India faced Australia in the third and final One Day International (ODI) match of their series. The match was held at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, and both teams were eager to end the series on a high note.
WEDNESDAY, 22 MARCH 2023
TIME: 3:00 AM ET
TIME: 8:00 AM GMT
India had already won the series after winning the first two matches, but Australia was determined to avoid a clean sweep. The pitch was expected to be a good one for batting, and both teams were looking to put up a big total.
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, which was a surprising decision given the chasing success they had in the previous match. However, they justified their decision with an excellent batting performance. Aaron Finch and David Warner got Australia off to a great start, as they put on a 142-run partnership for the first wicket. Finch was the aggressor, as he scored a brilliant century, while Warner played a supporting role and scored a well-constructed half-century.
Australia’s middle order also contributed with useful cameos. Steve Smith scored a brisk 63, while Glenn Maxwell played some entertaining shots towards the end of the innings. Australia finished their innings with an impressive total of 302-5, which was their highest score in the series.
India’s run chase got off to a poor start, as they lost both their openers inside the first 10 overs. The Indian batsmen never really got going, as they struggled to score runs against a disciplined Australian bowling attack. Shikhar Dhawan was the top scorer for India, as he scored a gritty 74, but he never really looked comfortable at the crease.
India’s middle order also struggled, as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Hardik Pandya played some entertaining shots towards the end of the innings, but it was too little too late for India. They were eventually bowled out for 289 in the 49th over, giving Australia a victory by 12 runs.
The match was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it marked a great comeback by Australia, as they bounced back from two consecutive defeats to win the final match of the series. Their batting performance was particularly impressive, as they put up a big total against a quality Indian bowling attack.
Secondly, the match highlighted some areas of concern for India. Their batting was particularly disappointing, as they struggled to score runs against a disciplined Australian bowling attack. Additionally, their fielding was below par, as they dropped several catches that could have made a difference in the outcome of the match.
On the other hand, Australia will be pleased with their performance in the match. They showed great resilience and character to come back after losing the first two matches of the series. The return of David Warner and Pat Cummins to the team was also a big boost, as they both played important roles in the victory.
The series as a whole was a great advertisement for the sport of cricket. The matches were keenly contested, and there were some great individual performances from both teams. The series also highlighted the importance of adapting to different conditions, as the pitches in each match were different and required different strategies.
India will take a lot of positives from the series, as they won their first-ever ODI series in Australia. Their batting was particularly impressive, as they put up big totals in the first two matches. Additionally, their bowling was consistently good, as they were able to restrict the Australian batsmen in all three matches.
Australia will be disappointed with the series loss, but they will take some positives from the final match. Their batting was particularly impressive in the final match, and they will be looking to carry that form into the upcoming Test series. Additionally, their bowling was consistent throughout the series, and they were able to take wickets at regular intervalsion.