Highlights India vs Australia, cricket result, 3rd ODI at Indore: Hosts win by 5 wickets, clinch series 3-0

Watch our Firstpost correspondent Amit Banerjee interact with fans after India’s series clinching win at Indore. 

India captain, Virat Kohli: Exactly, early 35 odd overs, they batted really well. The wicket was good to bat on. We knew that if we once get to their lower middle order, we could  restrict them. Wrist spinners need to be backed, it won’t always be the case that they will turn. I felt they were 35-40 runs short. The partnership at the top (between Rohit and Rahane) was outstanding. Hardik Pandya, of course, only he can do what he does. He is a star. We have been wanting a guy like him for a very long time, he is stepping up every time. Great asset for Indian cricket. Promoting him was Ravi bhai’s idea. Take the spinner out of the game. We might try few other players in the coming games. Shami, Umesh; Axar Patel is fit again. Credit to the whole squad but the journey doesn’t stop here.

Hardik Pandya, Man of the Match: It feels good, but couldn’t finish the match. I saw the promotion as an opportunity than a surprise. Obviously, I wanted to target the left-arm spinner. I played out the dot balls as well after getting couple of sixes. I try to contribute in whatever way I can. I would like to see through the game next and stay till the end.

Australian captain, Steve Smith: I thought we set it up beautifully. The Indian death bowlers bowled well. Couldn’t get the boundaries. 330+ might have been a different result, but credit to India. Hardik was outstanding. Rohit and Jinx very good at top.  I don’t know the answer to that I wish I did. Our first 30-40 overs were great but probably weren’t good enough to get the boundaries in the backend. The pitch slowed up a little bit and it happened for both teams as well. We couldn’t get the boundaries when we wanted it to happen.

A commanding win, another series in the bag and now, no 1 on the ICC rankings. This is seriously good cricket by India

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 24, 2017

Turned out to be easier than expected, thanks to the brilliance of Rohit and Pandya, with the former finally converting a start into a big score. The chase would have been a lot more difficult had it not been for Pandya’s little counterattack. The supporting knocks from the likes of Rahane and Pandey too in the end contributed to the five wicket win. Australia’s woes just doesn’t seem to end this tour, as they surrender the series with two games left. Doubt if the series loss will have much of an impact on a team whose focus seems to be fixed on the Ashes that is to take place later this summer.

Most consecutive wins for India in ODIs:

9 – July 6, 2017 to September 24, 2017* (Captain – Virat Kohli)

9 – Novemeber 14, 2008 to February 05, 2009 (Captain – MS Dhoni)

After 47.5 overs,India 294/5 ( Manish Pandey 36 , MS Dhoni (W) 3)

MS Dhoni had the chance to finish the match with his trademark six, which was the demand at the Holkar stadium too, but the professional that Dhoni is, he doesn’t give into the emotion. Pulls it square leg to tie the score and it is Pandey, who squeezes out a yorker on the onside to hit the winning run, to claim victory by 5 wickets. With that, India have taken the unassailable lead of 3-0 with three wins up front. Virat and Co win the series with 2 more ODIs to play.

This is India’s third consecutive bilateral series victory over Australia at home in ODIs. They beat Australia by 1-0 in 2010 and 3-2 in 2013.

Terrific win for India. Chasing a huge target of 294 can never be easy. The Indian batsmen showed plenty of character to get to that with 13 balls to spare. Rohit Sharma, Rahane, Hardik Pandya, Kohli and Manish Pandey all played a huge role in the excellent chase as India won by 5 wickets. They have claimed the series 3-0.

India win by 5 wickets and claim the series 3-0 with two ODIs to play

FOUR! Pandey! Goes over bowler’s head. Richardson ducks and the ball sails over him into the boundary. 3 more!

Pandya’s dismissal is met with a massive roar. Guess everybody wants to see Dhoni hit the winning runs.

After 47 overs,India 287/5 ( Manish Pandey 30 , MS Dhoni (W) 2)

Glenn Maxwell gets the ball. Has it got any tricks up his sleeves? Well not really, Dhoni is happy to defend and block as cool as ever. Manish wants get over the line quickly.

Pandya falls as he lived — trying to hit the leather off the ball. His 78 runs off 72 balls though was yet another example of his development as a world class all rounder. He flayed the spin of Agar and batted with a lot of gusto and spirit against the pacers to really come of age. An uppish ondrive against Cummins failed him. He was comfortably caught at mid-on.

After 46 overs,India 285/5 ( Manish Pandey 29 , MS Dhoni (W) 1)

Cummins has bowled out his 10 overs and he has bowled and heart out! MS Dhoni joins Pandey in the middle and the crowd goes nuts! India need 9 more, will we see a Dhoni six to finish things off is the biggest question around India at this moment.

OUT! Pandya wants to club everything out of the park, gets the toe-end of the bat unfortunately ends up hitting straight to mid on. End of another belligerent innings and a match winning one

c Richardson b Cummins 78 (72)

After 45 overs,India 283/4 ( Hardik Pandya 78 , Manish Pandey 29)

Well, Australia have tried them to rattle with the words with short ball with pace and spin but nothing seems to have bothered Hardik as he trudges along**. India need 11 runs to clinch the series**

FOUR! Powers the pull through the mid wicket region! This is 4th boundary in the space of 5 balls!

The manner in which Manish keeps his eye on the ball is tremendous. Even when off balance by the short-pitched balls or slower ones he keeps his eye on the ball and places the ball with cross-batted shots for singles and twos very effectively

FOUR! Pandya! He has tried playing the ramp, couple of times and it hasn’t comes off well. This time he gets the boundary off the 5th ball.

FOUR! Consecutive boundaries! Pulled away for another boundary they are doing it in a canter now!

The partnership in excess of 50. Less than 20. needed to win. The Australians’ shoulders beginning to drop already. Won’t be surprised if Pandya finishes this off with a flurry of sixes.

