The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot is hosting the final ODI clash between India and Australia in the lead-up to the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. With India having already sealed the series with a dominant 99-run victory in the previous ODI in Indore, this match presents Australia with a chance to avoid a whitewash.
Australia’s strong start
Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and made a strategic decision to bat first, a choice that bore fruit as openers David Warner (56 off 34) and Mitchell Marsh (96 off 84) displayed exceptional form, both scoring half-centuries. Warner’s innings was cut short in the ninth over when he attempted a ramp shot but ended up being caught by wicketkeeper KL Rahul.
Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh’s partnership
Following Warner’s dismissal, Steve Smith and Marsh formed a formidable partnership, amassing 137 runs off 119 balls. Marsh, in particular, was on the cusp of reaching a century but narrowly missed the milestone when he was caught at cover by Prasidh Krishna off Kuldeep Yadav.
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Smith’s milestone and dismissal by Siraj
During his knock, Smith achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 5,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). However, his innings was cut short when he was dismissed by Mohammed Siraj, adjudged leg before wicket. Smith was trapped leg before wicket by a well-directed skidy length delivery on the off-stump. While the impact was a crucial factor in the decision, once the on-field umpire adjudged him out, Smith decided not to opt for a review. This dismissal was significant as it interrupted his fluent batting and changed the course of the match as it reduces Australia to 242/3.
Here’s the video:
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Steve Smith departs for 74 as Mohd. Siraj strikes! ⚡️⚡️
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— BCCI (@BCCI) September 27, 2023
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