Shikhar Dhawan played a starring role in India’s series-leveling 36-run win over Australia at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Friday. Opening the batting with Rohit Sharma, the left-hander smashed 96 off just 90 balls to set the perfect platform for KL Rahul’s assault later in the innings that powered the hosts to 340 for six in the second ODI. Australia was bowled out for 304 in 49.1 overs as India drew level at 1-1 in the three-match series. Yuzvendra Chahal has been in and out of the playing XI in recent times but still has been a constant presence all thanks to his post-match interviews on Chahal TV. However, the leg-spinner was missing from action on Friday with Dhawan taking over his duties. Not only did the opener do a great job with his guest KL Rahul, he also came up with a hilarious reason for Chahal’s absence.
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On a more serious note, Dhawan praised Rahul for his brilliant knock despite dropping down from one-down to No.5 and asked him about his thought process.
Rahul blasted 80 off just 52 balls, which included six fours and three sixes. Captain Virat Kohli too played a fine knock, scoring 78 off 76 balls as India posted an imposing total on board.
Steve Smith scored a brilliant 98 and got support from Marnus Labuschagne, who scored 46 off 47 balls, but Australia were always behind the eight ball in the run-chase and eventually fell well short.
Mohammed Shami took three wickets while Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja took two wickets apiece. Jasprit Bumrah took one wicket but was the most economical bowler of the match, giving away just 32 runs off his 9.1 overs.
The third and final ODI of the series will be played at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday.