FOUR! Slog! Pandey has bludgeoned it. Gets the inside half of the bat but is over the midwicket fielder for another boundary

After 44 overs,India 265/4 ( Hardik Pandya 69 , Manish Pandey 20)

The four of the first ball put the pressure on Cummins straightaway. With four singles along with it. 8 runs come off the over. India need 29 more

FOUR! Geez! What.A.Shot! There have been some breathtaking strokes been played today by batsmen of both teams, is this the best? A punchy straight drive by Pandya! Can watch it again and again!

This game is all about confidence. Hardik Pandya is showing that his game is not all about power but he can time the ball, too. He has shown his ability of buliding an innings. Manish Pandey is also slowly and steadily getting into his groove.

The 50-run unbroken stand off 45 balls between Manish and Pandya is seeing India hastening to the target. Both are aggressive batsmen and good runners between the wickets. They are capable of suddenly taking their game to a higher gear. Australia are increasingly looking ragged with their bowling.

After 43 overs,India 257/4 ( Hardik Pandya 63 , Manish Pandey 18)

50-run partnership for the 5th wicket! What a time to bring the stand by two players that are an integral part of the future plans of Indian cricket. Stoinis’ over goes for 7 runs.

FOUR! Back of a length and Pandey steps forward to hit it off the front foot through the covers with a horizontal bat! I don’t know how he does it but well he is getting the important boundary

India now down to  less than the last 50 runs in the huge chase. Pandya and Manish seem to be in control and are working out another useful partnership. But it is not over till they see the team over the line. Pandya has been scoring at a run a ball. Manish too is around that same run rate

After 42 overs,India 250/4 ( Hardik Pandya 62 , Manish Pandey 12)

Pat Cummins will bowl the 42nd over he has run in hard and bent his back, couple of dot balls to start with and then the unfortune four and a double and single takes 7 out of the over. 44 off 48 balls. Should be breeze!

FOUR! Everything going Pandya’s way! Living the dream! Inside edge, misses the leg stump and runs down to fine leg fence

After 41 overs,India 243/4 ( Hardik Pandya 55 , Manish Pandey 12)

Agar to bowl his 10th over. He hasn’t had the best of the days but still has Kohli’s wicket to his name! Ends with 71 runs of the over. Pandya and Pandey don’t take try anything silly in his final over

After 40 overs,India 240/4 ( Hardik Pandya 53 , Manish Pandey 11)

Coulter-Nile to continue into his last over! These two have played out the over safely picking  5 runs off it. Pandya shuffles across on the 4th ball and it was full but gets the bat in time to dig it out for a couple of runs otherwise he could have been heading to the pavilion. Coulter-Nile finished with 58 against his name with Jadhav’s wicket.

After 39 overs,India 235/4 ( Hardik Pandya 50 , Manish Pandey 10)

Pandey is providing good company to Pandya, he needs someone who keeps the scoreboard ticking and these two have ensured that the asking run-rate doesn’t go over run-a-ball and that is some maturity shown by both the batsmen.

FIFTY! Brilliant innings, especially coming at no.4 and carrying after seeing the end of his captain and then Jadhav. Hardik is carrying India’s hope in this match and making his case as a genuine allrounder stronger by the day! Can’t forget his bowling effort. This has been a superb knock

Hardik Pandya can do no wrong in this series. Today, he completed his quota of 10 overs and now also scored a fifty batting at No.4. A batting all-rounder or bowling all-rounder?

SIX! Lovely use of the feet by Pandya. Comes down the track to tonk it over long on.

Manish’s two boundaries would have taken a load off him. He is a confidence player and those shots would have done wonders to settle his nerves. Manish is an aggressive batsman and won’t flinch from going for his shots. India need 60 runs after yet another six by Pandya off Agar. Pandya also gets to his 50 from 45 balls.

Did Smith just drop the series trophy? The dropped catch of Pandya on 41 might just go down as that moment. What’s more, Pandey follows it up with successive boundaries!!

After 38 overs,India 227/4 ( Hardik Pandya 43 , Manish Pandey 9)

These too have decided to score freely. Coulter-Nile has also not had the best of the days as Rohit up front and now these two have decided that attack is there only way countering things.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Pandey hits straight down the ground!

FOUR! Manish Pandey works of his hips for to get a boundary to fine leg

After 37 overs,India 217/4 ( Hardik Pandya 42 , Manish Pandey 0)

What an over! A Six! A four! and a drop! Smith was running back was really tough ask but it had to be taken if Australia have to come from behind! Agar must be ruing his luck. Pandya went for another slog and the leading edge went straight up! Luckily he survives

Pandya obviously going for broke. He is taking a lot of chances. When it comes off, like that six off Agar over mid-wicket, he looks impressive. But that heave that was dropped by Smith looked awful. Pandya needs to calm down and think rationally

FOUR! Pandya swivels and pulls it through the midwicket for another boundary, he is bringing down the total with these boundaries!

The Aussies have a toe hold in the match now. Another wicket falls, Jadhav caught behind attempting to cut. Two quick wickets have set back India big time. Pandya and Pandey need to stablise. Run rate not an issue. But nerves will play a big role in the outcome. India short of target by 88 runs. Ball would be softer and a challenge from here on.

No big score for Kohli today, while Jadhav barely lasts at the crease. Quick couple of wickets for the Aussies, and they’re back in the game. Pandya is well set at the crease at the moment, and will need some support at the other end if he is to anchor the remainder of the chase.

SIX! Thwack! Pandya goes big! Agar hasn’t had the best of the days against Pandya. He has belted this one deep into the first tier!

After 36 overs,India 206/4 ( Hardik Pandya 31 , Manish Pandey 0)

Wow! These two overs have brought the match alive! Manish [Pandey comes out to bat at no. 6. Kane Richardson gives a run and picks up a wicket. Should be an interesting finish.

OUT! Jadhav looks to cut but gets a feather to Handscomb, Kane Richardson has a wicket. Australia back into the game!

