Mumbai: KL Rahul’s (75 n o, 91b, 7×4, 1×6) brilliant knock and an equally supportive innings by Ravindra Jadeja (45 n o, 659, 5×4) helped India defeat Australia by five wickets in the low-scoring first ODI here Friday. Pacers Mohammed Siraj (3/17) and Mohammed Shami (3/29) had earlier dismissed Australia for 188 in just 35.4 overs. However, when India batted, they were not too comfortable at 39 for four and 83 for five. However, the sixth-wicket unbeaten stand of 108 runs between Rahul and Jadeja helped India cross the line quite easily with more than 10 overs to spare. Mitchell Starc (3/49) was the standout bowler for Australia, but lacked support from the other end.
Earlier when Australia batted Mitch Marsh (81, 65b, 10×4, 5×6) initially took the attack to the Indian bowlers. However, once Marsh fell to Jadeja (2/46), the Australian innings ended quickly. In fact Australia lost their last five wickets for only 29 runs as they collapsed in a heap.
Brief scores:
Australia: 188 all out in 35.4 overs (Mitchell Marsh 81; Mohammed Shami 3/17, Mohammed Siraj 3/29).
India: 191/5 in 39.5 overs (KL Rahul 75 not out, Ravindra Jadeja 45 not out, Mitchell Starc 3/49)