- By Himanshu Badola
- Fri, 22 Sep 2023 10:15 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Skipper KL Rahul smashed the winning runs as India beat Australia by five wickets in the first ODI at PCA Stadium in Mohali on Friday, September 22.
Just before the winning shot, Rahul (58) brought up his half-century as he continued his sublime touch with the bat, assuring India a promising victory with eight balls to spare.
Raul stitched a stunning 80-run stand for the fourth wicket with Suryakumar Yadav who also smashed his half-century.
ALSO READ: Mohammed Shami Takes Second Fifer In ODIs, Registers His Best Bowling Figures In Format
Suryakumar was on song and was cautious as well at the same time as he made sure India suffered no more hiccups in their run chase. He scored 50 with the help of five boundaries and a six before he was dismissed by Sean Abbott.
"I was dreaming of this type of innings when I started playing this format. Trying to bat deep and finishing the game, unfortunately couldn’t do it today but very happy with the result. I’d been wondering what had been happening for me in this format, the teams and bowlers were the same. I went back and reflected and realized I was probably rushing things a bit so I decided to play slower and take it deep," Suryakumar said after the match.
India kicked off their run chase in style with a remarkable 142-run opening stand between Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad (71) with both scoring respective half-centuries.
Gill (74) put up a show once again as he impressed everyone on his home ground as he amassed six fours and two sixes.
Australia tried to make a comeback with the dismissals of both Indian openers.
Shreyas Iyer's unfortunate run out added to their advantage before Ishan Kishan controlled things with his 18-run inning before his dismissal in the 33rd over.
Earlier, India bowled the visitors out for 275 on the back of bowing brilliance from Mohammed Shami who picked up his second five-wicket haul in the ODIs.
He recorded his best figures in the format as he finished with 5/51 in his 10 overs He was also adjudged as the Player of the Match for his stunning performance.
ALSO READ: ICC Men's U-19 Cricket World Cup Schedule
"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 said at the post-match presentation.
India have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series as the Men in Blue go at the top of the ICC rankings in the ODI format.