After 35 overs,Australia 207/1 ( Aaron Finch 113 , Steven Smith (C) 45)

Ashton Agar comes on bowl the 35th over and gets the big fish of Virat Kohli. Pandya gets a single off the first ball, Kohli hits it to the cover fielder the following ball. India had a chance to take a single of the third ball infact Pandya had almost completed the run but because of the towel by Agar forced umpire to deem it a dead ball. What happens next? will blow your mind. Kohli plays an uncharacterstic shot in a chase. 3 runs and a wicket as Kedar Jadhav joins Pandya

Well, fireworks fizzled out as Kohli failed to clear long off with his uppish drive. Kohli did not get hold of the ball and succeeded only in spooning the ball. Agar gets his back at the India skipper. India still need another 91 runs. Poor shot from new batsman Kedar Jadhav. Lucky to survive. India better be careful. Another wicket now will hand over the advantage to the Aussies.

OUT! Virat Kohli has thrown it away! Yes, you have heard it right! Kohli looked to go inside out but gets the inside half of the bat ends up giving an easy catch to Finch.  Ashton Agar has a wicket against his name that too Indian captain’s big wicket. 

V Kohli c Finch b Agar 28 (35)

India now in the driving seat at 201 for 2 in the 34th over. Kohli and Pandya are well settled and the partnership between the duo is threatening to smother the Aussies all over again. Agar returns to the field of play and bowling crease. Expect fireworks.

After 34 overs,India 202/2 ( Virat Kohli (C) 28 , Hardik Pandya 29)

Richardson to bowl his 9th over.

Kohli dabs it to the third man for a single of the 2nd ball. India get to 200 with Pandya taking another single to the offside. All too easy for India. Australia cannot sit on their heels they need a wicket or two as soon as possible. They’re running out of time as well as runs and soon the series will slip away too. Pandya tries to ramp over the slips but doesn’t quite get bat on ball. There was an easy single on the last ball, which the batsmen did exchange but for some odd reason Pandya wanted two but correctly send back by the skipper.

Hardik Pandya experiment has worked for India so far and now the stand between Kohli and Pandya is of fifty runs. It will be intriguing to see how long Hardik Pandya bats. On the other hand, Virat Kohli is batting at his own pace and in his own zone.

After 33 overs,India 198/2 ( Virat Kohli (C) 26 , Hardik Pandya 27)

Stoinis begins proceedings after drinks. 

Kohli gets forward and pushes through the covers to run two. Takes a single off the third ball with a pull behind square. Hardik opens the face of the bat to rotate the strike and Kohli does the same on the last ball.

After 32 overs,India 193/2 ( Virat Kohli (C) 22 , Hardik Pandya 26)

Coulter-Nile continues. He keeps it tight but remember, he will have only two overs left after the 32nd over. Australia need a breakthrough, but they don’t have a slip deployed. Wonder what the strategy is! Anyways two runs off this over.

Another very useful partnership developing between Hardik Pandya and Kohli. Pandya put left arm spinner Agar off the attack with those two huge sixes, forcing the Aussie skipper to bring back his main pacers. India are now down to the last 100 runs in the chase. Plenty of overs in hand. So no worry about increasing run rate. Both Kohli and Pandya are well settled to make dash entertaining

After 31 overs,India 191/2 ( Virat Kohli (C) 21 , Hardik Pandya 25)

Another four-run over from Stoinis. Bit of a lull period for India. If Australia back this up with a wicket, it will allow them a superb opening. Nathan Coulter-Nile will be their best bet!

After 30 overs,India 187/2 ( Virat Kohli (C) 19 , Hardik Pandya 23)

Two quiet overs for Australia. Three dots and three singles. India need 107 runs off 120 balls now.

After 29 overs,India 184/2 ( Virat Kohli (C) 17 , Hardik Pandya 22)

Stoinis comes back. A decent over. Four off it.

Perfection is a Virat Kohli cover drive. What a beauty of a shot against Cummins’ pace. Went crashing past the field into the fence. Kohli getting into his groove. That sublime shot must have done plenty to make him feel good. He and Pandya are also aggressive runners between the wickets.

After 28 overs,India 180/2 ( Virat Kohli (C) 15 , Hardik Pandya 20)

Cummins and Pandya are having a go at each other. The Australian started it but Pandya is not holding himself back there. Both Pandya and Kohli run four singles before Kohli makes it an 8-run over with a boundary.

FOUR! Wow! India’s innings has been a batting exhibition and now Kohli is the latest entrant. Strides forward and creams a fullish delivery through covers.

That’s the second huge six from Pandya. He seems to be in love with Agar’s left arm spin. The ball is not turning and Agar bowled on a length on Pandya swing path. Two huge sixes over long on must have dampened Agar’s enthusiasm for that particular line and length. Agar’s six overs have gone at close to 8 runs an over. The limitation of four fielders in the outfield is not helping him against Pandya who has been sent up to take advantage of just that

After 27 overs,India 172/2 ( Virat Kohli (C) 9 , Hardik Pandya 18)

Twice now that Agar’s over has begun with a six. Both times Pandya has taken the attack to the left-arm spinner. The very next ball, Pandya takes a run to point. Kohli hands the strike back to Kohli instantly. The over ends with another two singles. 10 off it.

Cummins troubling Pandya who was coming down with a huge backlift. But Pandya smartly took a single and stayed away from the firing line. Aussies pressing hard to effect another breakthrough

SIX! Massive six! Agar pitches it up, Pandya clears his front leg and clobbers it over long on.

After 26 overs,India 162/2 ( Virat Kohli (C) 7 , Hardik Pandya 10)

Cummins begins on a good note. Four consecutive dots. Ball five, Pandya pushes it through covers for a single and Kohli finishes it with a gorgeous four.

Hardik Pandya has been sent to take the attack  back to Ashton Agar and he has already hit a six off his bowling. It’s a bold move by knowing the fact that Manish Pandey is struggling to score runs in the series and this pitch is perfect for batsmen.

FOUR! Pat angles it across leg, Virat shuffles a bit and clips it in front of square on the leg side.

