Finch, Smith Tons, Hazlewood Strikes As Aussies Crush India In ODI
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published November 27, 2020 | 06:20 PM
Sydney, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Nov, 2020 ) :Skipper Aaron Finch and Steve Smith blazed centuries and Josh Hazlewood ripped apart the Indian top order as Australia won by 66 runs in the first one-day international at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.
The Indians, coming out of coronavirus quarantine, looked rusty in their first taste of international cricket since February, as the Australians went on a run rampage to reach 374 for six after winning the toss.
Hazlewood then put the skids under the tourists, triggering a top-order wobble. Among his victims was coveted wicket of skipper Virat Kohli, as India amassed 308 for eight in reply.
Australia enjoyed perfect batting conditions. Finch belted 114 and shared an opening stand of 156 with David Warner, who made 69 off 75 balls.
Smith had some early luck early before taking charge and hitting 105 off 66 balls with four sixes.
He was saved by DRS after a confident appeal for leg before wicket on 15. Then Shikhar Dhawan badly missed Smith's miscue on 38 at long on.
After Finch raised his 17th ODI century he was out for 114 off 124 balls trying to steer a Jasprit Bumrah lifter behind the wicket in the 40th over.
Glenn Maxwell hit a rumbustious 45 off 19 balls as Australia built a massive total to defend under the evening lights.
India made a fast start, the openers flaying the Aussie attack for 53 before Mayank Agarwal fell to Hazlewood for 22.
Kohli was dropped on one by Adam Zampa at fine leg after top-edging a Pat Cummins lifter.
The reprieve did not last long when the India skipper was cramped by Hazlewood and found Finch at mid-wicket, his night over at 21.
Two balls later, Hazlewood picked up Shreyas Iyer, failing to get his bat away from a bouncer and skying to Alex Carey for two, leaving the tourists at 80 for three.
Shikhar Dhawan and Hardik Pandya gave India an outside hope of pulling off victory in a 128-run partnership before Dhawan was caught by Mitchell Starc off Zampa for 74.
India's remaining hope went with Pandya who took on Zampa but failed to clear the rope and was caught by Starc for 90 off 76 balls. Zampa finished with four for 54 off his 10 overs.
India had not played international cricket since a tour of New Zealand earlier in the year and it showed with their outfielding ragged at times.
In contrast, Australia came into the match on the back of beating 50-over world champions England in September.
Even getting to the opening toss was an uphill battle for India, with wrangling over quarantine requirements and a recent outbreak of coronavirus in Melbourne complicating matters.
But Cricket Australia was desperate for the blockbuster tour, which also includes four Tests, to go ahead, with the funds generated crucial after the sport was hit hard by the Covid-19 shutdown.
Before play, both teams formed a ceremonial, barefoot circle to acknowledge the traditional indigenous owners of the SCG land.
Both teams also observed a minute's silence for the passing of Australia batting great Dean Jones, who died of a heart attack in India last September.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Traffic Police launch cracks down on tinted glasses
Condolence reference held in memory of FBR's officials
Court aims to wrap Trump jury selection ahead of opening arguments
Sindh Minister for Industries and Commerce, Jam Saifullah Dharejo for improving ..
Croatia top court bars president from becoming next PM
Pakistan all set to face New Zealand tomorrow
Abdullahpur-Jhumra road flyover to be ready shortly: FDA
Water level in dams risen from recent rains to improve underground water level: ..
Study suggests standardized packing, labeling health warning, taxes imposition o ..
Superstar Muhammad Ali remembered on 93rd birth anniversary
Health activists ring alarm bells over 10-stick cigarette pack
DC Matiari chairs emergency meeting to prevent measles epidemic
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
8 hours ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
4 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
5 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
5 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
8 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
10 days ago
-
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
12 days ago -
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
12 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
12 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
12 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
14 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
14 days ago