Indore: Riding on a decent opening partnership and a quicke fire down the batting order guided India to 5-wicket win over Australia at the Holkar stadium here tonight.Chasing a mighty 294-run target, India openers Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma added a crucial 139 runs for the first wicket.
While Rahane smashed 70 runs off 76 deliveries, Rohit contributed with 71 off 62.After their departure, Skipper Kohli tried to inch his side closer to the target, however, the Indian run-machine could manage only 28 runs.Kohli and Hardik Pandya stiched 56-runs for the second wicket.
After Kedar Jadhav's dismissal in the 36th over with India reeling at 206, it was all-rounder Pandya, who once again fired a blistering 78 runs to put his side on closer towards Victory.He along with Manish Pandey forged a much needed 78-run for the fifth wicket.Pandya fell in the 46th over with India needing another 20 runs in the next four overs.It was then Dhoni (3) and Pandey (36) putting the final nails in the coffin as they easily took their side to a comfortable win.With this win, hosts India have taken a 3-0 lead in the series.
Earlier, the visitors won the toss and opted to bat first in a batting friendly wicket.A scintillating century by Opener Aaron Finch (124), well supported by David Warner (42) and skipper Steve Smith (63) took Australia to 293 runs in their alloted 50 overs.For India, pacer Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Kuldeep Yadav bagge two wickets apiece.Both the sides will now meet in the fourth ODI at Bengaluru on September 28.
(UNI)