After 25 overs,India 157/2 ( Virat Kohli (C) 3 , Hardik Pandya 9)

A mini-discussion immediately aftert that Pandya’s six. Smith is talking to Agar, probably about his lengths. Ball two is full and around off, pandya defends it. Takes a single off the third and fifth and sixth deliveries also go for singles.

SIX! Oh, jeez Pandya against spinners! Pandya stands tall and slogs it over deep midwicket.

After 24 overs,India 148/2 ( Virat Kohli (C) 2 , Hardik Pandya 1)

Pat Cummins is back! Rahane tucks the first ball through fine leg for a couple. Cummins beats Rahane on the outside edge on the following ball. There it is the wicket for Cummins. These two new wickets would surely revive some hopes for Australia. By the way, it is Pandya and not Pandey, who has walked out at No 4.

Twin blows. Rahane falls at a very inopportune time, leg before attempting to play across the line. Exposes two new batsmen at the same time. Rahane’s 70 in 76 sets the team nicely

Pandya walks out to bat at No 4, and gets a rousing reception after walking out. The Aussies will be wary of his ability to take the attack to the bowlers in no time. The quick fall of wickets, which results in the dismissals of both Indian openers, will give Smith and his men some confidence for now.

OUT! Cummins strikes! The pace was too much to handle for Rahane. Misses a length ball to get rapped on the pads. Cummins appeals and the umpire has no hesitation to raise the dreaded finger. Rahane also doesn’t bother to review as he departs for 70.

After 23 overs,India 145/1 ( Ajinkya Rahane 68 , Virat Kohli (C) 2)

Oh, Agar comes back for Australia. Can he strike here? Kohli gets off the mark with a single to long on. Rahane does the same on the second and Kohli repeats it on ball three. Ball five is flicked to deep square for another run. Four runs off the over.

Rohit’s 71 from 62 balls has really breathed fire into the chase. India’s first wicket partnership of 139 in 21.4 overs has laid a solid foundation. Rohit attempted to pull a short-pitched ball that stayed relatively low and spooned the catch towards midwicket. Rahane must now bat through. The scoring rate is ahead of the asking rate and hence low risk strokes are the need of the hour

Finally, a breakthrough for the Aussies, after Rohit gets a top-edge off a pull. No sooner does he depart than the crowd starts cheering for Kohli, accompanied by chants mentioning his love interest Anushka Sharma.

After 22 overs,India 141/1 ( Ajinkya Rahane 66 , Virat Kohli (C) 0)

Much-needed breakthrough for Australia. But is it too late? Anyways, after Rohit Sharma’s dismissal, Virat Kohli has arrived at the crease. Seven runs and a wicket off the 22nd over.

Rohit Sharma may have missed out on hitting a century here but the way he played, has certainly not only pushed Australia back in the series but also helped Rahane to play at his own pace.

OUT! Australia finally draw first blood. Coulter-Nile bangs it short and Rohit pulls it high up in the air. Cartwright gets under the ball at deep midwicket and pouches it. Rohit departs for 71.

FOUR! Huh! Rahane just chips it past mid off to score his ninth boundary.

Aussies looking very pedestrian as Rohit and Rahane are smashing them into submission. Rahane after a subdued start has started opening out with some fine strokes. The Aussies need wickets to make a fist of this match. Otherwise Rohit and Rahane are on a canter going at 6.5 runs an over

After 21 overs,India 134/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 59 , Rohit Sharma 71)

A lovely over from Kane Richardson. 2 runs off it. But Australia are nowhere in the game. India need 160 runs off 180 balls. If they continue like the way they are right now, the match might finish before 40 overs.

After 20 overs,India 132/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 58 , Rohit Sharma 70)

If the current situation was not bad enough for Australia, there is one more bad news for them. Ashton Agar, who walked off the field due to a dislocated finger, might not return to bowl. Anyways, as far as the over is concerned, six runs came off it.

FOUR! Short again and Rahane swivels and pulls it to deep square leg.

After 19 overs,India 126/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 54 , Rohit Sharma 69)

Kane Richardson comes back! Rahane pulls ball two to deep backward square for a single. Excellent stop by Cummins. Rohit swats it towards cow corner. Cummins ran across and stopped two runs for his side. The over ends with no run.

Ajinkya Rahane becomes the fifth Indian opener to score consecutive fifty-plus scores against Australia in ODIs played in India after Sachin Tendulkar (3), Raman Lamba, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma.

With all attention being on the free scoring silken grace of Rohit, Rahane has been left in the shade. Unfair really because he too has done tremendously well. His 50 at nearly a run a ball has kept the Aussies at bay.  The partnership is going great guns simply because both batsmen are pulling their weight. Just that Rohit is on another gear altogether

Batsmen need luck when chasing a big target. The bowler has to be lucky just once. The batsman has to be lucky all the time in a tough chase. Rohit enjoys a slice of luck when the wicket-keeper Wade drops a rather easy catch.  Rohit on 67 lives to fight another day to the spectators roar of delight

After 18 overs,India 121/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 51 , Rohit Sharma 67)

Nathan Coulter-Nile comes back. First ball was full and angling in, Rahane punches it to mid on. FIFTY! Rahane continues to score and completes his fifty. The selectors will have a headache once Dhawan becomes available for the 4th and 5th ODI. Anyways, after the boundary. Rahane pushes one through covers for a single. Five off the over.

FOUR! Short and angling in, Rahane tickles it fine to complete his 21st fifty.

The Aussies attack looks clueless at the moment, with the conditions hardly helping them. Rohit and Rahane, as a result, are making merry at the moment, scoring boundaries at will and slowly taking the game away from the visitors.

Rohit Sharma is batting like he is doing net practice. He can be called a prodigy when it comes to hitting sixes effortlessly. Australians have succumbed against both the Indian openers so far. They have to ponder on their overall combination for the next match. They have not used their part-time bowlers either which they can use here to break this match-winning stand.

