Team India took the lead in the 3-match home ODI series against Australia, going 1-0 up in the series by defeating the visitors by 5 wickets in the First ODI held in Mohali, Punjab. KL Rahul led India, won the toss, and elected to bowl first as expected. Mohammed Shami got the chance to play in the First ODI in place of Mohammed Siraj. Mohammed Shami‘s record-breaking bowling stole the show and earned him the Player of the Match trophy for his courageous performance.
While batting first on the bouncy and batting-friendly pitch of Mohali, Australia posted a below-average score of 276-10 in 50 overs. When chasing the target, India successfully achieved it with 8 balls remaining. The chase was controlled by Indian batters throughout the innings, with four Indian batsmen scoring a minimum of 50 runs in the run chase. KL Rahul’s improved captaincy and Suryakumar Yadav’s mature innings were the major takeaways from the match.
This becomes the India’s second win against Australia in Mohali from six attempts (ODIs), with the previous coming by 5 runs in November 1996. Moreover, Teams chasing have now won six of the seven ODIs in Mohali post the 2011 CWC. With this win, India becomes the number one team in all three formats.
Mohammed Shami’s Five-Wicket Haul Restricts Aussies to 276
Mohammed Shami got the early and major breakthrough in the form of Australian opener Mitchell Marsh (4). David Warner (52) and Steven Smith (41) formed a 94-run partnership for the 2nd wicket. However, Ravindra Jadeja got the Crucial wicket of Warner, who looked threatening.
As they say, one brings two, Shami produced a fourth-stump-length ball, and Steven Smith tried to drive but got a big inside edge, and the ball crashed directly into the stumps. Ashwin, who is making his comeback in ODIs for India after 18 months, ended the good innings of Marnus Labuschagne (39). Cameron Green (31) was involved in a run-out.
Mohammed Shami then knocked over the stumps of Marcus Stoinis (29). Josh Inglis (45) looked solid but was dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammed Shami took his second ODI fifer by getting Matthew Short (2) and Sean Abbott (2). With this, Shami ended his spell with figures of 10-1-51-5, his best in ODI cricket.
Mohammed Shami has now taken 37 wickets against Australia in ODIs, making him second on the list behind Kapil Dev (45). Moreover, Shami now becomes the third Indian pacer after Kapil Dev and Ajit Agarkar to take an ODI fifer against Australia.
Rahul and Co Lead India to a Successful Run Chase
The run chase appeared to be in control from the first ball as local boy Shubman Gill (74 off 63) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (71 off 77) provided the perfect start to the hosts with their 142-run opening partnership. However, Adam Zampa dismissed both openers, and Shreyas Iyer (3) got himself out. Ishan Kishan (18) also failed to meet expectations and handed his wicket to Australian Captain Pat Cummins.
KL Rahul (58* off 63) and Suryakumar Yadav (50 off 49), who had a poor record against Aussies in ODIs, played with maturity and patience. Both batsmen formed an 80-run crucial partnership and played vital roles in the middle order. Suryakumar Yadav’s form in ODI cricket had been a bit of a concern, but with this half-century knock, he has surely gained some confidence ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Enjoyed The Wicket of Marsh – Mohammed Shami
In his post-match presentation, Mohammed Shami, the Player of the Match, acknowledged the challenging conditions but believes in bowling longer spells with the new ball. He expressed his enjoyment at taking wickets and emphasized the importance of hitting the right lengths on this wicket.
“(On bowling longer spells in the heat) It depends on the captain and the game situation, but despite the heat you feel like bowling 4-5 overs with the new ball. I enjoyed the wicket of Marsh, that’s a different feeling when you get the outside edge, when you control your swing nicely,” said Mohammed Shami.
It was important to hit the right lengths on this wicket, either at full pace or go slow, but bowling the right lengths were key, (On bowling with the other pacers) We’ve played together for a long time, so we know what needs to be done. Always enjoy when we bowl well in tandem like this,” he added.
ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Ravichandran Ashwin Astonishingly Makes The Cut For Home ODI Series Against Australia