The third and final ODI of the series between India and Australia was played in Rajkot on September 27, 2023. India had already won the series 2-0, but they would be keen to finish the series on a high. Australia, on the other hand, would be looking to salvage some pride with a win. India’s bowlers did well to contain Australia, with Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Kuldeep Yadav picking up two wickets each. However, Jasprit Bumrah had an expensive spell, conceding 81 runs in his 10 overs.
India won the toss and elected to field. Australia got off to a good start, with openers Steve Smith and Marcus Labuschagne putting on a century partnership for the first wicket. However, India’s bowlers struck back in the middle overs, and Australia lost four wickets in quick succession.
Glenn Maxwell then came to the rescue of Australia, scoring a quickfire half-century. He was ably supported by Mitchell Marsh, and the duo put on a 70-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Australia eventually finished their innings on 302/7, with Maxwell scoring 89 runs and Marsh scoring 54 runs.
India’s batsmen then chased down the target comfortably, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma scoring half-centuries each. India won the match by 6 wickets, and with it, they completed a clean sweep of the ODI series.
Jasprit Bumrah Expensive Spell:
Jasprit Bumrah is one of the best bowlers in the world, but he had an off day in the Rajkot ODI. He conceded 81 runs in his 10 overs, which is his second-most expensive spell in ODIs.
Bumrah started off well, bowling a few tight overs. However, he started to lose his way in the middle overs. He was bowling too short and wide, and the Australian batsmen were able to take advantage of that.
Bumrah did pick up two wickets, but they came at a cost. He dismissed Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Labuschagne, but he also conceded a lot of runs.
India’s Bowling Performance including Jasprit Bumrah:
Despite Bumrah’s expensive spell, India’s bowlers did well to contain Australia to 302 runs. Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Kuldeep Yadav all picked up two wickets each.
Thakur was the pick of the bowlers. He bowled with good pace and accuracy, and he was able to get the ball to swing. Chahal and Yadav also bowled well, and they were able to pick up wickets in the middle overs.
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India’s Batting Performance:
India’s batsmen chased down the target of 303 runs comfortably, winning the match by 6 wickets. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both scored half-centuries, and they were well supported by Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.
Kohli played a typical Kohli innings. He was patient and composed at the start, and then he accelerated in the second half of his innings. He finished the match with 67 runs off 78 balls.
Sharma also played a good innings. He was aggressive from the start, and he reached his half-century off just 54 balls. He finished the match with 58 runs off 63 balls.
Conclusion:
India won the third and final ODI against Australia by 6 wickets to complete a clean sweep of the series. Jasprit Bumrah had an expensive spell, but India’s other bowlers did well to contain Australia to 302 runs. India’s batsmen then chased down the target comfortably, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma scoring half-centuries each.
Australia’s performance
Australia’s performance in the Rajkot ODI was disappointing. They were bowled out for 282/7, which is a below-par score on a good batting pitch.
The Australian batsmen failed to convert their starts into big scores. Steve Smith and Marcus Labuschagne both got half-centuries, but they were unable to go on and make big hundreds.
Mitchell Marsh was the only Australian batsman to make a significant contribution, scoring an unbeaten 105. However, his efforts were not enough to prevent Australia from losing the match.
India’s bowling
Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s expensive spell, the Indian bowlers did a good job of restricting Australia to 282/7. The other bowlers picked up wickets at regular intervals and did not allow the Australian batsmen to settle down. Mohammed Shami was particularly impressive, picking up two wickets for 45 runs.