After 17 overs,India 116/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 46 , Rohit Sharma 67)

Cummins comes back. But the run flow doesn’t stop. Rohit welcomes him with two boundaries. If that was not enough, it seems Agar has injured himself and is walking off the field. Rohit and Rahane exchange strike off the fourth and fifth ball. DROPPED! Rohit opens the face of the bat and tries to run it past the keeper. Unfortunately for Australia, Handscomb fails to hold onto. Very, very coslty miss.

FOUR! Another! Cummins bowls it short and Rohit Sharma pulls it in front of square on the leg side.

Certainly Diwali has come early to Indore. Rohit and Rahane are giving the capacity crowd plenty to celebrate with their fireworks this evening. Runs are coming at a gallop with both slamming boundaries at regular intervals. The spectators are getting their money’s worth. No doubt.

FOUR! Length ball around off, Rohit gets his stride forward anf lofts it over mid off.

After 16 overs,India 106/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 45 , Rohit Sharma 58)

Stoinis comes back. A dot on the first ball followed by two singles. There it is, the odd boundary on the fifth ball. Six runs off the over.

FOUR! Short and around leg, Rahane bends a bit and pulls it behind square.

Rahane and Rohit have really put India through a firm footing in the chase for 294 runs.Their first wicket partnership is ahead of the asking rate rather comfortably and they have also shaved off more that 1/3rd of the required rate. The unbroken 100-run partnership in 15 overs has blunted the Aussie attack. Rohit is showing the way and Rahane is following closely.

After 15 overs,India 100/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 40 , Rohit Sharma 57)

Ten runs of the over. Rohit began it with a boundary and Rahane also scored a four off the fifth ball before collecting a single. The 100-run stand also comes up for Rohit and Rahane.

FOUR! And another. Short from Agar and Rahane pulls it past Maxwell at midwicket.

FOUR! Rohit gives himself room and cuts it in front of square on the off side.

After 14 overs,India 90/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 35 , Rohit Sharma 52)

Rohit punches the ball one of Richardson’s fourth over and collects a brace. The rest of the over: 1, 1, 1, 0, 1.

Rohit Sharma’s fifty from 42 balls today is the fastest for him in ODIs eclipsing the 43-ball fifty against Sri Lanka at Pallekele last month.

Indian openers have substantiated that how good the pitch is and probably Australian are 70 or 80 runs short. Australia have used all their main bowlers so far but it looked like that no can stop either Rohit Sharma or Ajinkya Rahane.

What a way to get to his 50. Rohit is on a roll. Effortless pick up shot off Agar deposited ball into the stands for a superb six. Rohit’s 50 has come in 42 deliveries Rohit is batting like a dream today and he is driving India’s chase in style

Most fifty-plus scores against Australia in ODIs among Indians:

24 – Sachin Tendulkar

10 – Virat Kohli 

9 – MS Dhoni, ROHIT SHARMA*

After 13 overs,India 84/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 31 , Rohit Sharma 50)

Just when it seemed that Australia are trying to apply some pressure, Rohit breaks the shackles. Completes his fifty with a half a dozen. Lovely shot. This partnership is cruising at the moment, Australia need to break it ASAP.

SIX! What a way to get to his 33rd ODI fifty. Plants his front foot forward and Rohit smacks it over long on.

After 12 overs,India 77/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 30 , Rohit Sharma 44)

Another tidy over for Australia. Richardson has bounced back after the 13-run over. Three runs off the over.

Rohit has been off strike for sometime now as Rahane is grabbing all the strike and getting runs too. Hopefully it won’t break Rohit’s batting rhythm.

“Sachin! Sachin” goes the crowd. Guess the master blasters impact will continue to be felt for a very long time, even if it has been nearly four years since his retirement. 

Terrific start for the Indians. Just what they needed in their chase of the competitive target. Rohit’s going slam-bang at the moment, with Rahane rotating the strike from the other end. 

The Indoris have switched on the flash on their phones at the moment. Beautiful sight to behold, especially with Diwali around the corner.

After 11 overs,India 74/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 28 , Rohit Sharma 43)

First over of spin. The Indian openers have decided to first understand what Agar is trying to do. They respect him and milk four singles and a brace off it.

After 10 overs,India 68/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 26 , Rohit Sharma 39)

It seems Rahane was feeling a bit left out as he unleashed an assualt on Stoinis. Three boundaries and a single off the over. Rahane, apparently, also gave a death stare to Stoinis. Well, well, everything’s happening at Indore. India have scored at 6.8 in the first Powerplay

Aussies’ fielding will lent substance to the total. It will easily add 20 runs to the target. But Rohit and Rahane are finding the gaps with regularity to punch holes in the field. The sixes too are coming in handy to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Would be interesting to see how the scoring rate would be as the ball gets older and softer. India going at near 7 an over. Ahead of the asking rate as of now

FOUR! The best of the lot! It was short and outside off, Rahane just placed it past third man for a boundary.

FOUR! This time it was the usual Rahane. Flicks it elegantly over backward square leg.

Rohit Sharma’s exquisite timing is making light of the stiff target. The sweet almost casual, languid style with which he is putting bat to ball is a joy to watch. The first 10 overs have gone extremely well for India. Rahane too coming into his own to keep the pressure on the bowlers from both ends

FOUR! Slogged by Rahane. Ye, you read it right. Rahane flicks it over through mid on.

After 9 overs,India 55/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 14 , Rohit Sharma 38)

Richardson continues. Wow. Huge six! Out of the ground and the ball will have to be changed. A few worried Australian faces at Indore now. The Indian camp is loving it. The over finishes with three singles.

SIX! Perfect shot! Doesn’t get better than this. ‘Into the orbit,’ reads the big screen. Rohit came down the track and pulled it so cleanly that it went outside the stadium.

Most sixes against Australia in international cricket:

63 – ROHIT SHARMA*
61 – Brendon McCullum 
60 – Sachin Tendulkar

After 8 overs,India 46/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 13 , Rohit Sharma 30)

A quiet over finally for Australia. Stoinis comes into the attack and bowls most on back of a length or good length to concede two singles and a brace off it.

