On October 30, 2013, Team India veterans Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan looked at their best against Australia in an ODI, played in Nagpur and helped the hosts pull off the humongous total of 351. In the seven-match
series, India were trailing by 1-2 and this match was a do-or-die for the home side. At the toss, India captain MS Dhoni emerged victorious and elected to field first. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Phillip Hughes and Aaron Finch respectively as the visitors’ score read 45 in 11.1 overs. However, Shane Watson and captain George Bailey led the valiant side and took India’s bowling attack to the cleaners.
Both built a solid 168-run stand for the third wicket off just 138 balls. Mohammed Shami brought Watson’s innings to an end as the pacer cleaned up the right-handed batter at his score of 102 off 94. Glenn Maxwell could score only nine off six as Ravichandran Ashwin got him caught at the hands of Bhuvneshwar.
However, Adam Voges supported Bailey, who refused to relent against the bowlers. Bailey departed after scoring 156 off 114, which is his ODI career’s best innings. Ravindra Jadeja got rid of Bailey and Mitchell Johnson, who replaced the Aussie skipper. However, Voges remained at the crease until the end and racked up an unbeaten 44 off 38 which played a vital role in helping the visitors erect a total of 350/6 in 50 overs.
India’s top-order looked formidable during the chase
Following the target, India looked extraordinary as their openers Rohit Sharma andShikhar Dhawan stitched a 178-run stand for the first wicket off just 177 balls. Rohit fell against Aaron Finch but Virat Kohli, who replaced him in the middle, continued the attacking momentum and supported Shikhar Dhawan.
Dhawan’s knock concluded after notching up 100 off 102 but Kohli remained a headache for the Aussie bowling attack. Kohli went on to score his 17th ODI hundred in the 48th over and put India in a commanding position. India chased down the target with three balls remaining in the match. Kohli and skipper MS Dhoni walked backed to the dugout with their 115* off 66 and 25* off 23. Kohli’s batting brilliance made him the Player of the Match (POTM).
