English bowlers once again dominated over the Indian batsmen as they restricted the Indian cricket team to 256/8 at the end of 50 overs in the third and final ODI of the three-match ODI series at Headingley (Leeds).
English captain Eoin Morgan decided to field first after winning the toss. For this ODI, India made three changes from the last game. Dinesh Karthik, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shardul Thakur replaced KL Rahul, Umesh Yadav and Siddarth Kaul.
Also read: VVS Laxman is not happy on KL Rahul’s missing out in the final ODI
On the other hand, the hosts England made only one change from their last playing XI and that was James Vince replaced the injured opener Jason Roy.
India didn’t have a good start as their opener Rohit Sharma fell on just 2. Then another opener Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Virat Kohli created an important 71-run partnership for the second wicket.
After Dhawan was run out for 44 off 49 balls (7 fours), Kohli carried the innings and scored a brilliant half-century in 55 balls. On the other hand, Dinesh Karthik failed to utilise a good opportunity as he was bowled by Adil Rashid for 21 off 22 balls.
At next, Rashid took another massive wicket as he bowled Kohli for 71 off 72 balls (8 fours). Suresh Raina also departed in the same over by scoring just 1 run.
As wickets were falling in regular interval, MS Dhoni held the wicket from one side. Hardik Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar both scored 21 runs.
Dhoni was dismissed after scoring 42 off 66 balls with 4 fours while Shardul Thakur played a crucial fast cameo knock off unbeaten 22 off just 13 balls (2 sixes).
Among the English bowlers, left-arm pacer David Willey (3/40) and leg-spinner Adil Rashid (3/49) picked up three wickets each while another right-arm pacer Mark Wood (1/30) claimed a wicket.
Brief Score: India – 256/8 in 50 overs (Virat Kohli 71, Shikhar Dhawan 44; David Willey 3/40)
Overall, disappointing batting by India. Pitch looked good for apprx 300. To defend 256 will need something special from bowlers
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) July 17, 2018
Good contributions from Shardul and Bhuvi. Given the bowlers something to bowl at. Kuldeep and Chahal's spell will be the key. I am backing Chahal to do well today #ENGvIND
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 17, 2018
Virat Kohli looks in disbelief after being bowled by Aadil Rashid. #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/eMMml28m2i
— Deepak Raj Verma (@iconicdeepak) July 17, 2018
Indians to Shardul Thakur after his two sixes:
#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/SGRp6AW12O
— Lord Commander (@Holdthedoor19) July 17, 2018
MS Dhoni of 2010 would have dropped MS Dhoni of 2018. #ENGvIND
— Malay Desai (@MalayD) July 17, 2018
From now till the next World Cup, India in ODIs play the Asia Cup, WI (Home & Away), NZ Away, Aus & Zim Home. So they have about 25 ODIs to still play Suresh Raina and realise he's not the man for the job. #EngvInd
— Raunak Kapoor (@RaunakRK) July 17, 2018
This is not a typical English one-day pitch but India are still falling short. Need a big finish and it just has to come from Dhoni.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 17, 2018
Waiter: Rohit Sharma what you like to eat?
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Rohit Sharma: Can I have KL Rahul's spot in Indian team ?
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A moment of silence#ENGvIND #INDvENG— Bikram😊 (@Bikramvk18) July 17, 2018
28 off 49… Why is Dhoni trying to bat out 50 overs today at Headingley? Should just go for big hits so 90-pound tickets can get full entertainment value. #EngvInd
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) July 17, 2018
Apparently, its okay to bat at 60 strike-rate and try to build partnerships when you are batting first. But it is not okay to bat at that strike-rate, try to build partnerships and bat deep when chasing. Only people who bought 90 pound tickets understand this logic! 🙏🙏 #EngvInd
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) July 17, 2018