Ind vs Aus Indore ODI: Clinical India beat Australia by 5 wickets, take unbeaten 3-0 lead

Clinical India taking the unbeaten 3-0 lead in the five-match series, defeated Australia comfortably in the third ODI at Holkar Stadium, Indore on Sunday.

With the victory, Virat Kohli and boys have also equalled their longest winning streak in ODI - nine in row – during Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s captaincy. India also maintained its record of not losing any ODI at Holkar Stadium, Indore.

It was a joint effort by the entire team with all departments performing up to the mark. Hardik Pandya once again stunned the Aussies with his big hits and disciplined bowling.

Australia, after winning the toss elected to bat first and the decision was proved right by their opening pair David Warner and Aaron Finch. Both provided Australia with a solid start and Finch struck with a blistering hundred on his return.

However, the visitors lost the momentum in last 10 overs and despite the efforts of Aaron Finch and skipper Smith 63 (71), they were restricted to 293/6 in 50 overs by the Indian bowlers. Kuldeep (75/2) and Bumrah (52/2) provided India with crucial wickets in the death overs.

Highlights of the match: Pandya shines in India's victory against Australia

In reply, India had the dream start and both its openers, Rohit Sharma (71 runs in 62 balls) and Ajinkya Rahane (70 runs in 76 balls) scored half-centuries. Coulter-Nile and Cummins got rid of both the openers respectively.

However, the man of the match Hardik Pandya (78 runs in 72 balls and a wicket) who was promoted at no. 4 did a wonderful partner with skipper Virat Kohli (28 runs in 35 balls) and made sure Aussies don’t come back in the match.

Manish Pandey whose bat was not talking runs for the last two ODIs also played responsible innings of not out 36 runs in just 32 balls.

For Australia, Pat Cummins was the most successful bowler taking 2/54 in his 10 overs spell. Apart from Cummins, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Kane Richardson took a wicket each.

Brief scorecard:

Australia: 293/6 (50 overs), Aron Finch: 124 (125), Steven Smith 63 (71); Jasprit Bumrah: 52/2, Kuldeep Yadav: 75/2

India: 294/5 (47.5 overs), Rohit Sharma 71 (62), Ajinkya Rahane 70 (76), Hardik Pandya 78 (72); Pat Cummins: 54/2, Nathan Coulter-Nile: 85/1