Usman Khawaja becomes second oldest Australian to score maiden ton

Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s 41^st ODI century went in vain as the men-in-yellow managed to register their first win in the five-match series at Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA), Ranchi. Aaron Finch, Australian captain won the toss and opted to have a bat first. Little did he know that his decision will help him along with his counter-part Usman Khawaja register a superlative record.

Both Khawaja and Finch smashed the Indian bowlers all around the ground eventually registering a 193-run partnership for the first wicket, which also turned out to be the second-best partnership for Australia.

Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja who was playing his 24^th game in the coloured jersey for Australia slammed maiden ton. However, he also registered an unwanted record at least from a batsman’s point of view.

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Khawaja, who is 32-years and 80 days old became the 2nd oldest Australian to score his maiden ODI century. Adam Voges was 33y 129d old at the time for his maiden ODI ton in 2013.

With one unwanted record, he also made it to the books for good reasons as Khawaja’s century is the first individual ODI century for Australia to result in a victory since the start of 2018. Each of the previous seven individual ODI tons by Australians resulted in defeats.

Further, the game is scheduled to be played in Mohali on March 10. On one hand, India will look for redemption and take an unassailable lead in the series, Australia, on the other, will look to square the series.

This remains to be seen if the rain gods let the game happen as the forecast suggest that it will rain tomorrow. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Khawaja became the second oldest Australian to score a maiden ton.
• India rested MS Dhoni for the fourth and fifth ODI against Australia. 
• The next game is scheduled to happen at Mohali on March 10.