter, Rohit tucks it towards deep square leg for a run.

4.1

.

Loose shot! A good length ball outside off, Rohit looks to pull but misses as the ball keeps a touch low.

3.6

.

Full and around off, Dhawan pushes it towards covers.

3.5

4

FOUR! Flicked away! Starc misses his line and bowls it full on the pads, Dhawan easily flicks it to fine leg. The fielder is there and he moves across and then sticks his right hand to stop the ball but he cannot do so and the ball eventually goes to the fence.

3.4

.

Around off on a good length, Dhawan looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

3.3

2

Excellent effort in the deep from Cummins! A short ball outside off from Starc, Dhawan slashes it through point. Cummins from third man runs across and makes a diving stop. A couple of runs for Dhawan.

3.2

.

Low full toss just outside off, Dhawan looks to drive it towards the off side but the ball takes the inner half of the bat and goes to mid on.

3.1

.

Shortish length ball around off, Shikhar rides the bounce and taps it towards point.

2.6

.

Length ball on the pads, it is worked towards short fine leg. So, after a maiden, Cummins bowls a 9-run over.

2.5

4

FOUR! Rohit gets off the mark now and in some style! Cummins sprays on the pads of Rohit. Sharma needs no another invitation as he flicks it to deep square leg fence, No chance for the fine leg fielder to cut it off.

2.4

1

Length ball on the pads, Shikhar nudges it behind square to take a single.

2.3

.

In the channel outside off on a shortish length, Dhawan watchfully lets it go to the keeper.

2.2

4

FOUR! This time he finds the gap through the off side. Cummins goes full and gives room outside off, Shikhar slams it past the diving cover fielder. It races to the fence in a jiffy.

2.1

.

Cummins bowls his first ball to the left-hander and delivers it fuller and around off, SD strokes it well but straight to mid off.

1.6

1

Full and on the pads, Shikhar flicks it nicely but straight to fine leg, so just a single. 5 from Starc's first over.

1.5

.

Goes wide on a slightly fuller length, Dhawan though throws his bat at the ball without any feet movement. He does not make any connection though.

1.4

.

Good length ball around off, this comes back in a hint as Dhawan looks to work it towards the leg side but misses to get hit high on the pads.

1.3

.

Fuller and on middle, Dhawan pushes it to mid on.

1.2

.

Good length and on middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.

1.1

4

FOUR! Dhawan is off the mark in style and India open their account too. Timed it brilliantly. A fuller length ball around off, Dhawan leans into the drive and strokes it past the bowler and into the long off fence.

Mitchell Starc will bowl with the second new ball from the other end.

0.6

.

Goes full and around off and middle, Rohit looks to defend but the ball takes the outer half of the bat and goes to covers. A maiden to start the innings. Excellent stuff from Cummins, hardly any movement in the over though.

0.5

.

A good length ball around off, Rohit this time stays on the back foot and taps it onto the pitch on the off side. Good tight lines these from Cummins so far. Can he finish it well?

0.4

.

Fullish and around middle and leg, Rohit pushes it towards mid on.

0.3

.

This time bowls it slightly fuller and just outside off, Rohit comes forward and pushes it towards covers.

0.2

.

Another ball on the stumps line, Rohit easily nudges it towards mid-wicket.

0.1

.

Cummins starts with a good length ball and angles it into the pads. Rohit brings his bat down in time to turn it towards square leg.

We are all set to get underway!!! Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are making their way out to the middle followed by the Australian players. Pat Cummins will start the proceedings for the visitors.

India (Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul (WK), Virat Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey (In place of Rishabh Pant), Ravindra Jadeja, Navdeep Saini (In place of Shardul Thakur), Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.

Australia (Unchanged playing XI) - David Warner, Aaron Finch (C), Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey (WK), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa.

Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper, says that they also would've bowled first. Tells that hopefully there won't be a lot of dew but feels that it might come after 8.30-9.00 PM. Says that they will try to put a decent total and put the opposition under pressure. Adds that they will look to forget the last game and tells that one can expect one team to get beaten against sides like Australia. Believes that they have beaten the Aussies earlier and they will look to bounce back in the game. On the playing XI, Kohli says that Pant is out due to a concussion and Manish Pandey replaces him while Navdeep Saini comes in to replace Shardul Thakur.

Aaron Finch, the Aussie skipper, says that it is a beautiful wicket and it will remain the same throughout the game. Tells that they chased in the last game and they will not change the template. Says that the spinners bowled really well as they got their lengths right. Reveals that they are going with the same XI.

TOSS - Virat Kohli flips the coin and it lands in the favour of Aaron Finch. AUSTRALIA WILL BOWL FIRST.

India. Defeated comprehensively? That too at home? Yes, that's what happened in the first ODI as Australia beat the hosts by 10 wickets. India though are too strong a team to not bounce back and the visitors would be surely expecting that. Lot of things to look forward to for India. Where will Kohli bat? Who will replace Rishabh Pant? Srikar Bharat has been named as the back-up wicket-keeper but is unlikely to slot in the playing XI. Australia, on the other hand, are unlikely to make any changes to their playing XI. What will happen? Will the Men in Blue make a comeback or will the visitors take an unassailable lead in the series?

Match Center

2nd ODI, Rajkot, January 17, 2020, 01:30 PM

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