India aims to maintain its winning streak against Australia at Nagpur
After an old-fashioned comfortable win in the first ODI at Hyderabad on Saturday (2nd March), the Indian team will hope to extend its successful run versus the Australian side. India enjoys an enviable record at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur against Australia. With another win here, the home side will secure a 2-0 advantage in the five-match series.
India’s record at the VCA Stadium, Nagpur
The Asian giant has played five ODIs at this ground and has emerged victorious in three of them. All three triumphs were recorded in succession against Australia. The earlier losses were conceded to Sri Lanka and South Africa.
In contrast, the Australian side has engaged in four encounters on this venue. The yellow outfit has tasted defeat on three occasions while their only success was against the neighbors, New Zealand.
Indo-Australian encounters at VCA Stadium, Nagpur
These two heavyweights first confronted each other at the Nagpur ground in 2009. Indian Captain MS Dhoni played a belligerent knock of 124 from 107 balls which helped the team pile up a score of 354/7. Australia failed to rise to the challenge and collapsed to 255 all out.
After four years, Australia aggregated a score of 350/6 while batting first. The Indian top-order crushed the challenge by achieving the target with three balls remaining. After the tremendous opening partnership of 178 runs, Virat Kohli blew away the Australian bowlers by scoring the fastest ODI century for the nation. His knock of 115(66) proved match-winning as India collected a six-wicket victory.
India completed its hattrick of wins after another four-year interval. An all-round effort from the bowling unit helped the hosts restrict Australia for only 242 runs. In reply, Rohit Sharma scored a magnificent 125 from 109 balls to complete the chase with 43 balls remaining. The home team won this encounter by seven wickets.
Team News:
India to continue with the winning combination
With one eye on the World Cup, India will be hoping to provide quality match-time to the players in contention. Shikhar Dhawan needs to get a few runs under his belt before the team flies for England. Indian team management will also be willing to try KL Rahul in the next few matches. The bowling unit is likely to remain the same.
Australia to make an SOS call? – Shaun Marsh gears up for his return
Shaun Marsh emerged as the top run-getter for Australia in their home ODI series against India. He missed out in the first match and will be eager to make a comeback. Marsh has generally been successful on Indian pitches and his contributions will help Australia pose a stiffer challenge. Aaron Finch’s current form remains a crisis for visitors. Team management will want their captain to be amongst the runs.
