During the second ODI of the ongoing five-match series against Australia in Nagpur, India defeated Australia by eight runs in a nail-biting game. Having earlier won the first ODI at Hyderabad, the hosts are now 2-0 up in the five-match series. The disciplined bowling attack of India defended a small target of 251. Earlier, it was an incredible 40th ODI century from the Indian skipper Virat Kohli which saw them getting bundled out for 250 in 48.2 overs.
Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, Kohli termed scoring 40th ODI century in India’s 500th ODI win as mere numbers. He also disclosed that he feels proud of how the team played during the second innings.
Expressing his point further, Virat said, “It felt good [to get to 40 ODI hundreds]. It’s just a number, but it feels good to win games for India. When I walk in to bat, when the situation gets difficult, I have no choice but to put my head down and bat through the innings. Exhausted right now. Been on the field for almost 100 overs. I’m more proud of our second innings than our first.”
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During the business end of the match, Kohli faced a major enigma in sneaking in the final over from either one out of Vijay Shankar or Kedar Jadhav. Being asked about the same, he disclosed that it was suggestions from vice-captain Rohit Sharma and wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni which aided him during the slog overs.
talking about that over, Kohli said, “Vijay Shankar batted outstandingly, but he was unfortunately run out and we lost Kedar and MS in quick succession. I was thinking of using Vijay in the 46th over, but I spoke to Rohit and MS, and they said, let’s stick with Shami and Bumrah, and if they get some wickets we’re on top, and that’s exactly what happened.”
During Australia’s chase, Shankar had conceded 13 runs in his only over and that was the reason he didn’t get another over till the last over of the match. On the first ball of the last over, Shankar found Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis wanting in front of the stumps.
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In what almost confirmed the Indian victory, Shankar also dismissed Adam Zampa to win the match for India. Kohli was wax lyrical about the 28-year old cricketer and also hailed the presence of Dhoni in such situations.