Rohit Sharma showed his class again by playing that hook shot and lofted off-drive effortlessly in an over of Nathan Coulter Nile. It looks like that it will be his day today for sure.

After 7 overs,India 42/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 10 , Rohit Sharma 29)

Not the start Richardson would’ve wanted. He almost had Rohit caught but it was too tough a chance. Without rotating the strike, Rohit has managed to score eight runs as he pulled the fifth delivery over midwicket.

FOUR! Short and pulled away. Rohit stands firm and hacks it over midwicket.

FOUR! Chance? Rohit cuts it firmly through point, Maxwell gets his fingertips to it but fails to hold onto it. The ball rolls away to the fence.

After 6 overs,India 34/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 10 , Rohit Sharma 21)

​Rohit is looking in superb touch. He followed up a beautiful flick to midwicket with a gorgeous drive over long off for half a dozen. Rohit rotates the strike on the final ball to keep the strike.

SIX! Whattay shot! Gavaskar has absolutely loved it and can’t stop from raving about it. Full from Coulter-Nile and Rohit smokes it over long off.

FOUR! These are ominous signs for Australia. To be honest the ball was poor and on the pads, but the way Rohit flicked it through midwicket would worry Smith.

After 5 overs,India 23/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 10 , Rohit Sharma 10)

Ball two is back of a length, Rahane wrists it past square leg. One run taken. A wonderful pull fetches Rohit his first maximum. Cummins responds by bowling two successive dots. And finally, Rohit works the final ball to backward square leg. One run added to the total.

SIX! Well, that shot will kind of explain how short the boundaries are. Short from Cummins and Rohit pulls it over backward square leg.

After 4 overs,India 15/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 9 , Rohit Sharma 3)

A decent over for either sides. Rahane displayed some aggression on the third ball when he lofted one over covers but other than that Coulter-Nile kept it tidy. Seven runs off it.

FOUR! Rahane comes down the track and lofts it over covers.

Just like Australians, Indians have also started patiently. Both openers have not put into disarray by Australian bowlers as the pitch is still good for batsmen and the strategy of Indian management suggest that they would not like to lose a wicket in the first 10 overs by playing too many shots.

After 3 overs,India 8/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 4 , Rohit Sharma 2)

Alright then, something really odd happened on the second ball (which is now dead). Rahane punched one towards covers and Smith lobbed a thorew over the bowler’s head and past mid on. Eventually, it raced away to the fence. But India didn’t get the runs as the hosts accepted that it was a dead ball situation. I wonder, why? Anyways just a single off the over.

After 2 overs,India 7/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 3 , Rohit Sharma 2)

Nathan Coulter-Nile to bowl from the other end. Concedes two singles off the first two balls. The third ball is short of a length and outside off, Rohit blocks it towards the off side. Another dot. NCN strays down the leg side, Handscomb can’t collect it cleanly and Rohit takes a single. The over finishes with a single and dot.

After 1 overs,India 2/0 ( Ajinkya Rahane 1 , Rohit Sharma 1)

Pat begins with a back of a length ball, around off, Rahane hops and defends. Looks for a single but realises there wasn’t one and stands his ground. Ball two is on a length and outside off, Rahane runs it down to third man. Single taken. Third ball is slightly ahead of a length and outside off, Rohit offers front foot defense. The fourth ball is nudged to midwicket for no run. Fifth delivery: on a length and around off, Rohit bunts it back to the bowler. Almost plays on! Rohit looks to push one towards off but inside edges it towards backward square leg. One run added to the total.

We are back for the chase. Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma will kick off the Indian innings. Pat Cummins to bowl the first over. Here we go….

The Floodlights have been lit already, with the players heading back to the pavilion for the innings break. A trio of Indian players were engaged in a bit of football before they start the chase. 

So Australia manage just 5-69 from the last 12.2 overs, with three fours and one six. India would be thrilled chasing only 294 #INDvAUS

— Martin Smith (@martysmith1987) September 24, 2017

Productive final over but Aussies approx 40 runs fewer than they should have got IMO. Of course, India must chase judiciously

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) September 24, 2017

The Indian bowlers have done well to restrict the opposition within the 300-mark when 350 was very much on the cards at one point. Credit to the spinners for pulling the Indians back into the game with the wickets of Finch, Smith and Maxwell. The curator had earlier stated that the conditions will not really deteriorate for the batsmen in the second innings. Lets see how Kohli and Co fare in their chase of the 294-run target.

Australia today:

First 40 overs: 234-2 (RR-5.85)

Next 10 overs: 59-4 (RR-5.90

India have done well to restrict Aussies to 293 for 6. At one stage it looked like they were heading to a total in excess of 340. But the last 10 overs went very well for India. The fall of four wickets in the last 10 overs derailed Aussies run feast. Challenging total. Indian batting will be tested.

After 50 overs,Australia 293/6 ( Marcus Stoinis 27 , Ashton Agar 9)

Bumrah bowls a short of a length delivery, first up, and Stoinis defends it right onto the pitch. Bumrah attempts to keep two deliveries out of Stoinis’ reach but both are called as wides. Ball two is back of a length and punched through covers for a run. Pandey has saved two runs for India. Agar whipped one over midwicket and Pandey hared across from long on to stop a boundary. The next ball goes for a boundary and the over ends with a single and a brace.

FOUR! Slower delivery, around leg, Agar seds it over backward square leg.

After 49 overs,Australia 281/6 ( Marcus Stoinis 24 , Ashton Agar 2)

Two consecutive yorkers, two successive singles. Stoinis also takes a single to long off on the third ball. Agar tries to slice one over point but top edges it over cover-point for a run. The fifth ball is driven by Marcus to sweeper cover to bring Agar back on strike. Yikes, there is a situation here. The ball slips out of Bhuvi’s hands. The umpire signals it as a dead ball but the square leg umpire calls it a no ball. After a discussion, they decide that it is a dead ball. Agar swings his willow on the final delivery but connects only thin air.

