Australia sets impressive total of 352/7 in final ODI against India

In the final match of the three-game ODI series, Australia opted to bat first under scorching conditions at the SCA stadium in Rajkot. Their top-order batsmen put up an impressive display, all securing half-centuries, thereby setting a formidable target of 352/7 for India.

David Warner played a brisk knock of 56 from 34 balls, marking his third consecutive fifty of the series. Following Warner’s aggressive start, Mitchell Marsh took center stage with a commanding 96 off 84 deliveries. Steven Smith showcased his exquisite stroke play, contributing 74 runs from 61 balls. Despite India’s efforts to curtail the run flow, Marnus Labuschagne anchored the innings with a well-constructed 72 off 58 balls.

This stellar batting performance by Australia was particularly encouraging for them as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup next month. The top four Australian batsmen achieving half-centuries underscored their batting prowess and depth.

Warner set the tone with a flurry of boundaries, amassing 56 runs from just 34 balls before being dismissed. Marsh assumed the role of the top-scorer, accumulating 96 runs from 84 deliveries, falling just four runs short of a well-deserved century. Meanwhile, Smith exhibited excellent placement and finesse, registering 74 runs from 61 balls.

Despite India introducing spinners into the attack, Marsh and Smith continued to find boundaries at a consistent rate. Jasprit Bumrah, who took three wickets for India, was unable to stem the flow of runs as Marsh dispatched him for six and four consecutive boundaries in a single over.

Smith achieved his half-century, facing 43 deliveries and showcasing elegant drives and flicks. However, Marsh’s innings was eventually curtailed at 96 when he fell victim to a Kuldeep Yadav googly, finding the fielder at cover-point.

Australia was positioned at 242/2 in the 32nd over, and it seemed they might breach the 400-run mark. However, India mounted a spirited fightback to restrict Australia’s surge. Smith was dismissed lbw by Mohammed Siraj, Bumrah deceived Alex Carey with a slower off-cutter that ended up as a catch at cover, and Maxwell’s stumps were shattered by Bumrah’s searing yorker.

Kuldeep Yadav accounted for another wicket as Cameron Green was caught at long-on. Nevertheless, Marnus Labuschagne remained steadfast, bringing up his half-century with a boundary off Kuldeep. He added three more boundaries against the pacers before being caught at long-on off Bumrah’s bowling.

Australia concluded their innings at 352/7 in 50 overs, setting a challenging target for India.

Brief Scores: Australia 352/7 in 50 overs (Mitchell Marsh 96, Steven Smith 74; Jasprit Bumrah 3-81, Kuldeep Yadav 2-48) against India.