India vs Australia 2015 ODI series

Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Australia continued to build momentum ahead of the 2015 Cricket World Cup, notching an entertaining four-wicket win over India in the Mid Carlton One-Day International Tri-Series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

An admirable 96 from Aaron Finch was the underpinning bedrock for the Australian batting effort, as they chased down India’s total of 267/8 with just six balls to spare. The tourists were limited by some excellent bowling from Mitchell Starc, but after Rohit Sharma’s wonderful 138, they will feel as though an opportunity was missed to post an imposing target.

Ahead of this one, India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni admitted he was looking forward to sampling Australian conditions ahead of the upcoming major tournament, per India Today:

We have done well in the last two ICC tournaments and both of them were away, in Sri Lanka and England

But the conditions in Australia and New Zealand are quite different. You also have to keep in mind the form of the players and the little niggles that some of them are carrying. But yes, we will take a lot of confidence out of our last few performances in the ICC tournaments.

Scott Barbour/Getty Images

After winning the toss and deciding to bat, India should have made a lot more of their opportunity. Indeed, for large parts of their innings it looked as though the tourists were going to post a total that was well in excess of 300 thanks to a wonderful knock from opener Sharma.

As noted here by cricket writer Freddie Wilde, the 27-year-old loves playing against the Aussies:

Freddie Wilde @fwildecricket

Rohit Sharma last three innings versus Australia in ODI cricket: 100* (109) 209 (158) 79 (89) 388-2 (356 balls) #AusvInd

He was a serene influence throughout the Indian batting effort, starting his innings with a steely focus as wickets tumbled around him. Indeed, with India toiling on 59-3, Sharma helped rebuild his nation’s chances alongside Suresh Raina—who played well for his 51—and give the visitors a fighting chance.

Sharma played an outstanding innings in defeat for India.Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

England wicketkeeper Matt Prior paid tribute to Sharma’s multi-faceted effort:

Matt Prior @MattPrior13

Fantastic 100 from Rohit Sharma #AUSvIND

After that steadying 124-run partnership was ended by Raina’s dismissal in the 35th over, India should have pushed on. And with big-hitting Dhoni joining Sharma at the crease for the climax of the innings, they were well set to do exactly that. But the skipper departed for an arduous 19 from 31 balls, while the tail failed to lend ample support for Sharma, who eventually fell for 138.

Sharma and Dhoni should have upped the ante for India late on.Scott Barbour/Getty Images

While India will have been disappointed with their eventual total of 267/8 credit must go to the Australian bowling effort, Starc especially. He was magnificent with the ball at both the start and the end of India’s innings. As noted here by statistician Mohandas Menon, his figures of 6/43 were some of the best recorded in Australia in this format:

Mohandas Menon @mohanstatsman

Best ODI bowling in Australia 6/42 Ajit Agarkar MCG 2004 6/43 Mitchell Starc MCG 2015 6/45 Chris Woakes Brisbane 2011 #AusvInd

Starc continued his wonderful form.Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

The hosts definitely harboured momentum going into their chase, especially with David Warner leading the charge up front. India were given some hope when the Umesh Yadav managed to prise him out for just 24, but Warner’s fellow opener Finch took over from that point.

The 28-year-old is typically renowned for his aggressive play and enormous hitting. But with Warner back in the hutch and a relatively modest target on the board, he adapted his game well, playing with patience and maturity in front of the Melbourne crowd. It’s something former Aussie bowler Jason Gillespie touched upon:

Jason Gillespie 🌱🌈 @dizzy259

Aaron Finch showing his adaptability. Known as a big striker of the ball, this innings showing he can play the situation. #AUSvIND

Shane Watson tried to take on the role of the aggressor and hit six boundaries in his 41. But once he departed and in-form Steve Smith came to the crease alongside the perennially unflustered Finch, Australia took a stranglehold on the match. The duo kept their team nicely in sync with the required rate and with a clutch of wickets in hand, the Indian side represented a beaten bunch.

Finch and Smith took Australia to within touching distance of victory.Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Smith did fall for 47, but he went past a landmark total during his innings, per Wide World of Sports:

Wide World of Sports @wwos

Congratulations @stevesmith49! #AUSvIND #WWOS http://t.co/AFw62VKem1

Sadly for Finch he fell just short of a deserved century after nicking one behind to Dhoni. The hosts lost the wickets of skipper George Bailey and Glen Maxwell late-on to make things a little bit nerve-wracking for home crowd, but the platform provided by Finch meant that the Baggy Greens always looked like favourites and James Faulkner struck the winning runs in the penultimate over.

Australia have bagged two excellent wins in this tri-series and at this juncture they are looking every inch like potential World Cup winners. The batting lineup is bristling with classy, composed players but, encouragingly for Darren Lehmann and his team, men like Starc—who now has 10 wickets in his last two ODI matches—are showing their mettle with the ball in hand too.

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