India vs Australia | Tonight was an MS Dhoni classic, exclaims Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli praised the match finishing innings of the Indian wicketkeeper MS Dhoni and stated that the latter played an innings which he is famous for. After facing a lot of criticism for his slow fifty in the previous match, Dhoni once again scored a half-century, this time in a winning cause.
The Indian team has managed to pull the second match of the three-match ODI series, chasing the target of 299 runs with four balls to spare. Banking on a century from Indian skipper Virat Kohli and a fifty from MS Dhoni, India ultimately chased the target of 299 runs with ease in the end.
“Tonight was an MS classic. He takes the game
While the batsmen played their role to perfection, Indian bowlers too did not fare too badly. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar got back to form taking a four-for, he was ably backed by Mohammed Shami who picked three wickets as well. It was a horrible debut for the young Mohammed Siraj, who gave away 76 runs from his full quota of ten overs but India
"We wanted to try and restrict them in the end. I thought they were going to get away from us when Maxy and Shaun were in. Getting them in two balls was brilliant. I thought 298 was par on that wicket, with the start they had. Bhuvi was outstanding to pull things back for us.Â
The match was played at the Adelaide Oval in searing heat. Even Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, who are some of the fittest players in world cricket, were struggling at the end of their innings due to the high temperatures. Explaining the same Kohli stated that it is not easy to play out in the field.
“It was a really tough day. My pants are white with the sweat, the salts coming out. MS was tired as well, fielding for 50 overs and batting as well, it was tough. So a good day to rest and travel and recover and regroup for the MCG.”Â
On the other hand, the Australian team after winning the first match were not able to put the same performance in this match. Aaron Finch, skipper of the Australian side stated that Indian batsmen, particularly MS Dhoni took away the match from them. Dhoni scored an unbeaten century and also took India home scoring the winning runs.
"When you come up against a batting side like India, you know you have to get wickets regularly, and we ran into that man Dhoni as well. Credit to India, they played well. We played well as well, it was a good game of cricket. What we've been working towards is some real solid performances through the middle overs.”Â
Shaun Marsh made a big century making 138 runs and the Australian skipper expressed his satisfaction with that innings. He also added that for him personally, it is just a matter of time before he gets big innings.
“I'm responsible for the Powerplays, and I've not been coming off. It's a matter of time, I think. It's not easy when you're not getting runs, but captaincy is separate from personal performance, and you have to be consistent with your actions.”Â
“Shaun Marsh's was a hell of an innings. He was pretty cooked by the end of it. To get 138 in brutal conditions this afternoon, with that heat, and for us to get 298, was pleasing, but in the end, they managed to get past that. I think it would have been nice to have Jhye bowl right at the end. He's been our best bowler, and we tried to use him earlier to try and take wickets."
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