Virat Kohli Scores Big; MS Dhoni Provides Late Fireworks

By: Drcricket7 Staff

Shikhar Dhawan finally got some runs and fought against all odds to make a 91-ball 68, but it was Virat Kohli and skipper MS Dhoni, who ensured India post a competitive total at the MCG.

Team India did well to post 295 on a spongy Melbourne pitch, courtesy a century from Kohli and a trademark finish from Captain Cool Dhoni.

Earlier, Australia opted to field, India were blessed with another superb knock from Kohli, who ran hard between the wickets and played shots all over the park

Kohli completed his 24th ODI century of his career, while also becoming the fastest man to get to make more than seven thousand runs in ODI cricket.

Kohli also shared an important 119-run stand with Dhawan, which came from 22.2 overs. Considering the flat nature of the Australian track for the ODI series and the way the hosts have chased down 300 plus runs in last two games, India could have certainly done better with the bat.

In the fifth over of the match, Indian lost the wicket of Rohit Sharma, who had back-to-back centuries in last two outing. The law of average caught up with the Mumbai cricketer.

Another batsman from his state, Rahane was at his usual best. Along with Kohli, they ensured that India were always in the game. Kohli came close to scoring a century in the opening game of the series in Perth.

He had got out on 91 and again scored a fine 59 in Brisbane before firing on all cylinder again on Sunday. Rahene too is not behind.

After his strokeful knock of 89 in the previous game, he once again came good for his team and made his fifteen ODI half-centuries.

In the 43 over, India were 230 for two and had ample opportunity to score more with two set batsmen at the crease.

Like always, the Australians were extremely competitive on the field with their resources and kept the pressure intact with some sharp fielding standards.

But after Rahane got out in the 45th over, Indian captain MS Dhoni played a cameo and ensured that India post a competitive total on the board.

Dhoni made a nine-ball 23, featuring two massive sixes, and provided the late thrust, which was needed at that stage.