Top catch from Manish Pandey. But how calmly was it done. This Indian side fields really well

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 24, 2017

That’s now a brilliant catch from one of the best fielders in the Indian team – Manish Pandey. Peter Handscomb never looked like in and in-order to augment the scoring rate, he threw his wicket. Marcus Stoinis will be crucial for visitors in the last two overs.

The final 10 overs have turned out very well for India. They’ve already got 4 wickets in the last 8 overs so far including that through the brilliant catch at long off by Manish Pandey.  Bhuvi and Bumrah have also bowled superbly in the slog overs

After 48 overs,Australia 276/6 ( Marcus Stoinis 21 , Ashton Agar 0)

Bumrah initiates the 48th over with a slower one outside off and Stoinis fails to put bat on ball. Follows it up with a short of a length ball, outside off, Marcus pats it to point for a quick single. Ball three and four: 1,1. Oh my, what an excellent effort by Pandey at long off to end Handscomb’s stay. The final delivery goes for another single. Four runs and a wicket off the 48th over.

OUT! That will give him a lot of confidence, won’t it? Manish Pandey has taken a stunner at long off. Handscomb skips down the track to loft it over long off, but can’t get past Pandey, who catches it. But realises that he might touch the rope and throws the ball in the air before coming back to pouch it. The umpires take it upstairs and replays confirm that it was a clean catch.

After 47 overs,Australia 272/5 ( Marcus Stoinis 18 , Peter Handscomb (W) 2)

Bhuvi tries to keep the first ball away from Stoinis’ reach but bowls it far too wide for his liking and concedes an extra. On the first legitimate delivery, Stoinis drills it to sweeper cover, one run taken. Ball two is back of a length and Handscomb defends it towards off side for a single. Chahal attempts a direct hit but misses. Had he hit, Stoinis would’ve been a goner. Much needed boundary for Australia as Stoinis sends one down the ground. The over finishes fairly successfully for India, one single and two dots.

FOUR! An attempted yorker but misses his mark and Stoinis drills it down the ground.

Australia have lost the plot here after Aaron Finch’s wicket. Are we heading to see another collapse or Australia will recover and post a competitive total according to the conditions.

After 46 overs,Australia 263/5 ( Marcus Stoinis 12 , Peter Handscomb (W) 1)

Bumrah angles in a short of a length delivery, around off, Stoinis stands tall and defends it with soft hands. Another shortish delivery, around leg, Stoinis gets struck on his right inner thigh and calls Head across for a leg bye. That’s that for Travis Head. Perishes for 4. Handscomb is the new man in and flicks his first ball, which is short, to fine leg for a single. Stoinis also collects a run to short midwicket. The over ends with a wide and dot. 4-run over! Kohli must be pleased with Bumrah’s effort.

“Jai Maa Kali”. A chant that we usually don’t hear in stands, was echoing around the stadium a little while ago. As I type, Bumrah beats Head’s defence with a cutter, as Australia lose their fifth wicket. Peter Handscomb really needs to support Stoinis now, if Australia are to finish at the 320-mark.

OUT! Collapse! Australia have faltered yet another time. A 119kph slower ball makes a mess of Head’s middle stump as he walks back after scoring 4 off 6 balls.

After 45 overs,Australia 259/4 ( Travis Head 4 , Marcus Stoinis 11)

Bhuvi is back. He has three overs left. Starts with a length ball, outside off, Stoinis pats it to point. Decides to go full on the following delivery and Marcus inside edges it on his pads as the ball towards square leg. Single taken. Oh hold on, India have decided to take the review. And replays suggest there was no inside edge although the impact was outside off. Stoinis survives! Head is on strike, pats a slower, wide delivery towards point and steals a run. Bhuvi bowls a yorker outside off, Stoinis digs it out right into the wicket. Attempts a similar delivery but it outside the danger line. The umpire spreads his arms. Wide signalled! Top bowling from Bhuvi, bowls an excellent yorker and Stoinis can do nothing but stonewall it. The last ball, Stoinis rotates the strike to keep the strike with a single.

Indian wrist spinners have once again done the job for them. It was the 40th and 41st over that built the pressure in which India conceded only four runs combining both and because of that Australians were forced to take the chances and they lost their wickets. India can’t afford to concede 80 odd runs in the last seven overs as both batsmen are new at the crease.

After 44 overs,Australia 255/4 ( Travis Head 3 , Marcus Stoinis 9)

Kuldeep to bowl the last over of his quota. He decides to loop the first delivery outside off, Head drives it to long off for a run. Aggressive captaincy. Kohli has decided to position a slip. It doesn’t matter for Marcus, does it? Clobbers one over long off. Instantly milks a single off the third. Head places the fourth ball to point and refuses a single. The final two deliveries go for a couple of singles. Ten runs off the over.

SIX! Stoinis keeps a firm eye on the ball and smokes it over long off.

After 43 overs,Australia 245/4 ( Travis Head 1 , Marcus Stoinis 1)

Right then, a wicket off the first ball. Two new batsmen at the crease now. 300 is looking distant now. Anyways, Stoinis cuts the third ball to deep point for a single. Head also returns the favour on the fourth ball. Stoinis bunts ball five back to the bowler and leaves the sixth ball alone.

Two wickets in as many balls. Smith and Maxwell back in the pavilion. India now have the chance to tighten the screws on Australia.

Kohli using wrist spinners in the last 10 overseas when 5 fielders are allowed outside ring has paid off. Both spinners have got a wicket apiece in the 42nd & 43rd overs to keep Aussies in cheque.

OUT! Back-to-back wickets for India. And it is the spin duo which has provided that have stood out. Maxwell dances down the track to slog one, but Chahal turns it away from the batsman and Dhoni does the rest. Maxwell stumped for 5.

MS Dhoni becomes the first wicket-keeper to affect 100 stumpings for a team in ODIs

Paydirt! Kuldeep gets Smith. Caught at long off attempting to go big.

