Rain at the Sydney Cricket Ground left everyone frustrated as the fifth match of the tri-series between Australia and India ended in a draw as only 16 overs were bowled and both the teams end up getting two points each from the tie.
The result means India still have a realistic chance of reaching the final, as their last league game is a virtual knockout against England. Australia have already booked the spot in the final, after winning three successive matches.
This means bonus points and net run-rate are out of the equation and it is now a winner takes all situation between India and England. However, if the final league match ends in a tie or draw, England will qualify for the final.
Interestingly, there has never been an instance when a match at the WACA ended in a draw, which has given the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side a fighting chance in the tri-series now.
Earlier, Australia skipper George Bailey, after a rain-delay, elected to field first seeing the overcast conditions and covered pitch. The weather forecast also played a vital role in his decision as he wanted to have a target in sight, if Duckworth-Lewis comes into the picture.
Indian openers – Ajinkya Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan – started to look good in the middle just when the first rain interruption arrived in the third over. After few minutes delay, players returned and India soon lost Dhawan, who was caught on first slip off Mitchell Starc.
Ambati Rayudu, who came in at number three, looked to play shots and made 24-ball 23, featuring a six and two boundaries. Rayudu was dismissed by Mitchell Marsh, when David Warner took a fine catch, as he tried to hit almost every ball out of the park.
Virat Kohli (3 not out) and Rahane (28 not out) joined forces in the middle, but just few overs later heaves opened up and player had to leave the field. The match couldn’t start after that and both teams shared honors.