Kohli has waited till 5 fielders allowed outside ring to bring back Kuldeep. The wrist spinner has 2 overs. The batsmen going after him could help His cause now that he has another fielder in the deep

After 42 overs,Australia 243/3 ( Glenn Maxwell 5 , )

The first ball is fired outside off by Kuldeep, Maxwell slaps it to covers. Ball two: slightly short and outside off, Maxwell slap-bats it to long on for a single. Kuldeep decides to bowl the googly and Smith cuts it through cover-point for a brace. The fourth delivery is flat and outside off, Smith takes a single to covers. Two wides follow. Kuldeep is purposely bowling a short delivery and Maxwell pulls it to long on. One run added to the total. The icing on the cake: Smith’s wicket.

OUT! Spectacular bowling. Beautifully executed. Kuldeep was aware that Smith is eyeing tha big shot and he opted to bowl the wrong ‘un. Smith came down the ground and lofted the white object with the spin, ended up lobbing it to Bumrah to long off. Smith out for 63.

After 41 overs,Australia 236/2 ( Steven Smith (C) 60 , Glenn Maxwell 3)

Chahal is back to finish his two overs. The first ball is tossed up, and spinning away, Smith defends it off his back foot. Ball two is short and a leg break, Smith looks to pull but it takes the inside edge and rolls towards backward square leg. Single taken. Brilliant cricket, this! Chahal knew Maxwell was looking to hit across the line and he bowled it slow outside off, Maxwell simply couldn’t time it. Just runs a single to long off. The last three balls, Chahal keeps it tight and bowls three successive dots. Terrific over, just two runs off it.

After 40 overs,Australia 234/2 ( Steven Smith (C) 59 , Glenn Maxwell 2)

Bumrah back into the attack. He has delivered a superb over here. Only two runs off the over. How smartly does he adapt, it is a sign of how quickly the young bowler is learning, knows the back of the length is right area and just does that. Simply stuff and gets the desired result. He will be key to hold the runs in the final ten.

After 39 overs,Australia 232/2 ( Steven Smith (C) 58 , Glenn Maxwell 1)

Pandya begins his last over.  Unfortunate end with a four off Smith’s outside edge. He finishes with 58 against his name with the wicket of David Warner. 4 runs off the first 5 balls but the last ball boundary must be frustrating for Pandya who has bowled really well. On the 3rd ball of the over, what was Maxwell trying to do was difficult to explain as he premediated a ramp shot but Pandya was smart and he angled it into the batsman not allowing him to get any room to get under it.

Huge pop after Jadhav latches on to the chance at midwicket after a miscued slog by Finch, whose marathon run today comes to an end. But what an innings by the comeback man!! The Australian top-order isn’t really in the state of crisis as we’d like to think.

After 38 overs,Australia 224/2 ( Steven Smith (C) 51 , Glenn Maxwell 0)

Successful over for India as they finally break the mammoth stand, only 3 runs of the over and it is Maxwell who strides out. Doesn’t go after Kuldeep on the first ball. Surpirse?

OUT! Kuldeep gets his first wicket. He has toiled hard and Finch who was looking to go over cow corner boundary finds Kedar Jadhav in the deep. End to a brilliant innings.

A Finch c Jadhav b Kuldeep 124 (125)

An engineer does masters on a particular topic and there is absolutely no doubt in the fact that Steve Smith is that engineer of this game who has done masters on Indian bowlers as he has scored another fifty with so ease.

After 37 overs,Australia 221/1 ( Aaron Finch 122 , Steven Smith (C) 50)

Hardik Pandya into his 9th over. And continues to hold it back of the length and it has worked for him so far continues to work as gives away 5 singles. An appeal off the final ball but there was some bat as Smith raise his bat for his 50

Aaron Finch has stunned India with his approach after scoring a century but India need to have plan B ready as soon as they can to restrict Australia around 320-330 runs as 20 runs more can make a huge difference on a pitch like this where mis-hits are also going for sixes.

After 36 overs,Australia 216/1 ( Aaron Finch 120 , Steven Smith (C) 47)

Kuldeep begins with a wide down the leg side. Smith takes a single to long on. Finch works it out with a single to square leg and after Smith roatating the strike off the 5th ball. Finch ensures there is that boundary they are aiming for in every over.

SIX! Full and Finch has dug this one out to go to his favourite area- straight down the ground! Kohli has a smile because of this incredible shot by Finch.

Kuldeep to continue after Drinks.

After 35 overs,Australia 206/1 ( Aaron Finch 113 , Steven Smith (C) 45)

200-up Australia in the 35th over. According to modern calculators suggests you must double the score at the 35th over mark with wickets in hand. Couple of wides and boundary makes it an expensive over. Players will take a drink now! Much needed for India to reassess their strategy.

A Baahubali cosplayer is getting mobbed for selfies in the stands here. Never short of entertainment when sitting here. 

Meanwhile, Finch gets a standing ovation from the Holkar crowd after getting to his century. His pumped up celebrations are met with cheers from the Indian fans.

After 34 overs,Australia 197/1 ( Aaron Finch 107 , Steven Smith (C) 44)

Australia coasting here. Maxwell and Stoinis to come after these two. India under the lid now. Combination of calcuated, smart and powerful batting helping Australia to hope for a score close to dare I say 370-380!

Finch’s return to Australian XI has done wonders for their batting. He worked his way through the initial overs as he made his comeback from injury. But as his innings progressed. went for the odd big shot to register 111-ball ton. He can really hit the ball and India’s bowlers could be in for  a leather hunt. His ton has put Aussies on top

SIX! Well, well he has struck that from the meat of the bat! He is simply tearing into Kuldeep Yadav now!

The last Australian opener to score a century in India in ODIs before Aaron Finch was Shaun Marsh who scored a century in 2009 as an opener at Hyderabad (Deccan).

Century! Aaron Finch has swept it fine to bring up his 8th 100 in international cricket! What a way to announce his comeback, he is pumped! Off comes the helmet and the team stands to applaud his magnificent effort! Never easy after an injury.

Most consecutive century stands against India in ODIs:

3 – Matthew Hayden/Adam Gilchrist 
3 – STEVE SMITH/AARON FINCH*